Can I Take Meal Replacement Shakes While Pregnant?

Meal replacement shakes while pregnant are something that many pregnant women use.

Therefore, it’s okay to consume them. Meal replacement shakes are convenient and simple to take daily.

Of course, since you’re pregnant, you have to be careful when it comes to the ingredients. It’s important to use something that is not harmful to you or your baby. So, if you’re just thinking about using meal replacement shakes while pregnant, please do your research.

There are many great products, but some of them are better than others. Also, some of them contain unhealthy ingredients. Even if you weren’t pregnant, avoiding artificial sugars, caffeine, and additives is always recommended. As a pregnant woman, you have to take care of your diet and everything you’re putting in your body.

Your baby gets his or her food through you. So, even if you’re not interested in taking care of your diet, you have to start caring for the sake of your child. In this article, you will learn more about taking meal replacement shakes during pregnancy.

You will know what is good and which things are important to consider when buying something that will serve as a meal replacement. Choosing a safe drink and safe food is far more important for your nutrition when you’re expecting a baby.

What Is A Meal Replacement Shake?

A meal replacement shake is quite self-explanatory. It’s a protein shake that contains everything a person needs in a meal. It can be used to replace breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Many people like to use shakes to replace their meals. It’s quite common for people who want to lose weight. Also, it’s convenient and easy to grab on the go. So, when you don’t have the time to cook a proper meal, using a good meal replacement shake is just fine.

The greatest benefit of these shakes is the fact that they contain a lot of essential nutrients, but they don’t have a lot of calories. That’s the reason why they’re good for weight loss.

Many people use meal replacement shakes because they can’t have a diet that will provide them with everything they need. This way, you get everything you need, without having to cook or eat something you don’t like.

A lot of people who like to exercise regularly are into meal replacement shakes. As I’ve said, they’re healthy, packed with nutrients, and easy to grab on the go. So, for those who train a lot, this is a great option. Not just as a meal replacement, but as an additional meal. People who train a lot need extra nutrients in their bodies.

The average man should eat around 2000 to 3000 calories per day. For women, the number of calories ranges from 1600 to 2000 calories. Of course, this depends on your age and body activity.

There are many free calorie calculators online that could help you to find out the perfect number of calories. A proper diet should consist of a lot of vegetables, fruit, lean protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, and fiber.

Meal replacement shakes don’t have these ingredients inside them, but they have the same nutrients. That’s why they’re considered easy to use. It’s easier to drink a shake than to cook a whole meal and eat it.

Meal Replacement Shakes During Pregnancy

Meal replacement shakes can be made at home using protein powder and water or milk. They can also be bought in the store, already premade for you.

Meal replacement shakes are mostly protein shakes with some additional ingredients. Protein makes you feel energized and full.

Using these shakes is perfectly safe if you are a pregnant woman. It’s actually recommended since you need to take additional nutrients and calories in order for your baby to develop properly.

Unfortunately, it’s not so simple to go and buy a meal replacement shake when you’re pregnant. Many of these shakes contain added sugars, too much caffeine, artificial flavors, and many other things that aren’t healthy for you.

Because of that, you have to do your research and find something suitable for you. As I’ve mentioned before, these ingredients should be avoided even when you’re not pregnant.

One important thing to mention about meal replacement shakes and pregnant women is choosing the right kind. I do not recommend using store-bought, premade shakes.

Even if it’s the best-premade protein shake, you should make your own. Some of the best-premade protein shakes contain a lot of ingredients that keep them from not going bad while sitting on the shelf in the store. They’re usually filled with stabilizers, emulsifiers, or additives.

These things are not toxic, and they’re a part of many foods. However, they are harder to digest and they have no health benefits for you. I will give you some suggestions for the best-premade protein shakes, just in case.

Premier Protein, Carnation Breakfast Essentials Nutritional drink, Orgain Organic Nutritional Protein Shakes, Fairlife Flavored High Protein Milkshakes, and Ensure High Protein Shakes are my top recommendations for the best-premade protein shake.

Making your own is always a better option, but if you’re in a hurry, it’s okay to buy a premade shake from time to time.

Pros Of Meal Replacement Shakes During Pregnancy

Meal replacement shakes for pregnant women are a great resource of valuable nutrients. I will tell you more about some of the biggest pros.

They Are Nutrient Packed

Protein drinks have a lot of nutrients that are important for your health. Their main ingredient is protein since many people have trouble with taking enough protein daily.

However, they contain other important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, carbs, and fiber. Using meal replacement shakes while pregnant will boost your immunity and energy.

You will be healthier, and you will feel better. Many pregnant women struggle with energy and exhaustion. Using protein drinks will fix that.

Another benefit of meal replacement shakes during pregnancy, is the fact that a lot of women have problems with nausea, morning sickness, and vomiting. Because of this, many women lose weight and can’t eat a lot.

A protein drink is a great way to make up for all the lost nutrients. It’s also good because it’s quite neutral and shouldn’t trigger vomiting or morning sickness. Of course, you might have to experiment until you find the best protein drink for you, but it will be worth it.

I would like to mention that some women can’t stand the taste or the smell of protein drinks during pregnancy. It’s not uncommon. Many women have used protein drinks in the past, but they can’t use them when pregnant.

This is something that can’t be explained. It’s like with every other thing that bothers pregnant women. Some of them can’t stand the smell of coffee or meat, and some of them can’t drink protein shakes because it makes them nauseous.

The Have A Lot Of Added Fiber

Fiber is essential for every person. This is a type of carb that can’t be digested. It is important for proper digestion, regular stool, and blood sugar control.

Fiber that is soluble in water is in charge of regulating blood sugar, cholesterol, and hunger. Fiber that is not soluble in water is responsible for moving things through your digestive system, ensuring regular stool, and preventing constipation.

An average person needs around 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day. Unfortunately, many people don’t consume enough fiber, and that’s why fiber supplements are often used.

Many protein drinks contain added fiber, which is great for your health. Fiber is even more important during pregnancy because many pregnant women have constipation issues.

Fiber is important for avoiding constipation, but drinking water, and eating a lot of fruits and vegetables is also important for this problem. If you’re having issues with constipation during pregnancy, ask your doctor for some recommendations.

Many safe medications can help you with this. Of course, you should try to solve your problem by increasing your fiber, and water intake, and healthier diet.

If it doesn’t work, consult with your doctor. Constipation during pregnancy can cause many issues, like hemorrhoids. If you get hemorrhoids when pregnant, there is a great chance they will worsen because of childbirth.

Cons Of Meal Replacement Shakes During Pregnancy

Protein shakes are a great help when growing a baby in your womb. They are filled with great ingredients, and they have a lot of benefits for your health. However, you should be careful when using meal replacement shakes when pregnant.

Low Calories

For someone who wants to lose weight, low-calorie protein drinks are great. They help to build muscle, but without weight gain.

However, during pregnancy, you have to eat properly. That means no calorie restrictions. As a matter of fact, during pregnancy, you should be consuming extra 300-400 calories per day.  You can still use these protein drinks, but only as something additional to your diet. You still have to eat properly.

Artificial Ingredients

Protein drinks and protein powders have a lot of benefits, but many of them contain a lot of artificial ingredients which is not good when you’re pregnant. It’s not good to use those at all, but if you’re a pregnant woman you have to pay extra attention to these things.

There are many safe drinks for you, but you have to do a lot of research. Some of the best protein powders for pregnant women are Now Foods Egg White Protein, Naked Whey Protein, Navitas Organic Hemp Powder, and Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake.

Of course, you have to find what works best for you. Maybe you’re interested in vegan and plant-based protein drinks or whey protein. Depending on your preferences, choose the best option.

Too much sugar or too much protein is not good for you. High blood sugar levels during pregnancy can cause many complications. Some of them are gestational diabetes, C – section, preeclampsia, or even birth defects. That’s why you will have to do glucose tests during pregnancy to make sure your blood sugar levels are normal.

When it comes to too much protein, that can also happen. Most people don’t consume enough protein. When it comes to the daily amount, it should be around 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per day.

Too much protein can cause problems with the kidneys and gallbladder. If your pregnancy diet consists of a lot of protein, be careful with the consumption of protein shakes.

Some pregnant women exercise during their pregnancy. Some of them are using too much protein in order to have more strength. Of course, they do need more grams of protein, but again, it’s something that has to be discussed with the doctor.

So, if you’re interested in incorporating a lot of protein into your diet, you have to make an appointment with your doctor. Pregnancy is the time when you have to be careful about everything. If you get sick, it will not be harmful just for you, but for your baby too. So, don’t take any unnecessary risks.

A Healthy Diet Is Important

Even though this article is mostly about meal replacement shakes during pregnancy, I think it’s important to remember that a proper diet in general is essential. You can’t just use a protein shake as a source of healthy nutrients. You have to pick the right foods and drinks.

Besides using protein shakes as a boost to your diet, try to eat lean protein foods such as fish or chicken. Red meat is also healthy, but don’t eat too much of it.

Salmon, catfish, or cod are delicious and they contain a lot of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids that are great for your health.

When it comes to eating carbs, choose healthy ones like baked potatoes, sweet potatoes, brown rice, whole grain bread, or sourdough bread. Fruit is a great source of carbs, and it’s great for your blood sugar levels.

Make sure to choose fresh fruits, because every other form of fruit could contain excessive sugars. Fruit is also beneficial for your digestive system, skin, and energy.

Vegetables are highly important. Vegetables contain a lot of essential vitamins and minerals, especially for a pregnant woman. Carrots, spinach, kale, broccoli, beetroot, and tomatoes are amazing for your health.

The best thing about fruits and vegetables I that you can add them to your protein drink. This way, they will taste better, and you will add more calories to your protein shake. Nuts are also a good addition to your pregnancy meal plan. They are filling and they can be considered a healthy snack.

When we talk about pregnant women, I always like to talk about the importance of water. Protein drinks, pregnancy juices, tea, and smoothies, are great, but water is the best drink for you.

You need a lot of water to be healthy and your growing baby needs a lot of water. If you’re having trouble with water intake, set a reminder or download one of those apps that will remind you when to drink your water.

Of course, pregnancy is also a period when certain food and drinks should be avoided. For example, raw and uncooked food is something that can be dangerous. Also, avoid deli meats, soft cheese, unpasteurized milk, dairy products, rare eggs, rare meat, and raw sprouts.

Some other things should be limited during pregnancy, like caffeine drinks and carbonated drinks. Caffeine is a stimulant, and you should limit your daily intake. Carbonated drinks are filled with sugar and artificial ingredients, and the carbon dioxide can create stomach issues.

Pregnant women are famous for having cravings. Even though it’s essential to have a good diet, it’s okay to treat yourself from time to time. You’re pregnant and you deserve to reward yourself with a hamburger or a pizza sometimes.

Conclusion

Meal replacement shakes during pregnancy are a good way to boost your energy, protein intake, and calorie intake. This article will help to decide what will be the best option for you.

Protein drinks are not something that you have to consume. They are helpful, but if you’re not interested in taking them, you don’t have to push yourself to do so.

Listen to your doctor, take care of your diet, and take your prenatal vitamins. Good mental health is also essential for a healthy pregnancy, so focus on that too. Pregnancy can make you sensitive and emotional. You have to find a way to feel good and have a positive attitude.

There are so many recommendations for pregnant women, that it’s hard to follow all of them. This modern way of living brought us amazing things, a lot of valuable information, and many tips and tricks. However, all of this can be very overwhelming.

So, if you’re pregnant, just listen to your doctor, and your body, and go with the flow. Don’t obsess over anything, and do the things you want to do. Don’t push yourself to do something just because your friend did it when she was pregnant.

Every woman and every pregnancy is unique. Try not to worry and use every opportunity to do something that will make you feel good.