Hi everyone!
Well I am back on the diet track again I started this summer and I am about 10 pounds lighter, but then when it was time for me to go to college I stopped working out and eating as well... luckily I haven't gained any weight, I've jsut stayed steady. Well now I am determined to lose more.. my overall goal is about 30 lbs, but I am taking it one step at a time!! my main question to you all was since I am a college kid I dont have time to cook lunch and I eat a lot on the run and I dont want to eat fast food, so does anyone if those meal replacement bars are any good? there are a ton of them out, but are they really good for you and for a diet? well anything anyone knows would be appreciated! Jill

The only time I use them as a meal supplement is when I go on long hikes and I don't want to carry a bunch of heavy food with me.

I think they're okay as a snack.... sometimes I'll break one in half and take one half to work with me as a mid-morning snack. You'd probably be better off grabbing a salad on campus (light on the dressing of course). :)

I think they are good when your time is limited, better than the alternative of grabbing fast food or skipping meals. I sometimes have one for breakfast on the days my job demands an early start.
They are mostly well balanced. But it may be easier to get real food that is good for you at lunch time than it is at breakfast.
The bars are expensive, and also you eat them so fast, you may think you didn't have enough to eat.
Pat

I would suggest. a fruit, yogurt, some peanut butter and crakers. All portable.

I haven't found any bars that I really consider true meal replacements. There are a few that have great protein and fiber profiles, though. I'd be very meticulous about using only the best bars with respect to protein and fiber.

I had success on one of my many past diet attempts using them as morning fuel with coffee and water for breakfast. HOWEVER, it was a quick, intense burst of (sugar) energy that would leave me about an hour and a half after I consumed it. Which would make me hungry and grumpy and headachey. BUT I lost weight. (don't aske how quickly I gained it back.:o )

I vote, try Gogurt or some other portable (preferably healthier) yogurt, a piece of fruit, and some sort of grainy carb (I like a TBSP of granola, hard to be portable w/ that though)-- I find I get a burst of energy (sugar high at work!!) sustained hunger control (fat+protein, yogurt) AND a sustained energy (carb??) with that combo. Plus I have a sweet tooth :o

Good luck!!

MRPs are kind of icky, but okay in a pinch. I suspect that you might get tired of eating them after a few days. Also, some of them are pretty high in calories and sugar and taste like chocolate chalk. The only time I use them these days (I got tired of them hehe) are on flights - I carry a few to the airport in case nothing good is available.

If you have time to cook, you might consider baking some chicken breasts on Sunday, then use them to make sandwiches during the week. Or if you can't cook, you might try filling a pita pocket with veggies and baked tofu slices (you can buy it that way) and spread a little bit of hummous in there for extra flavor (better than mayo!!). I believe bigbadbill spreads peanut butter in pita pockets and adds banana slices. Grab a carton of milk and mmmmm. Use a whole wheat pita to increase your fiber intake and keep you feeling more full.

Good luck finding a solution!