Meal replacement diets first captivated minds in the golden age of space travel. The idea of a nutritionally complete meal source in a drink seemed like a utopian future at the time, yet it has come a long way since then.

Inevitably, the idea of replacing whole meals with a shake can invoke a certain level of hysteria and scepticism.

This can lead to many misconceptions about the use of meal replacement shakes in a healthy diet and for sustained, safe, and beneficial weight loss.

Here are the most common myths surrounding meal replacements, debunked.

Myth 1: “Meal replacements don’t work”

This scepticism is understandable. Growing up, we are taught certain ideas about eating healthily.

Scientists have found, however, that Meal Replacement Diets lead to greater weight loss after a year than alternative diets.

In a newly published study, researchers from the World Obesity Foundation have validated the use of Meal Replacement Shakes in effective, healthy, and long term weight loss.

Comparing data from 23 studies with over 7800 participants, the study found that programs incorporating meal replacements led to greater weight loss after 1 year than comparative weight loss programs.

Based on their findings, they now recommend Meal Replacement Shakes as a valid tool for losing weight.

Myth 2: “They’re too complicated”

Meal replacement diets work on the premise of swapping out your typical meal, which may contain 600-1000 calories, for a replacement, which contains 200-300 calories. Controlling your calories is the key to any successful weight loss, which is why the portion and calorie control of meal replacements is beneficial.

Meal replacement shakes ensure your body gets essential nutrients, without the excess calories. This makes it easier to calculate and control your calories and your weight loss. By taking out the time and effort of healthy eating, meal replacements simplify weight loss and healthy eating.

Myth 3: “It’s too repetitious, I’d get bored”

Meal replacement diets have come a long way since their flavourless goop origin. With an extensive range of flavours like The Man Shake, you can continue to try and enjoy different flavours.

When only replacing one or two of your daily meals with The Man Shake, you still have freedom over your diet to choose foods you enjoy.

Myth 4: “Once you stop you’ll regain all the weight, plus more”

While few studies have followed up on participants in longer time frames, the ones that have done so have found that participants who used a form of meal replacement in their weight loss weighed less than before they began the program up to four years later.

Myth 5: “They’re unsafe”

A common misconception is that Meal Replacement diets are unsafe for you, and can lead to health problems because you’re not having real food.

In recent studies, researchers found no correlation between meal replacement diets and adverse harm to the user, and found the experience similar to that of any reduced-calorie diet.

Myth 6: “You’re always hungry”

Meal replacement shakes like The Man Shake contain high levels of protein and fibre, which have both been shown to improve satiety and suppress appetite.

Myth 7: “It’s a poor quality diet”

When you reduce the amount of food you consume to enable weight loss, it can be difficult to get enough nutrients for good health. This is where meal replacements are beneficial because they are nutrient-rich.

In a review undertaken by the World Obesity Foundation, meal replacement diets were not found to be associated with any nutrition deficiency.

Myth 8: “You don’t get to eat real food!”

The idea of a meal replacement is to cut down your daily calories. By consuming nutrient-rich foods that amount to ~200 calories, you free up your diet so you can still enjoy your favourite meals without blowing out your diet.