This question comes from a reader who is looking for the names of some good, high protein bars.
"I need help from you. I, too, need to lose 10 pounds. Please share you honest tips, and particularly the name of the higher protein bars. Every time I look at them sugar is high and so is the fat."
Clearly, I'm no expert. I'm reluctant to name the brands that I've been eating because I'm probably wrong.
Anyone want to offer their advice?
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A. Dominello
The Guilford County mayors are challenging residents to lose 10 pounds between Feb. 1 and April 15. Follow me, the News & Record's health reporter, as I take up them up on their challenge.
A. Dominello
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5 comments:
I love to used Power Crunch bars and Oh Yeah bars for a quick mini-meal - but not a snack. Both are low in sugar 5gr and carbs 10gr and high in protein 15gr. Calorie count is 195 per bar, that's why it's not a snack but a mini meal for me.
When possible make your own protein bars. Most bars like Luna, and Cliff are filled with lots of sugar and are really just glorified candy bars.
No better are the ones with Sugar Alcohols in them.
If you are going to get a protein bar from the store I would highly recommend looking for the least
ingredients possible.
Protein should be from Whey or Egg not Soy.
Carbs should come from whole food sources.
Fats should come from Omega Sources or whole foods like nuts.
Hope that helps.
Wow. This is really confusing for me.
I've sometimes been eating the South Beach ones (instead of say a granola bar or cereal bar) and I've bought some Cliff bars for when I'm stuck at work or elsewhere and can't grab a meal.
So should I ever eat protein bars?
Here are some recommendations I received from blog readers:
Bear Valley Sesame Lemon MealPack (although this one is 410 calories if you eat the whole thing and 26 grams of sugar)
Kashi bars
Live - Raw
Cliff bars (Although Leigh points out they're glorified candy bars.)
And finally, a co-worker recommends some trail mix. Throw together some peanuts and raisins and you're set.
This is from Jeannie Sykes, a clinical nutritionist from Moses Cone Family Practice. I spoke with Jeannie for an earlier story. A big thank you to her for the advice!
I find it hard to recommend any one brand because I've found that within a line of bars, there may be some that seem much better or worse than the others. I can provide some general guidelines, though:
When using these bars for snacks, look at the label for:
Calories: If you aren't concerned about weight gain (or are using the bars to help you KEEP or GAIN wt), aim for at least 200 cal. If trying to lose weight, try to get closer to the low-100s for calories.
Protein to Carbohydrate ratio: I do think the concept of the 40-30-30 diet is sound. So, in protein bars, look for a ratio of about 3:4 protein to carb. As for sources of protein, I think "vegetable," whey or soy is fine. I prefer organic soy if that's the source, but that is more of an environmental concern (sustainable farming methods). Soy is a fairly common allergen, however, so that may be a concern for some.
Carbohydrates: I think some sugar alcohols are ok, but you don't want to overdo these (or you'll wish you hadn't). Too much can cause gas and diarrhea. I also like to see some fiber - at least 2 grams; more is better.
Fat: Low- or no saturated fat, and no trans fat. Total fat tolerated will depend on whatever else is in the diet. Generally speaking, I'd suggest no more than 6 or 7 grams total fat.
Sodium: Varies widely. Again, depends on what you're looking for. If you are an athlete in heavy training, you can certainly go for some of the bars that provide close to 200 mg, but if high blood pressure is a concern, I would like to see no more than 80 or 90 mg.
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