404-558-7854
The Mix EduKitchen & Fitness
  • Home
  • about the mix
    • About the Owner
  • Work with me
  • LEARN MORE
  • Success Stories
  • Blog
  • Busy Healthy Bodies Weight Loss Course
  • Home
  • about the mix
    • About the Owner
  • Work with me
  • LEARN MORE
  • Success Stories
  • Blog
  • Busy Healthy Bodies Weight Loss Course

Sooo many to choose from! How to choose the best protein bar

8/16/2017

7 Comments

 
Picture


From the grocery store to the gas station, there isn't a shortage of protein bars to choose from when you're short on time, but long on hunger. Protein bars are great for when you're in a pinch and need calories or you know you're going to be in a place (or meeting) where you won't have access to food when you want it. 

With all of the options available, how do you choose a healthy bar that isn't just a glorified and more expensive candy bar?

Here's a quick guide of what to look for so that you choose the best bar for you. I have even listed some of my favorites. 
Full disclosure: I prefer real food at all times, so my list isn't extensive. But these are brands that I have tried and actually like the taste as well as the nutrition. Experiment and find a bar that works for you! 
 
Ingredients
  • The lesser the better. The easier to pronounce the better
  • Stay on the lookout for these ingredients you don’t want, they are mostly fillers: Xylitol, glycerine, malitol, carrageenan, soy protein & soy isolate protein, multiple sugars, high fructose corn syrup, fractionated palm kernel oil, artificial sweeteners, inulin, agave syrup, soy lecithin, brown rice syrup, “natural sugars”
Protein Amount
  • Look for at least 15g of protein for the bar to be a true protein bar that can keep you satisfied for a couple of hours
Protein Sources
  • Top sources include hydrolyzed whey, whey isolate, micellar casein, casein though these are dairy based
  • Top vegan sources include pea + rice, hemp, chia, quinoa
Carbs
  • Net carbs should be less than the amount of protein (unless being used as a post workout bar) around 6-8g if goal is weight loss
  • Find net carbs by subtracting carb grams from fiber grams
Fiber
  • Look for at least 6g of fiber
Sugar
  • Look for lower amounts of sugar, 6-10g (more if this is a post workout bar
  • Make sure the sugar sources are natural and don’t include artificial sweeteners (ex. Sucralose) or lots of sugar alcohol (ex. Xylitol) as much as you can. Some people have sensitivities to that cause bloating or upset stomach
Calories
  • Aim for around 200-400 depending on if this is more for a snack or more meal replacement. Dropping less than 200 means that the bar will probably only last an hour or less depending on metabolism.
Sodium
  • Aim for 100mg or less
 
Best bars that I've tried
Quest (more so their natural line. The regular line is sweetened with sucralose so don’t consume them heavily though I looove the taste!)
Rise Bar
Tracy Anderson (it almost pains me to type it, but they’re tasty!)
Vega
Pure Protein
NuGo
Probar
Oatmega
Rx bar
Jimmy's Protein Bar
Lenny & Larry Cookie

 What are your favorite go to bars?

If you're looking to maximize your weight loss efforts through nutrition without eating the same boring foods or blowing your budget, let's schedule a time to chat! 
I provide customized meal planning/nutrition coaching based on your lifestyle, food preferences and budget. You'll get easy to follow recipes to build a catalog of foods you love and a grocery list so that you know exactly what to purchase!

http://bit.ly/mixchat

7 Comments

    Archives

    June 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

What our Clients are Saying      

Spring St NW
Atlanta, GA 30308

Coaching appointments are by appointment only.
​Please contact us for specific directions to the studio.
"I chose Tosha because she has a realistic approach to fitness. It's tailored to my lifestyle,
goals and needs.

I never thought that I would someday enjoy working out... But now I do!! Its fun.

A Tosha Bailey plan is never boring. She pushes my body to heights I didn't think were possible and the feeling of accomplishment makes me want to work even harder.

I love her approach to nutrition. Instead of telling me what I can't eat... She tells me what I can and it really works!
​
This is no quick weight loss plan.
Tosha has taught me how to have a healthy LIFE and that's a plan worth working for!"

--Kierra T.

Contact Us

Phone: 404-558-7854
​

Become a Mix-Fit! 
Be the first to find out about events, get recipes and the latest in fitness & nutrition. 
(coming soon!)

Privacy Policy