SHAKE OFF THE POUNDS

Our on-the-go lifestyles can make it hard to stick to healthy-eating plans, with temptation lying in wait wherever we go.

It’s not always easy to find a healthy meal in a convenience store and it’s not always practical to take pre-prepared food to reheat and eat when you’re out and about.

This is where meal replacement shakes can be an invaluable aid to help you stay on track with your weight-loss regimen.

In 2008, the American Dietetic Association found that dieters using partial meal replacement shakes lost more weight after 12 weeks, more weight after a year — and had a significantly lower drop-out rate than those using solid food alone.

However, you may have heard that some commercially produced shakes are high in sugar, carbs and full of preservatives — and this is true in many cases.

When you’re choosing a meal replacement shake, check to see that it’s low in sugar, but high in fibre and high-quality fats. It should also contain a high quantity of protein — you need to eat about 60-70g a day on the Fast 800 diet.

The sugar content is important because if your shake is high in sugar, this will lead your blood sugar levels to spike — and, in response, your body will produce insulin to clear the extra sugar away.

Insulin does this by storing excess sugar as fat around your middle over time — and this visceral fat is particularly bad for your health.

Conversely, shakes that are high in protein and contain quality fats will keep you feeling satisfied for longer and help to build muscle, which also aids weight loss.

Or why not try making your own? Here are some delicious suggestions to savour at home or pop in a container to take out with you.

For more nutritious, low- sugar Mediterranean- formula shakes, visit: