I am not a Slim Fast "hater", it is just I sort of have a scale of "bad~better~best" sort of a thing.
Like...if you start out with a Pop Tart for breakfast (bad), and make the change to having a couple slices of toast instead (better), and then later on make the change to having 100% WHOLE GRAIN toast in place of that.
Pop Tarts are bad, and the regular toast would be a better choice than that, but the whole grain toast would be an even BETTER choice.
It is sort of just the "scale" of things. Regular Slim Fast would be the worst meal replacement, the High Protein Slim Fast would be a little better...but the BEST would be one of the better quality protein powders mixed with skim milk/fruit/ice etc. for a meal replacement instead.
The thread is about what the BEST meal replacement shake, or protein powder shake would be.
BTW-meal replacement shakes/powders and protein powders are different in composition...meal replacement shakes and powders have a balance of protein and carbs, as well as fiber and other nutrients for a more "balanced" mini meal on its own.
Protein powder is just that-a protein supplement. If you are using protein powder-it usually has to be mixed with some other food-such as milk, fruit, etc. rather than it being okay on its own for a meal.