Proper nutrition plays a key role in physical fitness. A physically fit body is a balance between activity and dietary choices. The body needs 6 essential nutrients to sustain life; these are carbohydrates, fats, protein, water, vitamins and minerals.

Carbohydrates and fats fuel energy. Protein is needed to help build and maintain lean muscle tissue and water to help hydrate the body while distributing the nutrients where they are needed. The vitamins and minerals are necessary to support all of these functions.

One way to ensure that you are getting the nutrition you need is by using a meal replacement powder or MRP. Unlike protein powders, MRP’s contain all 6 of the essential nutrients and are literally a meal in a glass.

An MRP can be used as an additional meal or snack or in place of a complete meal. Many athletes choose to use an MRP as a snack in addition to their regular diet for the benefit of added calories and nutrition. On the other hand, a quality MRP that is designed to provide balanced nutrition supplies the nutrients needed without excess calories. Those interested in maintaining bodyweight often use an MRP as a complete meal.

What to look for in an MRP?

With so many meal replacement supplements available on the market? How do you know what to look for?

• A true MRP is nutritionally equivalent to a healthy meal
• It must provide optimal levels of proteins
• It should be fortified with a complete array of vitamins and minerals
• It must include a balance of carbohydrates to promote overall health
• Most importantly, a meal replacement should provide ingredients that support muscle tissue, glycogen stores and ATP production