Avoiding lactose in food products is a necessity for many Americans, but it can be difficult to find foods and drinks that are appropriate for a lactose-free diet. A huge variety of products contain milk or milk byproducts; this is especially true for protein and meal replacement shakes, many of which use whey – an ingredient that often contains lactose – as their primary source of protein.
Lactose intolerance shouldn’t keep health-conscious or fitness-oriented individuals from enjoying the benefits of protein or meal replacement shakes; that’s why ENU offers lactose-free products that nourish the body without exposing it to potentially harmful lactose. To learn more about ENU nutritional shakes and how they fit into a lactose-free diet, visit us online or call (855) 266-6733 today.

Living on a Lactose-Free Diet

In a culture that relies on milk or milk-based products for everything from baking and cooking to flavoring coffee and crafting frozen treats, maintaining a lactose-free diet can be difficult. While a growing number of companies have begun producing lactose-free alternatives to popular grocery store items, it can still be tough to find what you need in a lactose-free form.
For those who don’t know, lactose is a sugar found in milk and milk derivatives. It is processed in the body with an enzyme, lactase, that people produce in varying amounts; those without sufficient quantities of lactase in their system are vulnerable to the unpleasant symptoms of lactose intolerance: abdominal cramps, gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Because different people can handle different amounts of lactose, it is difficult to say exactly how much is too much, at least in a general sense; you may need to experiment with your diet to determine the amount of lactose your body can tolerate, if any.
Keep in mind that lactose is found in many products, and not just those with “Milk” listed on the ingredients label. Other ingredients that likely indicate the presence of lactose include:

• Whey
• Caseinate
• Curds
• Milk solids
• Certain types of cheese
• Yogurt

Avoiding these products and ingredients is important for a lactose-free diet, but finding an appropriate substitute is often easier said than done. Milk and its derivatives provide many beneficial nutrients, including calcium, protein, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Those who remove milk from their diet must then turn to other sources of these important dietary elements.

The Benefits of Lactose-Free Protein Shakes

Nutrition shakes are a useful tool for everything from weight management to medical nutrition support, depending on how they are used. Like any food, though, they are only useful if the person drinking them can process the ingredients they contain, meaning that those on a lactose-free diet are limited in terms of what they can drink.
If anything, nutrition and meal replacement shakes should be considered especially important to those who are lactose intolerant, and their ingredients should reflect that fact. Anyone with dietary restrictions – whether because of a preference, intolerance, or allergy – must find foods that can fill in the nutritional gaps left in their diet by those restrictions; this is a perfect opportunity to take advantage of nutrition shakes.

Look for Healthy Ingredients

Like any food product, meal replacement shakes can vary in terms of quality and health benefits. While some brands focus on wholesome ingredients and balanced nutrition, others load their products with corn syrup to boost the calorie count or simple carbs to provide fast energy; these shakes should be avoided.
Instead, look for products that offer a well-rounded nutritional profile. For example, ENU nutrition shakes contain 20 grams of protein from whey and soy isolates; those with lactose intolerance should note that whey protein isolate is a lactose-free version of the popular protein supplement and is perfectly safe to drink for those on a lactose-free diet.
ENU shakes also contain heart-healthy fats in the form of coconut and sunflower oils, complex carbs derived from whole grains for extended energy, and a blend of more than 20 vitamins and minerals to support the body’s functions; this mixture includes many of the nutrients people get from milk – including calcium, vitamin D, and riboflavin – making ENU shakes an excellent option for lactose-free people in need of a supplement to replace milk.

Using a Meal Replacement Shake

In essence, a meal replacement shake is a tool; depending on how you use it, you can achieve many different effects. For those looking to lose weight, for example, an ENU nutrition shake can help you curb cravings and feel more satisfied after or between meals. This leads to fewer calories consumed overall and boosts weight loss efforts.
If you want to gain weight, on the other hand, you can simply eat the same amount that you normally do and add a nutrition shake to boost your calorie count. Whether you are trying to bulk up to reach your fitness goals or are on the road to recovery after battling a major illness, an ENU meal replacement shake – properly implemented – can do much to help you on your way.

Balanced, Lactose-Free Meal Replacement Shakes Available from ENU

If you or someone you know has been looking for a lactose-free meal replacement shake, give the ones from ENU a try. Our drinks offer a healthful blend of protein, carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals, giving you a well-rounded snack or small meal you can enjoy at home or take with you on the go. To learn more about lactose-free meal replacement shakes from ENU, visit us online or call (855) 266-6733 today.