What Makes a Complete Meal?

When we think of a complete meal, we often picture a plate with several different foods: a source of protein, vegetables, a starch, maybe some fruit.

But does a meal have to be served on a plate to be complete?

Not necessarily.

What matters most is what it provides nutritionally.

What makes a meal complete?

A complete meal should provide enough energy and a combination of nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, fats, fibre, vitamins and minerals.

It’s the whole picture that matters.

That’s why a food can be very nutritious without necessarily being enough to count as a complete meal on its own.

Protein

Protein plays several important roles in the body, including helping maintain and build muscle.

It’s found in many foods, including meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, tofu, nuts and seeds.

As part of a meal, protein contributes to its overall nutritional value and can help you feel full.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body.

They’re found in foods like grains, rice, pasta, potatoes, fruit, legumes and many others.

Carbohydrates aren’t something you need to automatically avoid. They’re a natural part of a balanced diet.

Fats

Fats are also essential.

They play a role in several functions in the body and help your body absorb certain vitamins.

You can find them in foods like nuts and seeds, oils, avocado, certain types of fish and many other foods.

Again, the goal isn’t to focus on just one nutrient. It’s about looking at the meal as a whole.

Fibre

Fibre is naturally found in many plant-based foods, including fruit, vegetables, legumes and whole grains.

It plays an important role in a balanced diet and helps support digestive health.

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and minerals are needed for many functions in the body.

They come from foods like fruit, vegetables, legumes, grains, dairy products, nuts, seeds and many other foods.

A complete meal isn’t simply about reaching a certain number of grams of protein or calories.

You need to look at the overall mix of nutrients it provides.

Does a complete meal have to be solid?

No.

The form of a meal doesn’t determine its nutritional value on its own.

A meal can be served on a plate, in a bowl or as a drink.

What matters is whether the food or product provides the nutrients you would expect from a meal.

So where does a meal replacement drink fit in?

A meal replacement drink is designed to provide a combination of nutrients in a convenient drinkable format.

It can be useful when you want a meal but don’t have the time to prepare or carry a traditional meal.

This can be especially convenient on busy mornings, during a packed workday, while travelling or when you simply didn’t prepare anything.

Neo Food: a meal in a drink

Neo Food is a complete, plant-based meal replacement drink.

One serving provides:

• 380 calories;

• 31 g of plant-based protein;

• 10 g of fibre;

• 27 vitamins and minerals.

It takes about 30 seconds to prepare with water or milk.

The goal isn’t simply to provide protein.

It’s to offer a convenient option when you need a meal but don’t have time to prepare one.

In short

A complete meal isn’t defined by what it looks like or by one specific nutrient.

Protein, carbohydrates, fats, fibre, vitamins and minerals all have a role to play.

It’s the whole picture that matters.

And a meal doesn’t necessarily have to be served on a plate. When it’s designed for that purpose, a meal replacement drink can also provide a convenient way to have a complete meal.

Need a complete meal ready in 30 seconds?

Neo Food is a complete, plant-based meal replacement drink designed for those days when preparing a traditional meal just isn’t possible.

Discover Neo Food →