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Secrets of Enjoying a Meal Replacement Diet

If you've ever tried dieting in the past, chances are you'll have been really enthusiastic and lost weight, but as time went on, you got really bored and wanted all the foods you weren't supposed to eat. The same can be true of any diet, whether it's cutting down on salty, sugary and fatty foods, or following a meal replacement regime. However, with a little careful planning, you don't have to get bored, or hungry...

Problem - feeling hungry: If you drink your shake in one go, the chances are high you'll feel hungry again quite quickly. This means you're far more likely to reach for the chocolate or crisps.

Solution: When you have a meal, your stomach releases chemical signals to the brain to tell it you're eating, and that you're getting full. However, it takes about ten minutes for these signals to have any effect. Now, imagine drinking your shake down in three sips...it'll take about 30 seconds. Your brain then takes another 9 and a half minutes to catch up and realise that you've eaten. In that time, your brain will continue to tell you to eat...geddit? So, treat your shake with a little respect, and drink it slowly in small sips over a ten minute period.

Problem - feeling hungry half an hour later: If you follow the above advice, you may still feel hungry a bit later, so you'll still want to sabotage your best efforts.

Solution: Make sure you eat enough protein in every meal. Use the lean protein estimator to work out how much protein you personally need in a day, and stick to it. If you do this, you will feel fuller for longer, AND you will lose a higher proportion of fat than protein. Either eat more high quality lean protein such as chicken, or why not try using a protein powder?

Problem - all meals are the same

Solution: We're human beings and so crave a bit of variety. If you treat your meal replacements in exactly the same way every meal, of course you're going to get bored. However, throw in a bit of variety and you'll really enjoy them. So what do I suggest? Try different flavours. Try adding fruit. Try different types of milk. Try yoghurt. Experiment! I buy frozen berries from the supermarket and keep them in the freezer. Not only are they a great source of antioxidants, but mixed with vanilla or chocolate flavoured shake, they taste great. Even better, you can freeze some in an ice-lolly mold as an ice-cream replacement so you don't feel you're missing out!

Problem - "I know it's working but my heart's not in it":

Solution: Just remember, we eat three times a day (minimum), so we have to enjoy it. When you make your shake, just think about the wonderful thing you're doing for your body. You're not have a meal replacement shake, you're helping your body to become the shape you'd love it to be. Appreciate it and love it. Really care for yourself and develop what my friend calls "an attitude of gratitiude". It sounds really corny, but if you do this, your mind and body will benefit.

Conclusion? Whatever your diet, or whatever you eat, you have to enjoy it. Add in a bit of variety, take your time over your meal and learn to love yourself, whatever shape you're in. There, sorted!