As any dietician can tell you, the source of the calories you take in can matter just as much as the total number of calories. Eating foods that are high in trans fats, for example, can lead to higher levels of bad cholesterol and increase the chances of a heart attack or stroke. However, decades of research on diet and nutrition can provide some insight into the best sources of critical nutrients to meet your body’s needs. Meal replacement shakes can offer a convenient, nutritious way of fulfilling those dietary requirements while allowing you to monitor exactly what goes into your body.

Perhaps most important are the three macronutrients that tend to receive the lion’s share of people’s attention: proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Each of these is a crucial element in your daily diet, as each serves a number of purposes in your body. Still, you shouldn’t settle for just any source of macronutrients; relying on natural ingredients and scientifically sound nutritional information can help you maintain a healthy diet. Keep reading to find out what key ingredients you should look for in meal replacement shakes.

Natural Carbohydrates

Although carbohydrates tend to get a bad rap in health-conscious circles, the fact remains that carbs are an important source of energy for your body’s processes. In excess they are stored as fat, but in moderation they provide your cells with glucose, and in the form of fiber can regulate gut health. Refined carbs and added sugars have a documented history of causing, or at least contributing to, conditions like obesity and diabetes; however, natural, whole-grain sources of carbohydrates can support a healthy lifestyle. ENU nutrition shakes contain all-natural, non-GMO carbohydrates cultivated from brown rice, tapioca, and quinoa to fuel your body without adding to your waistline.

Healthy Fats

Like carbohydrates, fats have been largely demonized in health-related literature and media coverage. However, also like carbohydrates, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that certain types of fats are better for you than others – and indeed, that some fats are even good for you. Trans fats and their cousins, saturated fats, are prime examples of fats to be avoided; they are most commonly found in snacks and fast foods.

Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, on the other hand, represent a source of key nutrients that may actually improve heart health. ENU meal replacement shakes offer fats from two of the most healthful sources, sunflower oil and coconut oil, to provide you with sustained energy while supporting your body’s natural functions.

Easily Digestible Protein

Protein is universally agreed to be a macronutrient that is as necessary as it is beneficial. Proteins break down in your system into amino acids, a necessary group of compounds that allow your cells to repair themselves in the event of an injury. Those who maintain an active lifestyle may also be aware that protein plays a crucial role in muscle recovery, an especially important job after physical activity.

While most types of protein offer similar benefits in terms of what they offer your body, they tend to differ in the ease with which your body can process them. A protein source that is difficult to digest will provide less protein on its way through your system, whereas an easily digestible type of protein is more readily absorbed into the system, making it a more effective source of protein. ENU shakes use protein from two sources, whey protein isolate and soy protein concentrate, both of which are proven to be gentle on your system.

Important Vitamins and Minerals

Everyone knows that vitamins and minerals are an important facet of a healthy diet, though it can be difficult to keep track of which foods offer which vitamins. Conventional wisdom would argue that a broad diet is the best strategy for getting all the various nutrients your system needs, but many people don’t necessarily have the time, energy, or budget to prepare a diverse array of dishes day after day.

ENU meal replacement shakes contain 24 different vitamins and minerals, including a full 60 percent of your recommended daily amount of Vitamin D, which helps improve and maintain bone health. And, because the combination of fats in ENU shakes is specially formulated to facilitate the absorption of these vitamins and minerals, you can be sure that your body is putting all these ingredients to use.

Sufficient Source of Calories

One of the easiest considerations to overlook in choosing a meal replacement shake is the number of calories the drink contains. Many shakes tout a low calorie count as proof of their effectiveness as a weight loss tool, but the truth is that having few calories means that the drink is ill-equipped to serve as a replacement for even a small meal. In no context would you consider 120 calories to be an actual “meal;” why should you feel that way about a meal replacement? ENU shakes offer 400 calories per carton, more than enough to stand in for a small meal without compromising ingredient quality.

Get All the Nutrients You Need with ENU Nutrition Shakes

Finding a healthy source of nutrients in a convenient, portable package can be difficult. Most purveyors of these products use cheap, ubiquitous ingredients like corn syrup to make their products palatable, despite the effect unhealthy compounds can have on the consumer. ENU nutrition shakes use only the best natural, non-GMO ingredients to fuel your body and nourish your mind without the negative impacts of artificial sweeteners or sugary additives. To learn more about ENU products and how they can help you stay healthy, visit us online today.