It can be tempting to stock up on nutrition bars. They’re convenient,
their labels make enticing claims, and they often come in flavors that
sound delicious like chocolate chip or raspberry vanilla yogurt. While
you’ve got plenty of brands to choose from, there can be big differences
between one bar and the next. These are some guidelines for making
smarter choices.
Whatever the label says, many bars are no healthier than eating a
regular candy bar. You’ll be consuming just as much fat and sugar and it
will probably cost a lot more without tasting as good. Examine the
label for sugar and fat content. While serious athletes may need more
protein or carbohydrates, the average American is already eating more
protein than they need. For the most part, stick with bars that
correspond to a generally healthy diet. You should be getting about 45
to 65% of your calories from carbohydrates, about 10 to 35% from
protein, and about 20 to 30% from healthy fats. Opt for bars with higher
fiber content that will digest more slowly and give you more sustained
energy.
No matter what bars you choose, use them in moderation.
They’re no substitute for whole food, which is healthier and less
expensive. Real food contains the phytochemical plant compounds your
body needs like the polyphenols in tea and the isoflavones in soy
products. Experiment with healthier snacks that are still portable like
yogurt, nuts, unsweetened whole grain cereal, and dry soybeans. If you
insist on a steady diet of prepackaged rectangular food items, keep an
eye on how specific ingredients may add up. Excessive quantities of some
vitamins and minerals can be harmful. Talk with your doctor if you’re
taking any medications because even herbs that are generally safe may
interact poorly with certain drugs.
Finally, while you pretty much always know what you’re getting with a
bunch of raw carrots, the labels on any processed food need to be
regarded with more skepticism. Studies frequently find significant
differences between the information on the label and the actual product,
so make sure to do some reading and researching to find the best
nutrition bar that can provide you high fiber and can support you with
your weight management. Go ahead and enjoy the occasional nutrition bar
but focus on eating a balanced diet with a variety of healthy fresh
food.
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