MCVitamins.com News

from Your Nutritional Education Site
"Get Educated and Take Control of Your Health"

 

1. Meal Replacement Shakes for When There Aren’t Enough Hours in the Day to Cook
2. Weight Loss & Your Health
3. Toxins that Cause Neuropathy (Nerve Damage)
4. Camel Milk - what are people saying?

 

Socialize with us - Facebook  Twitter 

 

Meal Replacement Shakes for When There Aren’t Enough Hours in the Day to Cook

In a perfect world, we would all have enough time each day to prepare homemade healthy meals. But given how busy most people are, it’s not surprising that meal replacement shakes, bars and snacks have exponentially grown in popularity.

Time isn’t the only barrier keeping some adults from preparing and enjoying fresh foods; older adults and other people can sometimes lack the appetite necessary to eat enough calories to fuel their bodies.

Additionally, some view meal replacement products as a go-to for healthy weight management with minimal time and effort required.

If you fall into either of these categories, you may be wondering how meal replacements can impact your health. In this article we’ll cover what you need to know about the pros and cons of different meal replacement shakes, plus ingredients to look for and those to avoid.

Of course, you should always consult your healthcare professional prior to embarking on any dietary or lifestyle program, including meal replacements.

What Is A Meal Replacement Shake?

Meal replacement shakes are usually bottled products or powders that you drink in place of a regular meal.

Some people use meal replacement shakes for healthy weight management because they can make it easier to either decrease or increase caloric intake.

Meal replacement shakes are also used to supply a quick and concentrated dose of important micronutrients or to save time in a pinch, for example if someone is traveling.

In general, most meal replacement shakes provide around 200 to 400 calories per serving along with an array of other nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals (depending on the specific kind).

In addition to weight-focused shakes, pre-made snacks like bars and juices can also be useful for keeping you feeling satisfied between meals.

Benefits

Benefits of health-focused meal replacement shakes (as opposed to those made with ingredients like high fructose corn syrup and vegetable oils) can include:

• Providing important nutrients, such as protein and vitamins/minerals
• Supporting a healthy body weight/weight management
• Providing an alternative to less healthy options, such as sugary drinks
• Reducing cravings and mindless snacking
• Helping to support healthy blood sugar levels (already in the normal range)
• Giving you some energy before or after a workout, which can support performance and recovery

1. Provides Important Nutrients

Adding a few meal replacement smoothies into your routine can be a simple way to get the nutrients that you need to help round out an otherwise healthy, well-balanced diet.

This may be especially helpful when cutting calories and reducing your food intake on a weight management diet. The best meal replacement shakes offer a wealth of essential nutrients, including protein, fiber, various vitamins and minerals, and sometimes probiotics that you may be missing.

Some may also be enriched with nutrients that are often lacking in a traditional Western diet, including calcium, vitamin D, iron and potassium.

2. Can Help Support Healthy Weight Management

Swapping out even just one meal per day for a healthy meal replacement smoothie, such as for breakfast, may be able to help support healthy weight management.

Meal replacements are also often high in protein and fiber, both of which are important for controlling your appetite. Protein, for example, can delay the emptying of the stomach to keep you feeling full and reduce levels of ghrelin, the hormone responsible for stimulating hunger.

Fiber, meanwhile, moves slowly through the digestive tract to promote satiety and may even be associated with proper weight management.

On the other hand, meal replacement shakes may also work as a good tool if you’re hoping to maintain a healthy weight as well.

For older adults or those with decreased appetite, enjoying a meal replacement shake can be an easy and effective way to bump up caloric intake and support a healthy weight without loading up on high-calorie junk food.

3. An Alternative to Sugary Drinks

When you’re running short on time or low on energy, taking the time to prepare a healthy and nutritious meal may be the last thing on your mind. Instead, most people give into the temptation of swinging through a drive-thru, ordering a pizza or grabbing whatever junk food is sitting in the fridge for a quick food fix on the go.

Having a few high-quality meal replacement protein shakes on hand can be a simple strategy to avoid these unhealthy alternatives and avoid setbacks to stay on track with your health goals.

4. Can Help Keep Hunger and Cravings In Check

Keeping portion sizes and mindless snacking under control is one of the key components of successful and sustainable weight management.

Meal replacements make it easy to monitor your portion sizes, getting just enough of the nutrients that you need to support satiety and keep you feeling full between meals without going overboard.

5. Supports Healthy Blood Sugar Levels (already in the normal range)

Because meal replacement shakes are pre-portioned, they help deliver just the right amount of carbohydrates to help deter spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels. They’re also usually high in protein, which can slow the absorption of sugar in the bloodstream and promote blood sugar balance.

Best Types

Choosing the right product is critical if you want to benefit from a meal replacement.

While certain types can deliver nutrition quickly and conveniently, other products are pumped full of fillers, added sugars and unwanted ingredients that can end up doing more harm than good.

When shopping for shakes, take a look at the ingredients label and read carefully. The best protein shakes should:

• Be free of high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated vegetable oil and added sugars
• Contain a good amount of protein and fiber — with around 15-20 grams of protein and 3-5 grams of fiber per serving — plus at least 33 percent of the daily value for most vitamins and minerals
• Not contain over 10 grams of sugar or a long list of chemicals and synthetic additives listed on the label
• Be made with whole food ingredients such as nuts, seeds, veggies and herbs

There are now even keto protein powders that are higher in performance fats, as well as contain protein, and help offer a boost or snack for those following the keto diet. If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you can use newer plant-based proteins like seed protein, pea protein or hemp protein powder.

Other Considerations

Certain meal replacement shakes can actually be harmful to your health. In fact, many popular brands are highly processed and loaded with unwanted ingredients.

When checking the ingredients label of your meal replacement shake/bar, look out for these ingredients which you’ll want to avoid:

• Corn syrup
• Vegetable oils (canola oil, corn oil, etc.)
• Artificial sweeteners (sucralose, aspartame, etc.)
• Synthetic food dyes
• Added sugar (sucrose, fructose, dextrose, maltose, etc.)
• Artificial flavors and colors
• Thickeners and preservatives. One of the most popular offenders, maltodextrin, is a favorite addition to many meal replacement shakes. Not only does it have a very high glycemic index and can cause blood sugar spikes.
• Additionally, skip any products that don’t offer at least 3 grams of fiber and 10 grams of protein per serving. Ideally, meal replacement shakes should also provide at least 33 percent of the daily recommended value for important vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron and potassium.

Finally, keep in mind that meal replacements can be included in moderation as part of a healthy diet, but they should always be paired with plenty of whole foods to help ensure you’re meeting your nutritional needs.

They may also not be a long-term solution and should be used alongside other behavioral modifications and lifestyle changes to optimize health in the long-run.

Final Thoughts

• Meal replacement shakes are typically nutrient-packed bottled products, powders or bars that are occasionally consumed in place of your main meals.Again, you should always consult with your healthcare professional prior to any dietary or lifestyle change.
• The best meal replacement shakes for healthy weight management and overall health should contain a good amount of fiber and protein as well as an assortment of important vitamins and minerals.
• When used correctly, meal replacement shakes could help supply important nutrients, aid in healthy weight management, promote healthy portion sizes and keep blood sugar stable. They can also help you avoid other unwanted alternatives such as sugary drinks.
• Steer clear of shakes and products with added sugars or artificial ingredients and opt for shakes made from nutritious whole foods instead.
• Keep in mind that meal replacement shakes should not be used as a replacement for real food, but instead should be viewed as a way to bolster your diet with important nutrients.

By Jill Levy She has been with the Dr. Axe and Ancient Nutrition team for five years. She has a certification as a Holistic Health Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Jill takes a “non-diet” approach to health and really enjoys teaching others about mindful eating, intuitive eating and the benefits of eating real foods.

MCVitamins Recommendation
Dr. Berg's Meal Replacement Shake with MCTs*

 

 

Weight Loss & Your Health

I have always promoted that when you build health, disease tends to fade away, but another thing happens, the excess fat on your body will tend to fade away as well.

If you look around you will notice by sight a lot of unhealthy people. They are very overweight, having physical troubles, etc. etc.

I used to have trouble. I'd lose weight, then not be able to get the right foods, or my metabolism changed and I gained some back again, etc. etc. etc.

I found out about this diet. Now, I could call it Keto but only if you realize that there are many different diets called "Keto" and they are very different, I think the only thing that is similar is the use of low carb.

But what you want is a healthy keto diet. I found one, realized that I had "insulin resistance" without even knowing it and lost 50 pounds.

So, I want to recommend Dr. Berg's Health Keto Diet.

 

********************

Drug Free World (PSAs)

Do you understand why the Truth About Drugs Campaign can help you, your friends and those that might become addicted?

Here are the PSAs that enlighten people about this Project

********************

Toxins that Cause Neuropathy - Nerve Damage 

How does it happen?  
List of these toxins. 
What can be done for relief? 

Nerve damage can be caused by toxins. It occurs when there is exposure to natural or artificial toxic substances.  These toxins are called neurotoxins. 

Neurotoxins alter the normal activity of the nervous system in such a way as to cause damage to nervous tissue. It is a destructive or poisonous effect upon the nerve system.  This can eventually disrupt and damage nerve cells.  

Nerve Damage can result from exposure to substances used in chemotherapy, radiation treatment, drug therapies, drug abuse such as ecstasy, and organ transplants.  It can be caused by exposure to heavy metals, certain foods and food additives, pesticides, industrial and/or cleaning solvents, etc. 

*Peripheral Neuropathy Due to Vitamin Deficiency, Toxins, and Medications

Symptoms of this exposure may appear immediately after or it may be delayed. They may include limb weakness or numbness, loss of memory, vision, and/or intellect, uncontrollable obsessive and/or compulsive behaviors, delusions, headache, cognitive and behavioral problems and sexual dysfunction. Individuals with certain disorders may be especially vulnerable to neurotoxins.

List of Neurotoxins that are commonly in our lives. 

ACETONE found in nail polish remover
ACETYLENE used in gas welders.
AFLATOXINS found in peanuts
ALBUTEROL prescription breathing medicine
ALUMINUM
AMMONIA
ATRAZINE weed killer used on corn
BENZENE found in gasoline
BUTANE found in lighters
CAFFEINE
CAPTOPRIL blood pressure medicine
COCAINE
CODEINE PHOSPHATE used in prescription cough syrup
DEIONIZED WATER
DIAZEPAM the prescription tranquilizer Valium
DIGOXIN heart drug
ETHANOL you drink this alcohol
ETHYLENE GLYCOL antifreeze
FLUOXETINE (Prozac)
GASOLINE and GASOLINE VAPORS
KEROSENE
LEAD
MERCURY found in the teeth of many people

This is a partial list.  

Foods have additives that can also cause nerve damage. 

Another Toxin that Causes Neuropathy - Food Toxins

Food additives trick your tongue into thinking that it is getting something nutritious when it is getting nothing at all except some very toxic substances.

Following the Second World War, food companies discovered monosodium glutamate (MSG), a food ingredient the Japanese had invented in 1908 to enhance food flavors.

Unfortunately, MSG is extremely toxic, especially to your nervous system!


The fast-food industry could not exist without MSG and other artificial meat flavors to make their sauces and spice mixes. The sauces in processed foods are basically MSG, water, thickeners, and some caramel coloring.


MSG tricks your tongue into thinking that it is getting something nutritious when it is getting nothing at all except some very toxic substances.


Almost all canned soups and stews contain MSG. Salad dressings, Worcestershire sauce, rice mixes, dehydrated soups, all of these as well as anything that has a meat-like taste has MSG in it.


Most processed vegetarian foods contain these flavorings. The list of ingredients in vegetarian hamburgers, hot dogs, bacon, baloney, etc., often includes “hydrolyzed protein” (another name for MSG) and other "natural" flavorings. Almost all soy-based foods contain large amounts of MSG.


In 1957 scientists found that mice became blind and obese when given MSG. In 1969, MSG was found to cause damage in specific regions of the brain. Subsequent studies confirmed this.

 

MSG is a substance that has a toxic effect on nerves and the nervous system that causes a wide range of reactions, from temporary headaches to permanent brain damage.

 

We are experiencing today a huge increase in Alzheimer's, brain cancer, seizures, multiple sclerosis, and diseases of the nervous system. One of the chief contributors is these flavorings in our food. Ninety-five percent of processed foods contain MSG!

 

In the late 1950’s it was added to baby food. After some congressional hearings on this subject, the baby food manufacturers stated they had taken it out of the baby food, but they didn't really remove it. They just called it by another name - “hydrolyzed protein”!

 

Anything that you buy that says "spices" or "natural flavors" contain MSG. The food industry avoids putting MSG on the label by putting MSG in spice mixes. Legally, if the mix is less than 50% MSG, manufacturers don't have to put it on the label.

 

The phrase "No MSG" on food labels has virtually disappeared. That's because MSG is in all the spice mixes.

 

This substance is so harmful to your body that you want to avoid all foods containing MSG!

 

To do this successfully you must take the time when shopping to read the ingredients labels on the foods you buy!

 

To help you to determine what foods actually contain MSG we have compiled a list of ingredients (in alphabetical order) that ALWAYS contain MSG!

 

Autolyzed plant protein
Autolyzed yeast
Calcium caseinate
Gelatin
Glutamate Textured protein
Glutamic acid
Hydrolyzed Plant Protein (HPP)
(any protein that is hydrolyzed)
Hydrolyzed protein
Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP)
Monopotassium glutamate
Monosodium glutamate
MSG
Natural flavors
Sodium caseinate
Spices
Textured protein
Yeast extract
Yeast food
Yeast food nutrient

Terms that frequently indicate hidden MSG additives

Malt extract
Bouillon
Broth
Stock
Flavoring
Natural Flavoring
Natural Beef or Chicken Flavoring
Seasoning
Spices

Additives that may contain MSG or excitoxins

Carrageenan
Enzymes
Soy Protein Concentrate
Soy Protein Isolate
Whey Protein Concentrate
Protease enzymes of various sources can release excitotoxin amino acids from food proteins.

By eliminating as much MSG as possible from your diet, it will result in greatly improved health for you and your family, both now and in the future!

What to do for nerve damage from any of these neurotoxins? 


First get all of these toxins out of your environment. 

Treatment for Neuropathy

There are many medications, and other remedies that can bring you relief, you can read about them in this article  Neuropathy treatments

What can you do?

Take a Quiz: Am I doing everything I can to daily help my neuropathy?

Find out what lifestyle changes will help, take the quiz and get our suggestions and get our assistance on what you can do.

Take Our   Quiz

Lasting Relief:*

None of the various neuropathy treatments will build healthy nerves.  You can cover up the symptoms and you can increase circulation and you can make a person feel less pain, etc., but if you build healthy nerves, there will not be any symptoms (healthy nerves don't hurt, tingle, burn, are not numb, etc.) and the relief will be lasting.  

Building Healthy Nerves 

Healthy sensory nerves mean that they are not painful. Healthy nerves means that they communicate and don't send wrong signals such as burning, hot and cold, tingling when there is no reason for it. Healthy motor nerves mean that they relay messages from the brain to the muscle so that they move correctly. Nerves need to be healthy to function properly. 

The body needs specific nutrients (vitamins) to be able to build healthy nerves. 

It may not give immediate relief (although many do feel changes in the first week) as the vitamins are working at a cellular level, but it does address the actual problem, builds healthy nerves and brings lasting relief.  

(For temporary relief while building healthy nerves, go to Pain Relief Formula)

What can be done for lasting relief?

Find out how to Build Healthy Nerves

*Studies & Research on Nerve Health

Want to Know More About Neuropathy -
Neuropathy Information Hub

 

 

Camel Milk - what are people saying?

This is AMAZING! Great immune, brain clarity and energy booster! Also has had tremendous results with treating autism per feedback I am getting from clients. I have a great love for camels, the desert and Bedouin culture ..no wonder I took to this.. haha! It tastes great in a smoothie .. this will help me and anyone immensely to transition to a healthier regimen. Up for trying it.. Be brave.. Liz H.

I am obsessed with Camelicious!
I just call it my White Gold.

I'd worked looong late nights into the wee hours in the restaurant business for 12 years ravaging my body with excessive amount of energy drinks and coffee. These bad habits were so set with me, grooved in deep that years after quitting the business I still practiced them.

 

This product helped me to

1. make me realize that I am still running on some kind of bad robotic routine and
2. helped to kick the habit.

Trying camel milk I had my reservations, first off, I had the false idea that it will taste disgusting. I have to tell you, it taste just like regular milk, though it made from powder with water.
Then I was just pessimistic about the effect. Boy, I couldn't be more wrong. Again!

Camelicious not just gives me energy but also provides mental clarity. To compare it to all the other doping or enhancing means such us Red Bull, 5 Hours Energy, Monster, Rockstar, Coke Energy products, Full Throttle, NOS, AMP, Guru, Yerba Mate, Kalasnyikov and coffee, camel milk works completely different for me.

 

First of all it's healthy, second it does not overwhelm me with sugar and/or caffeine which always has a set back of crashing at the end.

 

Camel milk clears my mind and makes me to be able to focus again.

 

It's like lifting me out of some dark, murky clouds. It's hard to described but it feels like it's aiding my natural source of energy, already there, to overcome mental exhaustion.

I am going to come back for further praise some time later but right now I don't want to overshoot my mark. Norbert K.

 

Find out more Camel Milk

 

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?   EMAIL AND GET YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED


USE OUR SITE INDEX TO FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION

USE SEARCH

To Your Health

MCVitamins.com
www.mcvitamins.com 

Sidebar:

New Product... Say Hello to the
Advanced Digestive Formula

I’m excited to announce the arrival of a new product to add to your wellness shelf!

Say hello to Dr. Berg's Advanced Digest Formula. This new supplement contains ginger, peppermint, anise, and fennel in addition to a concentrated apple cider vinegar and betaine hydrochloride base to support healthy digestion.

Some of the benefits of this formula may include -

  • Reducing indigestion
  • Gas reduction
  • Alleviating bloating
  • Natural acid support

For anyone having digestion troubles, or for anyone who wants to maintain a healthy digestive system, I can’t recommend this supplement enough. Simply take this formula before or after a meal to help your body digest more efficiently and extract the nutrients it needs!

Read More about the Advanced Digestive Formula

If you have any questions, please email or call us at (888) 758-5590 (US & Canada)  or (818) 252-1038.

We want to make sure you get the results you are looking for.