Is Huel Healthy?
Supplement brands are always promising us that their products can help us lose weight and be healthier. Huel is a mega-popular meal replacement that promises exactly that. If you're looking to lose weight and are wondering "is Huel healthy?" - read on.
As we juggle busy lifestyles, there are times that we don't have the time to cook for ourselves or simply skip meals altogether.
Trying to excel in your career, be a good parent, friend, or family member, and stay on top of day-to-day errands can be incredibly overwhelming. It's easy for your health to fall to the bottom of your list of priorities. We're sure you can relate.
But it doesn't have to!
Huel provides you with all of the nutrients that you need on the go, and is a genuine help in controlling your weight, reduce snacking and live a healthier lifestyle.
In this article we're going to be going over what Huel is, how it can help you, and if Huel is healthy or just a fad. If you want to make your health a priority, no matter your hectic schedule, read on...
Is Huel A Good Source Of Protein?
The recommended intake for protein is around 0.75g of protein per KG of bodyweight for an average person.
According to the British Nutrition Foundation, for an 'average' man weighing 75kg this would be 56 grams of protein. For an 'average' woman weighing 60kg, this would be 45 grams of protein.
However for anyone looking to build or maintain muscle mass, Healthline states that numerous academic and scientific studies suggest 1.6-2.2g of protein per 1kg of bodyweight is needed.
Each Huel RTD bottle contains 20 grams of protein. This accounts for 40% of an 'average' persons daily protein requirement.
For athletes wanting to build or maintain muscle, you may want to supplement your diet with protein shakes in addition to using Huel as a meal replacement.
Protein helps you feel fuller for longer than carbs and fats. Huel's protein content is a huge help in helping to reduce snacking, and consume less calories over the course of a day.
Is Huel Really Nutritionally Complete?
Huel meal replacement shakes contain a balanced macronutrient profile, to help satiate you (make you feel fuller for longer).
All Huel products contains optimals amounts of:
- Carbohydrates
- Proteins
- Essential Fats
Huel products even go the extra mile, by adding a wide range of micronutrients such as essential vitamins and minerals to help keep your body functioning and maintain health.
The entire range of Huel meal replacement products have been developed by dieticians and nutritionists, to ensure that each shake is nutritionally complete.
This gives anyone who consumes Huel products long lasting, sustained energy to last them through the entire day across a wide range of tasks such as; working out in a gym, going for a long walk, being on their feet all day etc.
Huel uses only the best ingredients to achieve this long last energy.
Consuming Huel Ready-to-drink shakes can also reduce snacking, as a meal replacement shake can keep you feeling just as full as a regular meal made from whole foods.
The Benefits Of Using Huel As A Meal Replacement Option
Huel ready-to-drink saves time and money. Huel products are also vegan, gluten free and environmentally friendly.
Huel includes a heft amount of protein per serving, fibre, and low sugar content. This combination will help you feel full, with quality nutrients, and make weight loss easier.
Using Huel makes calorie simple, and allows you to grab a nutrition meal on the go. Simple food preparation and a sustainable caloric deficit are key for successful weight loss.
Huel ready-to-drink is available in delicious flavour options including chocolate, banana, vanilla, berry, salted caramel, strawberries and cream, iced coffee caramel, and cinnamon swirl.
Is Huel Healthy Long Term?
Yes. Huel is healthy to use on a long term basis, when used as part of a balanced diet containing a range of whole foods and nutritionally dense meals.
Meal replacement drinks may not be a long-term solution for weight management., when they make up the bulk of your eating.
Although Huel ready-to-drink shakes include important nutrients, they should not completely replace a healthy diet full of whole foods.
Huel, protein shakes and meal replacements can all be used as a replacement for a snack or a meal, if you have 5-6 eating sessions a day. They make for a perfect 'grab and go' on days you just don't have time.
When used as a supplement, Huel is healthy in the long term.
If you replace all of your meals with Huel RTD shakes, this will not be healthy in the long term as you still need whole foods.
Huel Side Effects and Downsides
If you are considering using nutritionally complete Huel as a meal replacement, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects.
Huel is made up of plant-based ingredients, however some users may experience reactions as they begin adding them to their diet.
The most common Huel side effects are:
- gas formation
- bowel problems
- digestive issues
- upset stomach
- bloating
- acid reflux
- heartburn
- headaches
- rash and skin problems
- brain disorders
- nausea
Many users don't experience any side effects at all. Side effects of Huel are fairly uncommon. Those who do suffer the side effects usually find these disappear pretty quickly as their body adopts.
The most common is gas and bloating, and this is usually due to the high fiber content.
Dietary fiber isn't digested by your body. Typically, fiber comes from vegetables and roughage. Fiber helps keep you fuller for longer, as well as regulating blood sugars to keep your hunger in check.
When you start adding fiber to your diet, even a moderate amount can cause bloating an gas, if your body is not used to it.
Is It Ok To Drink Huel Every Day And How Many?
It is absolute fine to drink Huel every day. How many you drink will depend on your dietary requirements, eating habits, goals and lifestyle. A bodybuilder consuming 7 meals a day and high protein, may use Huel along side eating 3-4 whole meals.
An average person look to manage their weight, or slowly lose a few pounds, may drink one Huel RTD a day, in replacement of snacking on crisps and chocolate bars.
With a 400-calorie serving in each meal, Huel is advised to be used for up to one or two meals a day, as part of a healthy balanced diet.
Is Huel Processed?
Huel ready-to-drink is a processed food. However, most of the solid foods even the most health-conscious consume on a daily basis are too.
Huel ready-to-drink are processed only enough to give you what's required and there are no unnecessary additives.
Does Huel Fill You Up?
The ingredients of Huel have been designed to keep you feeling as full as you would if you ate a similar meal based on whole foods.
Can You Live Off Huel?
Huel Powder can be the sole source of nutrition if consumed at an amount of at least 2,000kcal per day, although this is not something that has been actively recommended.
The Verdict - Is Huel Healthy?
When used as part of a balanced lifestyle, we firmly believe that Huel is healthy. It can help reduce snacking and over indulging on less nutritionally dense foods, to help with weight management.
Huel ready-to-drink meal replacement shakes provide all of the nutritional benefits that you require and are easy to grab and go alongside your busy lifestyle, so you never have to miss a meal again.
Shop Huel Ready-To-Drink.
Looking for other healthy meal replacement shakes?
Why not try yfood. yfood is an alternative nutritionally complete meal replacement containing a balanced ratio of protein, fibre, fats and at least 25 vitamins and minerals, as specified by the German Nutrition Society (DGE) for a complete diet.
You can also try the yfood mixed taster bundle so you can try one of each flavour before committing to a whole case.
Shop yfood.