Huel: Fitness Fad or Fitness Necessity

If you aren’t big on meal planning and cooking then Huel might just be the answer you are looking for. Huel bills itself as the ultimate meal replacement shake and a convenient way to manage your weight and improve your nutrition. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of Huel from a fitness and finance perspective.

What is Huel?

Huel is a nutritionally complete meal replacement shake that claims to provide all the essential nutrients your body needs to function. Checking out their website throws up three core products. Powder, ready to drink and bars all of which contain a balanced ratio of carbohydrates, protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. So from a nutrition perspective, it certainly seems to live up to the hype. Let’s delve a little deeper shall we?

• Essential Powder – At roughly £1.11 per meal the Huel Essential powder is certainly the cheapest option. Each serving will provide 400 Kcal in a 50/20/20 macro split (Carb/Protein/Fat) so it is hardly a nutritional template and we would certainly like to see a little more protein per serving. It could certainly be worked into a target set of macros though!
• Black Edition Powder – The Black Edition powder comes in at £1.86 per serving. With the same 400 kcals the black edition squeezes in some extra protein and reduces the carbs significantly. This transforms the profile into a 17/40/40 split (Carb/Protein/Fat). We certainly like the higher protein profile and on a cost per gram of protein basis this option actually saves you money.
• Bars – Coming in at 200 Kcals per bar with a 36/24/35 (Carb/Protein/Fat) macro profile the bars certainly aren’t the most nutritionally optimal option. At a cost of £1.44 per bar it also isn’t really going to save you any money on a gram for gram or calorie for calorie basis. So yeah, the bars keep up the usual trend of supplement bars in being sub-optimal nutritionally and over-priced…They do however taste delicious!
• Ready to Drink – If you have deep pockets and don’t fancy the inconvenience of having to mix your own protein shake you can delve into the ready to drink option. 400 Kcals per bottle in a 35/40/22 (Carb/Protein/Fat) macro split it is practically template, but at £2.88 it is also 6x as expensive as a fresh chicken breast on a per gram of protein basis!

Is It Good for Losing Weight?

Huel can be a helpful tool for weight management due to its calorie-controlled servings. Each of which contains around 400-500 calories, making it easy to track your calorie intake. With its nutrient dense profile and lower GI it can also help you avoid overeating. This is because the slower release of energy will have you feeling fuller for longer. As we have mentioned before though, it is calories in versus calories out when losing weight. If you plough through 2000 Kcals of Huel then you just ate 2000 Kcals. Therefore with a maintenance of 2000 Kcals you aren’t going to lose weight!

Is Huel Good for You?

Huel can be a healthy option if used correctly. It provides a complete nutritional profile and is suitable for vegans and people with food intolerances. Huel can also be helpful for people who struggle to eat enough fruits and vegetables and get enough vitamins. However, it’s essential to note that it should not replace whole foods entirely. It’s important to eat a variety of foods to ensure you’re getting all the essential nutrients your body needs.

What is Actually in Huel?

Huel is made from a blend of oat flour, pea protein, brown rice protein, flaxseed, sunflower oil, and a vitamin and mineral blend. With such all-natural ingredients and no artificial sweeteners, colors, or preservatives, it certainly fits the bill of a good healthy shake! There are a plethora of flavours available too meaning there should be an option to suit every palette.

What are the Side Effects of Huel?

Like any dietary change, some people may experience side effects when first introducing Huel into their diet. Common side effects include bloating, gas, and changes in bowel movements. However, these side effects typically subside after a few days as your body adjusts to the new diet. If you experience persistent side effects, it’s essential to consult your doctor.

Is it OK to Just Eat Huel?

While Huel provides a complete nutritional profile, it is still just a meal replacement shake. We recommend eating a variety of foods to ensure you’re getting all the essential nutrients your body needs. Besides, a diet needs to be sustainable and I can’t imagine the impact on my mental health if I ended up consuming only liquid meals for the rest of my life!

Conclusion

Overall, Huel can be a helpful tool for weight management and improving nutrition. However, it’s essential to remember that Huel should not replace whole foods entirely. It’s important to eat a variety of foods to ensure you’re getting all the essential nutrients your body needs.

If you’re considering incorporating Huel into your diet, it’s essential to consult your doctor or a registered dietitian to ensure it’s a safe and suitable option for you. By combining Huel with a balanced diet and regular exercise, you can reap the benefits of improved nutrition and sustainable weight loss.