Renewed You Now: 3 reasons shakes shouldn't replace healthy eating

I get a lot of questions about popular weight loss systems that recommend replacing your meals with shakes or smoothies. Most recently it was the Tropical Smoothie Diet and SlimFast. While this is a convenient and easy way to control your calorie intake, I just don't think it leads to long-term success.

Here's why I don't like smoothies or shakes as meal replacements:

Its not normal. You can't sustain that as a lifestyle long-term.
Usually there is a high sugar content, whether it comes from the actual shake mix, fruit or other recommended additives.
You miss the thermic benefits of actually eating real food. Real food takes more calories to digest than emulsified shakes and smoothies.

You can lose a lot of weight fast by drinking a 90 calorie shake for 2-3 meals per day, unfortunately, its most likely water weight and probably muscle too since your body will have to survive on something. Once you go back to solid food, its going to be hard on your digestive system, slowing the process and causing the weight to come right back.

Don't get me wrong, I think a healthy, low-glycemic shake can be a great meal enhancement, providing the necessary protein and nutrients your body needs and regulating your blood sugar, during a long-term weight loss program or just as part of a healthy lifestyle. I love having a shake for breakfast in the mornings with an apple or some strawberries. It's perfect for those of us who don't "feel like eating" that early in the morning.

For lunch and dinner, go for lean protein and thermic vegetables, limiting simple carb consumption. You'll never feel hungry and you'll burn more calories and fat by eating solid food.

If you're ready for a healthy lifestyle transformation, check out the 90-Day Ultimate Body Challenge: