In most cases, people find themselves in situations that tempt them to compromise their well-being by eating unhealthy fast foods. Finding time to make nutritious meals has been a challenge since people have hectic schedules.
Whether you are a student with lots of commitments or a busy professional, you need a healthy body to thrive in your endeavors. There are better ways to ensure you eat healthy and excite your taste buds without spending so much time in the kitchen. This article presents a list of amazing meal alternatives that will save your precious time and keep you nourished, fit, and focused.
Read on.
10 Convenient Meal Replacements That Will Keep You Fit and Focused
Nutritious meal replacements require less preparation time but are reliable for keeping you on top of the game. Some of them include:
1. Vegan Meal Replacement Shakes
These shakes are very instrumental for people who follow a vegan diet. They are a great meal alternative that offers convenience and high nutritional value. The best vegan meal replacement shakes have a good balance of nutrients like proteins (from sources like peas, rice, soy, and hemp), healthy fats, carbohydrates, fiber, probiotics, vitamins, and minerals.
2. Smoothies
Smoothies feature a nutritious combination of fruits, protein powder, and vegetables in your preferred type of drink, then texturized with granola, nuts, or seeds. You can package the ingredients in the appropriate portions to blend them easily when hungry but pressed for time.
3. Meal Replacement Bars
These bars are among the best on-the-go meals, supplying your body with carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals, and essential vitamins. To stay fit and productive, you need bars that are low in sugar and rich in fiber. They help control your cravings and improve your gut health. Here is a list of the best meal replacement bars for your overall well-being.
4. Protein Shakes
Protein shakes are nutrient-packed meal replacements as they contain lots of proteins, among other essential nutrients. It comprises blended protein powder, milk, fruits, and vegetables. Protein shakes ensure you are productive throughout the day due to their ability to keep you feeling full and their steady release of energy.
5. Chia Seeds Pudding
Every health-conscious individual considers chia seeds a superfood. They can be a perfect ingredient for a well-balanced meal replacement. You can create a chia seeds pudding and raise its nutritional value by adding a scoop of protein powder, nut butter for healthy fats, ground flax seeds for fiber, and fruits and vegetables for vitamins and minerals. Remember to let it stay in the fridge overnight.
6. Oatmeal Packets
They are a fantastic meal replacement option for several reasons. Oatmeal packets have several health benefits, including nutrients like fiber, which helps in easier digestion and makes you feel fool for a long time, magnesium, zinc, and vitamins. Oatmeal also has a steady energy release that can keep you focused and more productive.
7. Meal Replacement Soups
Meal replacement soups are for the days you want something warm, nutritious, and comforting. They are nutrient-packed to boost your overall health and keep you productive for a long time. The soups are a big encourager of portion control for people who want to stay fit as they are served in portions. The best soups have wholesome ingredients and are low in sodium and added sugars.
8. Salad Kits
Salad kits feature different types of vegetables, adequately washed, cut, and pre-packaged with toppings and dressings. They come in different flavors and are convenient, especially for busy, health-conscious individuals. The most common ingredients for salad kits include spinach, lettuce, leafy greens, red onions, carrots, and cherry tomatoes.
9. Veggie Burgers
Veggie burgers can help you keep fit and stay productive for a long time. They are excellent, moreso when made using nutrient-packed ingredients. For example, you can use plant-based proteins like soy, chickpeas, lentils, and beans. Add different vegetables and whole grains for fiber, minerals, and vitamins. You can make veggie burgers in various styles and flavors to make them more enjoyable.
10. Nut Butter Packs
Nut butter packs are a great meal alternative, especially since they are portable. However, nut butter can not effectively serve you as a standalone meal replacement option. You need to pair it with other products to make it more nutritious. It is rich in proteins and healthy fats, which keeps you satisfied for longer. You can spread it on crackers or whole grain bread, then add some vegetables and fruits to add to its nutritional value.
Conclusion
You can choose any meal replacement option, provided it offers the required nutritional value. It must have a good balance of macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) and essential micronutrients (minerals and vitamins).
The options outlined above are convenient meal alternatives, especially when you are time-pressed. They can nourish your body, keep you fit and help you maintain your focus.
Remember, meal replacements should not completely replace your whole meals, as that can lead to deficiencies in the long run.
