Can You Eat Other Foods After Having Ensure While Dieting?

Q: Can You Eat Other Foods After Having Ensure While Dieting?

Hello! Balanced formula nutritional products are classified as commercial formulas. <br>The nutrient sources in these products cannot completely replace the nutrients found in natural foods. <br>When caloric intake is lower than the body's needs, metabolism slows down, and over t

Is it okay to consume Ensure during a weight loss period and then eat other foods?

Hello, Nutritionist: I have been on a weight loss journey for a long time.
I believe that during the weight loss process, 1.
dietary control accounts for 70% and exercise accounts for 30%.
2.
To lose weight healthily, one should eat more and eat the right foods, combined with exercise for better results.
3.
It is commonly said that basal metabolic rate < caloric intake < actual calories burned in a day.
4.
The goal is to reduce body fat rather than just weight.
Recently, my husband invited me to join his weight loss program, which involves the following: a.
For one to two meals a day, I will consume Abbott Ensure, while the remaining meals consist of boiled vegetables and meat.
Of course, boiling still retains some fat, and sometimes I will have a salad.
Outside of regular meals, I will eat fruits like bananas, apples, and guavas when hungry.
b.
Since Abbott Ensure can replace a meal, he says that if I consume Abbott Ensure, I should not eat anything else, as eating other foods will lead to weight gain?! This brings me to my questions: 1.
If I consume Abbott Ensure for all three meals, with one can being 235ml and only 250 calories, even if I drink three cans, that’s only 750 calories, which is not enough for my basal metabolic rate.
What kind of reactions will my body have? Will it be effective for fat loss? Of course, I will continue running or cycling, along with weight training for an hour! 2.
If I consume one can of Abbott Ensure during any of my three meals and then eat other foods (boiled vegetables and meat), will I gain weight? Why would I gain weight? Can I still eat other foods (boiled vegetables and meat)? 3.
In conclusion, I want to ask: one can of Abbott Ensure is nutritionally complete but low in calories.
If I eat boiled vegetables and meat, increasing my caloric intake, why does my husband say this will lead to weight gain? Do excess nutrients convert to calories?

Fang Fang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/14

Dr. Cai Xiuwen reply Nutrition

Hello! Balanced formula nutritional products are classified as commercial formulas.
The nutrient sources in these products cannot completely replace the nutrients found in natural foods.
When caloric intake is lower than the body's needs, metabolism slows down, and over time, this can affect the body's normal metabolic mechanisms, potentially leading to weight gain.

Reply Date: 2016/04/14

More Info

When it comes to dieting and meal replacement products like Ensure, it's important to understand how these products fit into your overall nutritional needs and weight management goals. Let's break down your questions and concerns regarding the use of Ensure and other foods while dieting.

1. Caloric Intake and Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): You mentioned that consuming three cans of Ensure (approximately 750 calories) may not meet your basal metabolic rate (BMR). This is a crucial point. Your BMR is the number of calories your body needs to maintain basic physiological functions at rest. If your caloric intake is consistently below your BMR, your body may enter a state of starvation mode, slowing down metabolism and potentially leading to muscle loss rather than fat loss. This can hinder your weight loss efforts in the long run. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your total caloric intake supports your activity level and metabolic needs.

2. Combining Ensure with Other Foods: Your husband's advice that consuming Ensure means you shouldn't eat anything else is a common misconception. While Ensure can be a convenient meal replacement, it should not be the sole source of nutrition unless specifically recommended by a healthcare provider. Eating whole foods, such as boiled vegetables and lean meats, alongside Ensure can provide additional nutrients and fiber, which are beneficial for digestion and satiety. If you consume Ensure and then eat other foods, it does not necessarily mean you will gain weight. Weight gain occurs when there is a caloric surplus, meaning you consume more calories than your body burns. If you are mindful of your total caloric intake and ensure it aligns with your weight loss goals, you can incorporate other foods without fear of gaining weight.

3. Nutrient Surplus and Weight Gain: Your question about whether excess nutrients convert to calories is valid. The body requires a balance of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) for optimal functioning. If you consume more calories than your body needs, regardless of whether those calories come from Ensure or other foods, the excess can be stored as fat. However, it’s also important to note that not all calories are created equal. Nutrient-dense foods (like vegetables and lean proteins) provide essential nutrients and can help you feel fuller longer, which may aid in weight management.

4. Practical Recommendations:
- Balanced Diet: Aim for a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods. While Ensure can be part of your diet, complement it with whole foods rich in nutrients. This includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

- Monitor Portions: Pay attention to portion sizes, especially when consuming higher-calorie foods. This will help you manage your overall caloric intake.

- Listen to Your Body: Hunger cues are important. If you feel hungry after consuming Ensure, it’s okay to eat other foods, as long as you are mindful of your total caloric intake.

- Consult a Professional: If you have specific dietary needs or health concerns, consider consulting a registered dietitian or nutritionist. They can provide personalized advice based on your health status, activity level, and weight loss goals.

In conclusion, Ensure can be a useful tool in your weight loss journey, but it should not replace the need for a varied and balanced diet. Incorporating other foods while being mindful of your overall caloric intake can help you achieve your weight loss goals without compromising your nutritional needs.

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