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We've Sized Up the MRP's to Find Which One Is Right for You!
By Christopher Ball, Consumer Advocate
In a past issue of Real SOLUTIONS, I shared the lowdown on nutrition bars. Due to the popularity of that article as well as the questions we received regarding other meal-replacement products, I'm back. I've taken the same in-depth look at meal-replacement powders (let's just call them MRP's from here on out). Yes, just when my stomach had finally fully recovered from evaluating a month full of nutrition bars, I embarked on a month-long review of the industry's best (and maybe a few of the worst) MRP's. Like Goldilocks with her porridge, I sampled all different types to provide you the information you need to pick one that's just right for you! So, without further ado, I bring you the solid facts on liquid nutrition and how to choose an MRP to complete your nutrition plan.
Understanding the Problem & the Solution
I'm guessing you already know that when it comes to achieving your best body, three meals a day just doesn't cut it. (Just look at the countless success stories backed by a staggering amount of studies on the importance of increased meal frequency if you're not yet sure.) In fact, proper nutrition is almost three times more important for achieving your goals than training alone. Eating every two to three hours allows our bodies to effectively maximize the anabolic (that is, muscle-building) effects of insulin, maintain proper muscle metabolism, increase fat utilization, and even keep energy at peak levels. There's no doubt you'll reach your goals faster if you consume five to six balanced meals daily. Let's put it this way: eat "normal" if you want to look "normal." But if you want a body that loudly advertises your commitment to yourself (one that stands out in a crowd)—then you have to go a few steps above "normal."
But let's face it: eating five to six regular food meals a day can be a real pain and a real expense. That's where MRP's come in: they're "high tech super foods that offer a simple solution to a complex problem." Allow me to explain... let's say you ran to the grocery store and filled your cart full of nutritious whole foods like fruits and vegetables, rice and potatoes, lean meats, etc. Then when you return home, you take all of this food and put it into some type of magical food processor that gets rid of all the excess calories, saturated "bad" fats, simple sugars, and other garbage your body doesn't need, keeping only the valuable nutrients—all the good things required to build your best body—like quality proteins, carbs, and "good" fats. What you end up with when you combine these valuable nutrients into precise ratios is essentially what an MRP is all about. Just add water, blend it up, and you have an instant, nutritious milkshake: a precise nutrition formula that offers the positive biochemical effects of food without the negative crap your body doesn't need. Basically, you have a custom, cutting-edge way to better feed your body in less time than it takes you to tie your training shoes.
But the benefits of MRP's don't stop there; they meet a full range of functional criteria. For example, they are convenient. (How many of us say there are too many hours in the day? Convenient is good!). Most are economical (that is, they cost less than a comparable whole-food meal). And finally, many really do taste like a delicious, creamy milkshake (although admittedly, there are exceptions). Look, let's be realistic, if you don't like it in the first place, you'll never choke it down anyway! But is there one perfect MRP? Yes and no. There isn't one brand or flavor that tops the scale, but there is an MRP out there that's just right for you. I promise.
That said, let me save you from the painful, costly (and sometimes distasteful) trial and error of sorting through the massive amount of MRP's out there and allow me to share my surefire tips for finding the "best" MRP for you. Let's start off by breaking down MRP's into their main components (features and benefits) and take a closer look at each one:
* Nutrients/Ingredients
* Convenience
* High-Tech Innovation
* Taste! Nutrients at a Cost
Value these days is key; it typically determines our shopping preferences. But recognizing value is often difficult to do when you're comparing MRP's. Think back to the last time you were at your favorite nutrition store, standing in front of a wall covered in multicolored boxes. Or remember the last time you were sitting at your computer scratching your head as you reviewed the vast array of MRP's with prices ranging from $20 to a whopping $100. Before you pick up or click on the cheap box, think again. You could cheat yourself. There's a difference between price and value! I found the best MRP's cost around $2 to $3 per serving, which, when you consider all of the nutrients they provide, is pretty reasonable. Two or three bucks is not much for a complete meal these days; in fact, I'm willing to bet it's probably less than most people spend on fast-food lunches, loaded with all the negatives we talked about earlier, or even on a morning gourmet coffee. Now, looking at a box filled with 20 conveniently sized packets has just come into a totally different light—that's 20 complete meals for a measly investment of $40 to $60 bucks! Suddenly, that upfront investment becomes much more reasonable, doesn't it? Considering you couldn't get a chicken dinner from Chile's for less than $3 bucks and you sure as heck couldn't get anything at your favorite fast-food joint for less than $3 bucks either!
TIP on NUTRITION vs. COST: Don't be betrayed by the entire cost; let cost per servings be your official guide. Simply divide the cost of the MRP by the number of servings (e.g., $40 box of Myoplex, divided by 20 servings/packets would equate to $2 per serving). I found the value range is around $2 and no more than $3 per serving.
Convenience Counts!
When it comes to my eating habits, at precisely 11:00 a.m., my stomach starts talking—feed me, feed me now! Now before I consider taking a big fat risk and having my bodyfat soar into double digits by reaching for a mid-morning muffin or a carb-loaded "energy bar," I run to the kitchen in my office to quickly blend a delicious, nutritious MRP shake. Next thing I know, my happy stomach and I are back at my desk getting ready to tackle the next challenge, and my body is quickly utilizing every nutrient offered to it. If you're like me, you haven't got much time to waste. I'd much rather take 3 minutes to mix up and drink down a shake than waste 20 to 30 minutes preparing and consuming a meal.
Maybe you travel frequently and can relate to being stuck in a hotel, staring at the room service menu, trying to decide which meal contains the least amount of junk. Hmmm... do I eat the deluxe FAT burger with greasy fries, or do I go for the 1,000 calorie pizza? It's like choosing which way you'd prefer to die—count me out! Which is exactly why I carry a few packets in my suitcase. No, I don't have a collapsible blender that fits neatly in my suitcase, which is why choosing an MRP that mixes easily (as in without a blender) becomes essential. I make it much easier on myself by bringing along a mixing cup (or what some people call a "shaker"), which can be purchased at most supplement stores and supermarkets. (I purchased mine at Target for under $5.) Honestly, even some of the better mixing MRP's don't get mixed properly with just a spoon and a glass of water, and I prefer to not chew on the chunks.
TIP on CONVENIENCE: If "ultra-convenience" is your highest priority, look for MRP's that mix instantly with a spoon.
Innovative Ingredients
Looking at the ingredients listed on a meal-replacement packet can make anyone dizzy. If I had 100 pages to devote to this article, I'd list all of the MRP's with their ingredients, but my editor said, "Absolutely not!" so I'm leaving it up to you to scrutinize the labels. But before I send you off on your own, let me share some tips for scanning the contents to determine which MRP is right for you. First, ingredients are listed from most abundant to least abundant. The first ingredients are extremely telling. It's obviously a good idea to avoid any MRP's that list sugars and artery-clogging fat (hydrogenated oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil) near the beginning of the ingredients list. Due to the nomenclature and shelf life of most MRP's, it can, however, be difficult to find one that is without sugars and bad fats altogether. Just make sure they're listed near the bottom; that way you'll know there isn't enough of them in there to really make a negative impact on your nutrition.
So now we know what we don't want listed first... let's talk about what we DO want listed first: protein. Whether it's soy, whey, casein, milk, or a blend, make sure the type of protein best suits your needs. Soy is usually recommended most for females due to its high content of isoflavones that are often correlated with immuno-enhancing qualities as well as potentially supporting the metabolism. Whey, on the other hand, is for those who are looking for the "best" protein for muscle building (chockfull of essential amino acids). Often times the label will say "proprietary blend" protein. It will list the proteins like casein and whey, but I assure you, many times, the protein in that packet will be 99% casein and only 1% whey. This is especially true when you're using an MRP from a company that's not well established or reputable. Why do they do that? Not only is it cheaper, it allows the manufacturer to smack a big label on the front that reads, "Contains whey!" Although casein protein is pretty good, it's just not the most ideal protein for building muscle. Look for whey protein listed first, so you know you're getting your money's worth.
Some MRP formulas even add a little extra glutamine. Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid that's literally stripped from your muscles in times of stress (which includes when you engage in intense exercise and weight training). This depletion can cause muscle wasting and lower immune function; therefore, glutamine is certainly one of my "must haves" for building a stronger, healthier body. One caveat, though: the addition of glutamine may "up" the cost of the MRP by a mere fraction. But believe me, it's well worth it.
TIP on INNOVATIVE INGREDIENTS: Typically, look for at least 25 grams (if you're female) and 35 grams (if you're a male) of high-quality protein—like whey, casein, milk, or soy. Added L-glutamine is also a bonus!
Taste Matters
So what if an MRP has the exact balance of protein, carbs, and fats along with a boatload of vitamins and minerals our bodies need, yet the texture feels like you just filled your mouth with pancake batter, and it tastes like vitamin-enriched chalk? Basically, who in their right mind would care to drink it?! No one! With that in mind, I think I must warn you, some MRP's are seriously no better than sawdust mixed in water. (No kidding!). Reaching the optimal intake of five to six meals daily may require you to consume up to three (some of my friends even consume up to four!) meal replacements throughout the day, so we can't deny that taste does and will matter most. In this case: I suggest you read yourself, not the packet. Regardless of the type or amount of protein, carbs, and fat in a shake, it needs to agree with your taste buds (and your stomach).
Be Creative in the Kitchen!
Shake it up! Fortunately, you're not just limited to the packet you're holding in your hand. MRP's can be greatly improved in taste, consistency, texture, and nutritional value by adding some simple ingredients. Adding fruit, light yogurt, or a teaspoon of all-natural peanut butter can turn a bland shake into the highlight of the day. Adding other ingredients can increase the protein, fiber, and good fat content of the MRP. But those tasty, nutritious additives will also increase the calories and carbs, which you should consider first before mixing.
Most nutrition shakes will contain some fillers and emulsifiers to make a shake seem thicker or thinner. You can control the consistency by the amount of water you add. But for even better results, simply add a few ice cubes.
TIP on TASTE: Don't be blinded by taste alone—even though you can find some great tasting shakes, sometimes the ingredients suffer to provide that delicious creaminess. So, if it tastes too darn good, check the label for unnecessary sugars and/or fats. But you may just be pleasantly surprised and find one that does provide both great taste and quality ingredients.
Solving the Mystery of the MRP's
There's no doubt it can be tough to taste every MRP to find the right one for you. Much less check the ingredients on every label! For this reason, I've sorted though them all (I mean all of them). Ripped open every packet. Smelled every powder. Blended up each shake. And taste tested (and gut checked) each and every MRP... and right now, I'll share with you exactly which ones were "best," based on the above criteria, and which I believe will be most suitable to your taste buds. (This should save you tons of time and money finding the right MRP for you!)
Here are my favorites...
An MRP shake may be a welcome addition to your healthy diet arsenal. Take the time to use these tools to find the right fit for your lifestyle. You can start the taste testing, or you can save yourself some time and money by checking out my favorites!
Most Innovative formula!
A great, new MRP that's just recently thrust onto the market is Prolab's Lean Mass Matrix. Not only does it taste fantastic (I highly recommend the "Cinnamon Oatmeal" flavor), they've taken the traditional protein/carb-containing MRP formula and brought it a leap forward—hitting the "ideal" 40/40/20 right on the mark. Plus, they've added such novel ingredients as oat fiber for quality carbs, instead of the usual maltodextrin, and added essential fatty acids (EFA's) for "good" fats, instead of hydrogenated oils. They even threw in two grams of L-glutamine, made it aspartame-free, and it mixes with a spoon. What more could you ask for?
Best Ingredients!
After closely examining the nutrients in Pro MR by Dorian Yates Approved, I think you'll agree this is one of the most advanced MRP's on the market by far. It's fortified with only the best protein and loaded with probiotics (organisms designed to help digestion and protein assimilation). This is the most ideal MRP for those of us who often experience stomach problems and bloating. But these high-tech quality ingredients come at a price!
MV-MRP (for Men)
Our Most Valuable MRP award goes to Myoplex. EAS perfected the MRP with this incredible-tasting nutrition shake by loading it full of quality ingredients, including whey and casein proteins, and by creating a plethora of flavors to meet even the pickiest of taste buds. (They've even got "Chocolate Lovers" and "Tropical Variety" packs.) You can expect a thick consistency along with a reasonable price.
MV-MRP (for Women)
This category was a toss up between two great brands. I highly recommend Myoplex Lite by EAS and Lee Labrada's Lean Body for Her. Both are very reputable brands, have remarkably similar ingredients, and deliver great flavor to the taste buds. But more than that, they've each added their unique ingredients, which make them more suitable for women's needs. Take your pick on this one, but if you're in for convenience, Lean Body for Her mixes with a spoon.
Best "Low-Carb" MRP
Hats off to Lee Labrada with his amazingly tasty Carb Watchers Lean Body MRP. Packed with all the essential nutrients and protein your body needs with only 12 grams of carbs, this shake is great for times when you're really watching your carbs and are looking to lose a little extra weight, fast.
The Moral Is...
What's the moral of this story? Don't judge a packet by its cover. Judge it by its ingredients and taste! The next time you need to quickly refuel your body and you don't have time to make a meal, don't sacrifice your physique by grabbing "whatever's there." Instead, use my guide for selecting the right MRP for a true stomach-filling nutritional experience; your body will thank you for it!
My Recap of Recommendations:
If a particular MRP sounds "right" for you, simply click the link to discover more about how you may benefit from it.
* Most Innovative formula: Prolab's Lean Mass Matrix
* Best Ingredients: Pro MR by Dorian Yates Approved
* MV-MRP (for Men):Myoplex
* MV-MRP (for Women): Myoplex Lite by EAS or Lee Labrada's Lean Body for Her
* Best "Low-Carb" MRP: Carb Watchers Lean Body MRP.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We've Sized Up the MRP's to Find Which One Is Right for You!
By Christopher Ball, Consumer Advocate
In a past issue of Real SOLUTIONS, I shared the lowdown on nutrition bars. Due to the popularity of that article as well as the questions we received regarding other meal-replacement products, I'm back. I've taken the same in-depth look at meal-replacement powders (let's just call them MRP's from here on out). Yes, just when my stomach had finally fully recovered from evaluating a month full of nutrition bars, I embarked on a month-long review of the industry's best (and maybe a few of the worst) MRP's. Like Goldilocks with her porridge, I sampled all different types to provide you the information you need to pick one that's just right for you! So, without further ado, I bring you the solid facts on liquid nutrition and how to choose an MRP to complete your nutrition plan.
Understanding the Problem & the Solution
I'm guessing you already know that when it comes to achieving your best body, three meals a day just doesn't cut it. (Just look at the countless success stories backed by a staggering amount of studies on the importance of increased meal frequency if you're not yet sure.) In fact, proper nutrition is almost three times more important for achieving your goals than training alone. Eating every two to three hours allows our bodies to effectively maximize the anabolic (that is, muscle-building) effects of insulin, maintain proper muscle metabolism, increase fat utilization, and even keep energy at peak levels. There's no doubt you'll reach your goals faster if you consume five to six balanced meals daily. Let's put it this way: eat "normal" if you want to look "normal." But if you want a body that loudly advertises your commitment to yourself (one that stands out in a crowd)—then you have to go a few steps above "normal."
But let's face it: eating five to six regular food meals a day can be a real pain and a real expense. That's where MRP's come in: they're "high tech super foods that offer a simple solution to a complex problem." Allow me to explain... let's say you ran to the grocery store and filled your cart full of nutritious whole foods like fruits and vegetables, rice and potatoes, lean meats, etc. Then when you return home, you take all of this food and put it into some type of magical food processor that gets rid of all the excess calories, saturated "bad" fats, simple sugars, and other garbage your body doesn't need, keeping only the valuable nutrients—all the good things required to build your best body—like quality proteins, carbs, and "good" fats. What you end up with when you combine these valuable nutrients into precise ratios is essentially what an MRP is all about. Just add water, blend it up, and you have an instant, nutritious milkshake: a precise nutrition formula that offers the positive biochemical effects of food without the negative crap your body doesn't need. Basically, you have a custom, cutting-edge way to better feed your body in less time than it takes you to tie your training shoes.
But the benefits of MRP's don't stop there; they meet a full range of functional criteria. For example, they are convenient. (How many of us say there are too many hours in the day? Convenient is good!). Most are economical (that is, they cost less than a comparable whole-food meal). And finally, many really do taste like a delicious, creamy milkshake (although admittedly, there are exceptions). Look, let's be realistic, if you don't like it in the first place, you'll never choke it down anyway! But is there one perfect MRP? Yes and no. There isn't one brand or flavor that tops the scale, but there is an MRP out there that's just right for you. I promise.
That said, let me save you from the painful, costly (and sometimes distasteful) trial and error of sorting through the massive amount of MRP's out there and allow me to share my surefire tips for finding the "best" MRP for you. Let's start off by breaking down MRP's into their main components (features and benefits) and take a closer look at each one:
* Nutrients/Ingredients
* Convenience
* High-Tech Innovation
* Taste! Nutrients at a Cost
Value these days is key; it typically determines our shopping preferences. But recognizing value is often difficult to do when you're comparing MRP's. Think back to the last time you were at your favorite nutrition store, standing in front of a wall covered in multicolored boxes. Or remember the last time you were sitting at your computer scratching your head as you reviewed the vast array of MRP's with prices ranging from $20 to a whopping $100. Before you pick up or click on the cheap box, think again. You could cheat yourself. There's a difference between price and value! I found the best MRP's cost around $2 to $3 per serving, which, when you consider all of the nutrients they provide, is pretty reasonable. Two or three bucks is not much for a complete meal these days; in fact, I'm willing to bet it's probably less than most people spend on fast-food lunches, loaded with all the negatives we talked about earlier, or even on a morning gourmet coffee. Now, looking at a box filled with 20 conveniently sized packets has just come into a totally different light—that's 20 complete meals for a measly investment of $40 to $60 bucks! Suddenly, that upfront investment becomes much more reasonable, doesn't it? Considering you couldn't get a chicken dinner from Chile's for less than $3 bucks and you sure as heck couldn't get anything at your favorite fast-food joint for less than $3 bucks either!
TIP on NUTRITION vs. COST: Don't be betrayed by the entire cost; let cost per servings be your official guide. Simply divide the cost of the MRP by the number of servings (e.g., $40 box of Myoplex, divided by 20 servings/packets would equate to $2 per serving). I found the value range is around $2 and no more than $3 per serving.
Convenience Counts!
When it comes to my eating habits, at precisely 11:00 a.m., my stomach starts talking—feed me, feed me now! Now before I consider taking a big fat risk and having my bodyfat soar into double digits by reaching for a mid-morning muffin or a carb-loaded "energy bar," I run to the kitchen in my office to quickly blend a delicious, nutritious MRP shake. Next thing I know, my happy stomach and I are back at my desk getting ready to tackle the next challenge, and my body is quickly utilizing every nutrient offered to it. If you're like me, you haven't got much time to waste. I'd much rather take 3 minutes to mix up and drink down a shake than waste 20 to 30 minutes preparing and consuming a meal.
Maybe you travel frequently and can relate to being stuck in a hotel, staring at the room service menu, trying to decide which meal contains the least amount of junk. Hmmm... do I eat the deluxe FAT burger with greasy fries, or do I go for the 1,000 calorie pizza? It's like choosing which way you'd prefer to die—count me out! Which is exactly why I carry a few packets in my suitcase. No, I don't have a collapsible blender that fits neatly in my suitcase, which is why choosing an MRP that mixes easily (as in without a blender) becomes essential. I make it much easier on myself by bringing along a mixing cup (or what some people call a "shaker"), which can be purchased at most supplement stores and supermarkets. (I purchased mine at Target for under $5.) Honestly, even some of the better mixing MRP's don't get mixed properly with just a spoon and a glass of water, and I prefer to not chew on the chunks.
TIP on CONVENIENCE: If "ultra-convenience" is your highest priority, look for MRP's that mix instantly with a spoon.
Innovative Ingredients
Looking at the ingredients listed on a meal-replacement packet can make anyone dizzy. If I had 100 pages to devote to this article, I'd list all of the MRP's with their ingredients, but my editor said, "Absolutely not!" so I'm leaving it up to you to scrutinize the labels. But before I send you off on your own, let me share some tips for scanning the contents to determine which MRP is right for you. First, ingredients are listed from most abundant to least abundant. The first ingredients are extremely telling. It's obviously a good idea to avoid any MRP's that list sugars and artery-clogging fat (hydrogenated oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil) near the beginning of the ingredients list. Due to the nomenclature and shelf life of most MRP's, it can, however, be difficult to find one that is without sugars and bad fats altogether. Just make sure they're listed near the bottom; that way you'll know there isn't enough of them in there to really make a negative impact on your nutrition.
So now we know what we don't want listed first... let's talk about what we DO want listed first: protein. Whether it's soy, whey, casein, milk, or a blend, make sure the type of protein best suits your needs. Soy is usually recommended most for females due to its high content of isoflavones that are often correlated with immuno-enhancing qualities as well as potentially supporting the metabolism. Whey, on the other hand, is for those who are looking for the "best" protein for muscle building (chockfull of essential amino acids). Often times the label will say "proprietary blend" protein. It will list the proteins like casein and whey, but I assure you, many times, the protein in that packet will be 99% casein and only 1% whey. This is especially true when you're using an MRP from a company that's not well established or reputable. Why do they do that? Not only is it cheaper, it allows the manufacturer to smack a big label on the front that reads, "Contains whey!" Although casein protein is pretty good, it's just not the most ideal protein for building muscle. Look for whey protein listed first, so you know you're getting your money's worth.
Some MRP formulas even add a little extra glutamine. Glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid that's literally stripped from your muscles in times of stress (which includes when you engage in intense exercise and weight training). This depletion can cause muscle wasting and lower immune function; therefore, glutamine is certainly one of my "must haves" for building a stronger, healthier body. One caveat, though: the addition of glutamine may "up" the cost of the MRP by a mere fraction. But believe me, it's well worth it.
TIP on INNOVATIVE INGREDIENTS: Typically, look for at least 25 grams (if you're female) and 35 grams (if you're a male) of high-quality protein—like whey, casein, milk, or soy. Added L-glutamine is also a bonus!
Taste Matters
So what if an MRP has the exact balance of protein, carbs, and fats along with a boatload of vitamins and minerals our bodies need, yet the texture feels like you just filled your mouth with pancake batter, and it tastes like vitamin-enriched chalk? Basically, who in their right mind would care to drink it?! No one! With that in mind, I think I must warn you, some MRP's are seriously no better than sawdust mixed in water. (No kidding!). Reaching the optimal intake of five to six meals daily may require you to consume up to three (some of my friends even consume up to four!) meal replacements throughout the day, so we can't deny that taste does and will matter most. In this case: I suggest you read yourself, not the packet. Regardless of the type or amount of protein, carbs, and fat in a shake, it needs to agree with your taste buds (and your stomach).
Be Creative in the Kitchen!
Shake it up! Fortunately, you're not just limited to the packet you're holding in your hand. MRP's can be greatly improved in taste, consistency, texture, and nutritional value by adding some simple ingredients. Adding fruit, light yogurt, or a teaspoon of all-natural peanut butter can turn a bland shake into the highlight of the day. Adding other ingredients can increase the protein, fiber, and good fat content of the MRP. But those tasty, nutritious additives will also increase the calories and carbs, which you should consider first before mixing.
Most nutrition shakes will contain some fillers and emulsifiers to make a shake seem thicker or thinner. You can control the consistency by the amount of water you add. But for even better results, simply add a few ice cubes.
TIP on TASTE: Don't be blinded by taste alone—even though you can find some great tasting shakes, sometimes the ingredients suffer to provide that delicious creaminess. So, if it tastes too darn good, check the label for unnecessary sugars and/or fats. But you may just be pleasantly surprised and find one that does provide both great taste and quality ingredients.
Solving the Mystery of the MRP's
There's no doubt it can be tough to taste every MRP to find the right one for you. Much less check the ingredients on every label! For this reason, I've sorted though them all (I mean all of them). Ripped open every packet. Smelled every powder. Blended up each shake. And taste tested (and gut checked) each and every MRP... and right now, I'll share with you exactly which ones were "best," based on the above criteria, and which I believe will be most suitable to your taste buds. (This should save you tons of time and money finding the right MRP for you!)
Here are my favorites...
An MRP shake may be a welcome addition to your healthy diet arsenal. Take the time to use these tools to find the right fit for your lifestyle. You can start the taste testing, or you can save yourself some time and money by checking out my favorites!
Most Innovative formula!
A great, new MRP that's just recently thrust onto the market is Prolab's Lean Mass Matrix. Not only does it taste fantastic (I highly recommend the "Cinnamon Oatmeal" flavor), they've taken the traditional protein/carb-containing MRP formula and brought it a leap forward—hitting the "ideal" 40/40/20 right on the mark. Plus, they've added such novel ingredients as oat fiber for quality carbs, instead of the usual maltodextrin, and added essential fatty acids (EFA's) for "good" fats, instead of hydrogenated oils. They even threw in two grams of L-glutamine, made it aspartame-free, and it mixes with a spoon. What more could you ask for?
Best Ingredients!
After closely examining the nutrients in Pro MR by Dorian Yates Approved, I think you'll agree this is one of the most advanced MRP's on the market by far. It's fortified with only the best protein and loaded with probiotics (organisms designed to help digestion and protein assimilation). This is the most ideal MRP for those of us who often experience stomach problems and bloating. But these high-tech quality ingredients come at a price!
MV-MRP (for Men)
Our Most Valuable MRP award goes to Myoplex. EAS perfected the MRP with this incredible-tasting nutrition shake by loading it full of quality ingredients, including whey and casein proteins, and by creating a plethora of flavors to meet even the pickiest of taste buds. (They've even got "Chocolate Lovers" and "Tropical Variety" packs.) You can expect a thick consistency along with a reasonable price.
MV-MRP (for Women)
This category was a toss up between two great brands. I highly recommend Myoplex Lite by EAS and Lee Labrada's Lean Body for Her. Both are very reputable brands, have remarkably similar ingredients, and deliver great flavor to the taste buds. But more than that, they've each added their unique ingredients, which make them more suitable for women's needs. Take your pick on this one, but if you're in for convenience, Lean Body for Her mixes with a spoon.
Best "Low-Carb" MRP
Hats off to Lee Labrada with his amazingly tasty Carb Watchers Lean Body MRP. Packed with all the essential nutrients and protein your body needs with only 12 grams of carbs, this shake is great for times when you're really watching your carbs and are looking to lose a little extra weight, fast.
The Moral Is...
What's the moral of this story? Don't judge a packet by its cover. Judge it by its ingredients and taste! The next time you need to quickly refuel your body and you don't have time to make a meal, don't sacrifice your physique by grabbing "whatever's there." Instead, use my guide for selecting the right MRP for a true stomach-filling nutritional experience; your body will thank you for it!
My Recap of Recommendations:
If a particular MRP sounds "right" for you, simply click the link to discover more about how you may benefit from it.
* Most Innovative formula: Prolab's Lean Mass Matrix
* Best Ingredients: Pro MR by Dorian Yates Approved
* MV-MRP (for Men):Myoplex
* MV-MRP (for Women): Myoplex Lite by EAS or Lee Labrada's Lean Body for Her
* Best "Low-Carb" MRP: Carb Watchers Lean Body MRP.
