energy/protein bars

hi,

Just wanted some opinions on bars. Are they good to use in a diet or should i stick more to natural foods? Some I know are like a candy bar. any ideas or homemade recipes?
 
Hi,

It is my guess that most people around here will recommend that you try to stick to foods as close to their natural state as much as possible. I agree with this thinking; however, I also know that in these crazy, busy times, it is not always possible to have natural, healthy foods available (especially when we are supposed to eat like every 3-4 hours!) Therefore, I do opt to keep a stash of protein bars in my desk drawer at work. It may not be as good as fresh fruit, grilled chicken, and veggies, but hey...it sure beats the heck outta McDonalds and/or corporate vending machine food! So in a nutshell, I am a proponent of using these on an "occasional" basis, i.e. you have nothing else to eat and are considering hitting the drive through at the local Burger King. The brand I like the best? They are called "Oh Yeah" bars (no kidding!) They sell them at GNC. There are a few different flavors...I like the peanut butter ones the best. :9

Dianna
 
Hi!

I agree with Dianna in that the more natural state of food as possible is the best way to go. It's hard to second guess Mother Nature -- and often, the results are less than favorable. However, there are times -- and so I've developed a protein bar recipe that I use because in my opinion most of the protein bars out there use oils that are less than perfect -- plus there's the question of soy -- is it good for you or not -- so much debate on that.

In terms of soy, if it doesn't say non-GMO soy -- don't put it in your mouth. Soy also contains many anti-nutrients -- phytates -- and often toxins from processing. If soy is fermented the old
Asian way, it gets rid of the phytates and is a good food. If not, those anti-nutrients are still there.

Anyway, here's a pretty good recipe for protein bars that my family likes:

1 cup Jay Robb egg white protein powder (it's the best tasting)
3/4 cup rice protein
7/8 teasp. stevia (get at a health food store)
2 tbls. vegetable glycerin (also get at a health food store)
2 tbls. raw butter (or organic butter or cultured butter)
3 tbls. organic cocoa
3 tbls. raw organic coconut oil
3 tlbs. organic non-GMO lechitin

Mix together -- it shouldn't be sticky -- and I put about 1/4 cup in a little sack -- and store in the refrigerator -- when I go to eat them, I let them come to room temperature first -- they just taste better that way, I think.

You'll have to let me know if you like them.:7
 
I don't know about everyone else, but i usually have little time to eat at work.
I love and eat the met rx protien bars almost every day. I have them at work all the time.I like these . I have tried alot of others and i stick with these.
Anne
 
Oooo, oooo...something I know about: protein + bars

Dianna is right about "Oh Yeah" bars. They are VERY good. I don't have a wrapper in front of me, but they are *about* 300 cals and 30g protein.

Lean Body Gold -- Caramel Cookie Twist are pretty good. Chocolate on the outside and a little crispy on the inside with caramel. 330 cals, 30 g protein. Labrada Nutrition makes these.

Rockin' Roll Bars (my favorite). The peanut is the best flavor IMO. It's close to a payday bar. No chocolate -- that's why it's my favorite these days. I'm chocolated out. 290 cals, 21 g protein. Labrada Nutrition makes these.

Pure Fit. I just tried these today. Pretty good 230 cals, 18g protein. I tried the chocolate brownie (good) and the almond crunch (better)

Sure, if you can make your own food, carry it around with you, and still get 300 cals and 30 g of protein in a meal...more power to you. I eat on the run or at my desk for all my meals except dinner. Protein bars and drinks are a must for me.

Shonie




"You must be the change you wish to see in the world" - Mahatma Gandhi

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I eat myoplex lite bars. I feel like I am eating a snack. I try to eat whole foods all day, so the bar every once in a while is almost like candy. Melissa
 
Yeah, Shonie! I fogot about the Lean Body Gold bars. I was eating those for a few months. They are really good! I used to get the Chocolate Peanut, Chocolate Almond, and Caramel Cookie Twist. YUM! I think I switched over to the Oh Yeah bars after GNC was out of my Lean Body bars one day. I decided to try them and was glad I did. But they are both great! I'll need to try the Rockin' Roll Bars. Thanks for the info!

Dianna
 
I prefer whole foods, but it's possible to have both whole foods AND a bar. Just go for bars like Vega and Larabar, which are 100% raw, whole foods. Avoid most "protein bars" (which are often no more than glorified candy bars, contain protein isolates and concentrates, and often just add more unnecessary protein to the diet) and "energy bars" (most of the "energy" comes from simple carbs.
 
thanks for all the info on protein bars. i am going go try and eat whole foods before i eat a bar. some have that high fructose corn syrup that is supposed to be bad for you. i have a couple of homemad recipes that use whole ingredients. i will try and stick to them if i need one
 

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