As I said, what works for me may not work for other people. I like the bars, I get my nutrients from a different source. I know what nutrients the shakes have and I just ensure that I am getting at least the same or more.
The shakes do not provide the essential fats that I get from the Omega 3. I have arthritis in my hands and dodgy knees from playing a lot of football and I use additional supplements for these.
If you have a meal instead of a shake and a meal, the meal can of course be bigger
That might be skipping a pack but it's not necessarily taking in less calories.
I just prefer the idea of being a bit more flexible about things, but like I said in my last post I do understand that it is adhering to the plan that makes a diet like this work for many people, so I know where you're coming from. Some people need to have a rigid plan and stick to it or risk failure.
But... on the other hand I think a little bit of flexibility can help some people stick out a VLCD 'regime' for the duration that is necessary for them.
We're all different and what suits you or me maybe doesn't quite fit so well for someone else.