What to search for in a protein bar

Hello associates! How are you? I hope you’re having an amazing morning! I’ve a few shopper calls this morning and am heading out on a enjoyable work journey.

Since I’ll be touring with a bag of meals, I believed I’d chat about protein bars since they’re a staple for on-the-go snacks.

Selecting a protein bar will be overwhelming with the plethora of choices obtainable out there. Whether or not you’re in search of a fast post-workout snack or a handy meal alternative, it’s essential to know what to search for—and what to keep away from.

At this time, I wish to spotlight manufacturers that use licensed natural substances, and share a easy recipe on how one can make your individual wholesome bars at dwelling.

What to search for in a protein bar

Components to Keep away from in Protein Bars

Synthetic Sweeteners:

Components like sucralose, aspartame, saccharin, and erythritol may cause digestive points and will negatively have an effect on your intestine microbiome. Go for pure sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or dates.

Excessive-Fructose Corn Syrup:

This sweetener is linked to weight problems, diabetes, and different metabolic issues. It’s greatest to keep away from any bar that lists high-fructose corn syrup amongst its substances.

Hydrogenated Oils:

These trans fat can elevate dangerous ldl cholesterol (LDL) and decrease good ldl cholesterol (HDL), growing the danger of coronary heart illness. Search for bars that use wholesome fat like coconut oil or nuts.

Synthetic Flavors and Colours:

These components may cause allergic reactions and will produce other adversarial well being results. Select bars with pure flavors and colours derived from entire meals substances.

Soy Protein Isolate:

This generally used protein supply is commonly genetically modified and extremely processed. It may possibly disrupt hormone stability as a consequence of its phytoestrogen content material. Take into account bars with protein sources like whey, pea, or brown rice protein as a substitute.

Manufacturers That Use Licensed Natural Components

City Treatment: Identified for his or her easy ingredient lists, City Treatment makes use of almond flour, coconut butter, nuts and fruit, and are natural. They’re tough to seek out and I’ve solely discovered them at Entire Meals.

GoMacro: These bars are made with licensed natural, non-GMO substances. They provide a wide range of flavors and are plant-based.

RXBAR: With no added sugar, gluten, soy, or dairy, RXBARs checklist most of their substances on the entrance of the bundle. I don’t love the feel as a lot; they’re a bit laborious and chewy, however have fairly respectable substances.

Orgain: Orgain protein bars use natural substances and are free from synthetic colours, flavors, and preservatives. They’re additionally excessive in plant-based protein.

Aloha: Aloha bars are made with natural, non-GMO substances and are free from gluten, soy, and dairy. They provide plant-based protein choices with easy and clear substances. These style like a sweet bar they usually have so many nice flavors.

EquiLife: EquiLife bars concentrate on utilizing high-quality, natural substances and supply balanced vitamin. They’re designed to help total wellness and are free from synthetic components. These are easy, so tasty, and the chocolate brownie is my fave (use code FITNESSISTA10).

Truvani: Truvani bars are made with natural, non-GMO substances and prioritize transparency of their ingredient sourcing. They’re free from synthetic sweeteners and preservatives. I additionally love the style and texture of those.

Excellent Bar: Excellent Bars are made with natural, non-GMO substances and are full of entire meals vitamin. They use honey as a pure sweetener and provide a wide range of flavors to go well with totally different tastes. These style SO scrumptious, too — you will get them at Costco.

Make Your Personal Protein Bars at Dwelling

Making your individual protein bars is a good way to make sure you’re consuming wholesome substances with none undesirable components.

Right here’s a easy recipe to get you began:

Components:

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter

1/2 cup protein powder (whey, pea, or brown rice)

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

1/4 cup darkish chocolate chips (non-compulsory)

1/4 cup chia seeds or flaxseeds

1/4 cup dried fruit (non-compulsory)

Pinch of sea salt

Directions:

Step 1: Combine all of the dry substances (oats, protein powder, seeds, and dried fruit) in a big bowl.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix the almond butter and honey/maple syrup. Microwave for 30 seconds to make it simpler to combine.

Step 3: Pour the moist substances into the dry substances and blend till effectively mixed. If the combination is simply too dry, add a tablespoon of water or milk (dairy or plant-based) till it reaches the specified consistency.

Step 4: Line a baking dish with parchment paper and press the combination evenly into the dish.

Step 5: Sprinkle the chocolate chips on prime and gently press them into the combination.

Step 6: Refrigerate for at the very least 2 hours earlier than chopping into bars.

Step 7: Retailer in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as every week.

Why Soy Protein Isolate is Not a Good Alternative

Soy protein isolate is a extremely processed type of soy protein. It’s usually present in protein bars and shakes, however there are a number of causes to keep away from it:

Processing: Soy protein isolate undergoes heavy processing, which regularly includes the usage of hexane, a chemical solvent.

GMO Considerations: A big proportion of soy crops are genetically modified, which can carry potential well being dangers.

Phytoestrogens: Soy accommodates compounds known as phytoestrogens that may mimic estrogen within the physique. This could disrupt hormonal stability and doubtlessly result in well being points, particularly for these with thyroid issues or hormone-sensitive situations.

Allergy symptoms and Sensitivities: Soy is a typical allergen and may trigger digestive points or allergic reactions in some individuals.

When selecting a protein bar, it’s important to learn the labels and choose choices that prioritize entire, natural substances. Keep away from synthetic components and extremely processed substances like soy protein isolate. Higher but, strive making your individual protein bars at dwelling for a wholesome, personalized snack that meets all of your dietary wants.

By being attentive to what’s in your protein bar, you can also make knowledgeable decisions that help your well being and wellness objectives.

So, inform me, associates: what’s your favourite model of protein bars? What on-the-go snacks do you like?

xoxo

Gina

Extra protein recipes:

Homemade peanut butter protein bars

Crispy chocolate coconut protein bars

Chocolate protein bars with sweet potato