In this article we are going to look at meal replacement diets, and see how you can optimize and maximize your results using this POWERFUL approach to weight loss. Meal replacement has been the cornerstone element behind MANY phenomenal weight loss stories, and I DO believe it can do the same for you. But there ARE a few key components you ned to keep in mind when starting, so let's look at these below.

Pick the Proper Program for You

Very important! Why? Some meal replacement programs are designed to help you GAIN weight. Weightlifters, bodybuilders and other athletes routinely take meal replacement as a way to pack ON the muscle - and if you DON'T choose carefully, you may find yourself in a bodybuilding competition...RATHER than in a bikini on the beach..;-)

Taste is Key

If you want to stick with the program, make SURE you like how it tastes! The meal replacement diets I have followed (Medifast) taste GREAT....but others, not so much. If you plan on sticking with a weight loss program, you NEED to look forward to the meals. So make SURE you "taste-test" first - and THEN make the long term commitment!

Real Food Should Play a Part

Don't stick to an ALL replacement diet for any real length of time. Maybe to get started ( first week) or for a few days every now and then when you WANT to turbocharge your efforts or transcend a plateau, but you need to have a balance to have it stick long term. Pick a program that allocates for normal food ( Medifast for example has a daily "lean and green" meal as part and parcel of the program) and you will have FAR better long term results...AND much better real world integration when the program is finished!