GNC has entered the meal delivery services space with a partner called RealEats. RealEats is a pioneer in the meal delivery category, offering farm-fresh ingredients prepared sous vide-style in vacuum sealed pouches. The partnership between GNC and RealEats is truly designed to help consumers Live Well and reach their health and fitness goals. With just a few clicks, you can order a personalized combination of nutrient-dense meals delivered to your door. GNC has made it easy to fit RealEats meals into your healthy lifestyle by labeling meals as: Protein Packed, Carb Conscious, Under 500 Calories, or Vegetarian. What types of supplement products would best complement each of these categories? What types of goals can they help you achieve? Let’s break it down.
Great supplement add-ons no matter your goal: · Multivitamin – Most American’s are not consuming adequate amounts of nutrients through diet alone. A multivitamin is intended to supplement a healthy diet to help fill gaps in vitamins & minerals. Think of a multi as nutritional “insurance” to provide the body the micronutrients it needs to function properly. · Omega-3 – Omega-3 fatty acids are commonly referred to as “the good fats”. Health organizations recommend adults consume at least 500mg to 1000mg of EPA & DHA daily. Consumption of 4-6 meals of fatty fish (mackerel, salmon, herring) per week would be needed to meet this goal. Most individuals are not consuming enough omega-3’s through diet alone, which makes supplementation even more important. Plus, omega-3’s have numerous health benefits, such as supporting heart, brain, skin, eye, and joint health.
Supplement recommendations for RealEats meal types:
Protein-Packed Meals
- Definition: Meals with at least 25g of protein. Sides with at least 10g of protein.
- Reasons to choose protein-packed foods: Overall health & wellness, weight maintenance, muscle repair & recovery after exercise
- Supplements to Consider:
- Protein Supplements – If you don’t think you’re getting enough protein through food alone, a protein supplement is a convenient way to get a boost throughout the day. Try a protein powder, drink, or bar.
- Pre-Workout – While consuming protein post-exercise can help with lean muscle repair and recovery, taking a pre-workout can give an energy boost to push through that tough workout.
- BCAAs – Protein is comprised of amino acids, and supplementing with the three branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) can be particularly beneficial in fueling muscles during and after exercise.
Carb-Conscious Meals
- Definition: Meals with 30g of total carbs or less. Sides with 15g of carbs or less.
- Reasons to choose carb-conscious foods: Diabetics and those following a low carb diet (such as keto)
- Supplements to Consider: § Glucose metabolism support – For those following a carb-conscious diet, they may be seeking support in the metabolism of the few carbs they do consume.
There are a few ingredients that can help the body’s ability to break down and metabolism of carbs, such as chromium, fenugreek, niacin, zinc, vitamin B12, and digestive enzymes.
Under 500 Calorie Meals
- Definition: Meals with 500 calories or less.
- Reasons to choose calorie-conscious meals: Trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight
- Supplements to Consider:
- Meal replacements – While RealEats meals are a great option for those watching their calorie intake, nutritionally balanced meal replacements are a convenient option for when you’re on-the-go or just want something quick and easy.
- Bars and snacks – Looking for something healthy to snack on in between meals? High protein bars and snacks are tasty and perfectly portioned so you can keep your weight on track.
- Thermogenics – Thermogenic supplements are designed to boost metabolism and burn calories.
Vegetarian Meals
- Definition: Meals and sides without meat, poultry, fish and seafood. May include eggs and dairy/cheese.
- Reasons to choose vegetarian foods: Lifestyle choice to avoid meat (can be for health, ethical, or religious reasons)
- Supplements to Consider: :
- Vitamin B12 – Vitamin B12 is an important B vitamin that is primarily found in meats and dairy. For strict vegetarians and vegans, vitamin B12 may be lacking in the diet. Which makes it important to supplement with vitamin B12 either as a standalone product or as part of a multivitamin.
- Protein – Eliminating meat from the diet can make it difficult to consume an adequate amount of protein, especially from plant-based sources alone. There are protein supplements in the form of powders, drinks, and bars that are vegetarian-friendly. Keep an eye on the label to ensure the product is a “complete” protein (meaning it provides all of the essential amino acids).
Please note that these supplement recommendations are not one-size-fits-all. Individuals should consult with a dietitian or their physician if they are unsure of what supplements are best for them.
