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The Question
03/17/10 10:11 AM

"Best "meal in a can" drink for diabetics and watching glucose levels."
Asked By: mpbuess  
Category: Food and Nutrition

Background Info Hide
My job takes me to the road most days and in trying to watch what I eat and drink - I wanted to know about the "meals in a can". I have studied the brands that offer low carbs or those specifically for diabetics and am so confused. Which is best? Atkins, SlimFast Low Carb, Glucerna, Ensure Low Carb, Carnatin Instant Breakfast, Special K Protein Drink, etc. HELP!!!!!

Expert Answers (1)

03/19/10 05:18 PM

Hello,

Thanks for asking dLife.

Meal replacement products (MRP) can eliminate some of the decision-making when it comes to making food choices. They can provide a framework for a healthy, calorie-controlled eating plan.

They can be a source of nutrition for folks who tend to skip meals.

A meal replacement product substitute for a meal of “real” food. This means that any MRP that doesn’t contain a balance of carbohydrate, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals is probably not a good choice. Some MRPs may be mostly protein, for example.

Although I hesitate to recommend any specific meal-in-a-can, here are a few pointers for finding a safe and nutritious MRP. Choose an MRP that contains:

  • About 200–250 calories

  • 15–35 grams carbohydrate (avoid those with refined sugars [sucrose, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup] as the first type of carbohydrate in the ingredients list)

  • 10–15 grams protein (much more than this means you’ll probably take in too much protein for the day)

  • 5–8 grams fat (the main source of fat should be unsaturated; also avoid products that contain trans fat)

  • 3–6 grams fiber

  • 0–20 mg cholesterol

  • 100–300 mg sodium

  • 50% to 100% of the Dietary Reference Intake for vitamins and minerals

    Click here for information on Meal Replacement Products!

    Enjoy!

    • Answered By: Liz Quintana
    Accreditations: EdD, RD, LD, CDE
    Sources Show

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