"A protein shake instead of a meal helps you lose weight," says Arnold Schwarzenegger

Let's face it, losing weight and looking your best remain top priorities for most people in the fitness community, including bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger. In a recent Arnold's Pump Club newsletter, the "Austrian Oak" opened up about how to lose a few pounds effectively.

This time, the bodybuilding icon wants to shed some light on weight loss, specifically using meal replacement drinks that consist of protein powder and a few other essential ingredients that Schwarzenegger recommends.

According to Schwarzenegger, who cited scientifically validated studies, calorie-restricted individuals who consumed a meal-replacement beverage in place of a typical meal lost more weight on average and were more likely to maintain their weight.

"Can weight loss really be as simple as meal replacement?

Research suggests that replacing one meal with a protein shake could help you lose an extra 5lbs compared to a normal diet.

Researchers reviewed studies comparing people on a calorie restricted diet with those who cut calories and drank a meal replacement shake. Those who used protein shakes lost more weight on average and were more likely to maintain their weight after three months and one year."