| | | There are many potential benefits of cooking and eating food — the joy, the bonding with others, the creativity! But on the other hand, there is all the time you inevitably spend ensuring that you (and maybe your loved ones) get an adequate amount of calories and nutrients each day. It can be a lot, to say the least. | | So, if you've ever wondered whether it would make more sense to drink a few nutrient-packed shakes and call it a day, you're certainly not alone. Below, Kirsten Seele, a registered dietitian at Healthline, fills us in on the pros and cons of that idea. | | | | | | | Eat up,
Ginger Wojcik
Newsletter Editor, Healthline |  | | Written by Ginger Wojcik
July 31, 2025 • 4 min read | | | | | |  | | | | Q: | Can you live on meal replacement shakes? | | | A: | It's no secret that meal planning and prepping can be a bit time consuming. I often hear clients say, "Wouldn't it be nice if we could just drink shakes or take a pill that meets all of our nutrient requirements?" And I would be lying if I said that thought hadn't crossed my mind a time or two, as well.
Meal replacement shakes (there are also bars and powders) are designed to help you get a meal's worth of nutrients. (They are different from protein shakes, which are formulated to help you get an extra boost of protein.) I don't recommend relying on these products for every, or even most, meals because a meal replacement shake can't fully replace the nutritional value of whole foods.
It's always best to get nutrients from whole food sources like whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, rather than supplements. And while many meal replacement shakes contain a decent amount of fiber, not all are guaranteed to provide both soluble and insoluble fiber. You will get additional antioxidants by eating whole plant-based foods, too.
We also want to consider what humans need to be satisfied. In the short term, drinking a meal replacement for each meal might work alright. But eventually, the body will be looking for something new — new flavors (besides overly sweetened vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and mocha shakes) and other textures besides liquid. Many people enjoy savory, salty, and crunchy foods. And it may be important to enjoy cultural dishes, celebrate birthdays with a piece of cake, and have dinner with friends and family.
That said, a meal replacement shake can be handy in certain situations. For example, if you're eating on the go, working toward weight loss or weight maintenance, or having low oral intake due to illness such as cancer.
If you do reach for a meal replacement shake, make sure it: - contains a minimum of 400 calories and 30 grams (g) of protein per meal
- contains 8 g to 12 g of fiber (women and men need 25 g and 38 g per day, respectively) per meal
- is low in added sugar and sodium
| | | | | Kirsten Seele, Registered Dietitian | | | Want to learn more about food, diets, cooking, or some other nutrition subject? Let us know at nutritionedition@healthline.com and we'll look into it for you! (Heads up, we may use your response in an upcoming newsletter.) | | | | | | | | Sponsored by | |  | |  | | | | Reach your goals — no restrictions needed | | Many diet plans promise big results if you cut out this, that, and everything else. But once you stop, the weight often comes back. WeightWatchers is designed to be different. It's not a short-term diet but a sustainable approach that supports both weight loss and overall health. | | With WeightWatchers, you may qualify for science-backed GLP-1 medications to help you lose weight, plus the Points® program helps you keep it off. You'll get one-on-one support from doctors and clinicians every step of the way. Ready to start your journey? Learn more about how to get started today. | | | | | | | What we're digesting | | 🩺 What are the main types of multiple sclerosis? Each type is defined by how the disease has progressed throughout the body. | | 🌿 Can herbs and natural remedies help bipolar disorder symptoms? It's a good idea to discuss natural treatments with a doctor, especially if you're on medication. | | 📈 What does it mean to have high blood sugar? Learn about complications and ways to manage your levels. | | 😋 How to eat pomegranates. Two easy ways to open and seed them. | | | | | How did you feel about this newsletter? | | | | | Email nutritionedition@healthline.com with comments related to this newsletter or topics you'd like to see in future editions. The newsletter editors read every message that lands in our inbox — yes, really! We look forward to hearing from you. | | | | Until next time, |  | Take care of yourself, and we'll see
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