Choosing the best energy bars can be a daunting endeavor for many individuals. This is largely due to the fact that there are so many options on today's market. Below are some facts that may make the selection process a bit easier:
With the dangers of a high-fat diet being well known to most individuals, most people prefer brands that do not contain generous amounts of fat. However, a bar with a little fat should be selected, so that one will feel satisfied after its consumption. The most important thing to consider when determining the fat content is the source of the fat.
For example, if the nutrition panel lists pumpkin seeds, organic oats or peanut butter first, which are ingredients often found in snack bars, the fat the bar contains is probably from healthy sources. Similarly, if the ingredient panel lists products such as glucose syrups or whey proteins, the source of the fat is most likely unhealthy.
Regarding carbohydrates, consumers should think about how they will be using the bar. For example, if the person is planning a strenuous workout or preparing to run a race, a brand containing as many as 40 carbohydrate grams is suitable. However, if the person is looking for a healthy snack to avoid craving junk food before his or her next meal, a low carbohydrate bar is a more appropriate choice.
Protein is also an important consideration when choosing a bar. Although brands with excessively high amounts of protein, such as 30 grams per bar, are usually not necessary unless one is using it to refuel after a strenuous weightlifting session. However, it is good to choose an option that contains approximately 8 to 10 protein grams.
It is also wise to beware of sugar alcohols. This ingredient is often used in snack bars that are advertised as sugar-free. However, sugar alcohols can cause GI distress, such as uncomfortable gas and bloating.
Regardless of how one will be using the bar, high-fiber options are usually a good choice. This is due to the fact that high-fiber diets are essentially always healthy and it rarely does any harm for a person to consume extra fiber. In addition, one can safely assume that the majority of brands that advertise high-fiber are made by health conscious manufacturers. This is because snacks that contain junk food ingredients or high amounts of sugar rarely contain fiber as well.
Fortified bars are also a good option if one is interested in consuming an extra amount of certain vitamins. For example, some manufacturers add vitamin C to their products, while others fortify them with iron or antioxidants. This decision will largely depend on one's personal taste and preferences.
When selecting a brand, shoppers should look for options that list nuts, whole grains or other foods as one of the primary ingredients. This is due to the fact that whichever ingredients are first on the nutrition panel list are those that are found in the bar in the highest amounts. The best energy bars are ultimately those that feature a balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, as well as a significant amount of unprocessed, whole foods.
With the dangers of a high-fat diet being well known to most individuals, most people prefer brands that do not contain generous amounts of fat. However, a bar with a little fat should be selected, so that one will feel satisfied after its consumption. The most important thing to consider when determining the fat content is the source of the fat.
For example, if the nutrition panel lists pumpkin seeds, organic oats or peanut butter first, which are ingredients often found in snack bars, the fat the bar contains is probably from healthy sources. Similarly, if the ingredient panel lists products such as glucose syrups or whey proteins, the source of the fat is most likely unhealthy.
Regarding carbohydrates, consumers should think about how they will be using the bar. For example, if the person is planning a strenuous workout or preparing to run a race, a brand containing as many as 40 carbohydrate grams is suitable. However, if the person is looking for a healthy snack to avoid craving junk food before his or her next meal, a low carbohydrate bar is a more appropriate choice.
Protein is also an important consideration when choosing a bar. Although brands with excessively high amounts of protein, such as 30 grams per bar, are usually not necessary unless one is using it to refuel after a strenuous weightlifting session. However, it is good to choose an option that contains approximately 8 to 10 protein grams.
It is also wise to beware of sugar alcohols. This ingredient is often used in snack bars that are advertised as sugar-free. However, sugar alcohols can cause GI distress, such as uncomfortable gas and bloating.
Regardless of how one will be using the bar, high-fiber options are usually a good choice. This is due to the fact that high-fiber diets are essentially always healthy and it rarely does any harm for a person to consume extra fiber. In addition, one can safely assume that the majority of brands that advertise high-fiber are made by health conscious manufacturers. This is because snacks that contain junk food ingredients or high amounts of sugar rarely contain fiber as well.
Fortified bars are also a good option if one is interested in consuming an extra amount of certain vitamins. For example, some manufacturers add vitamin C to their products, while others fortify them with iron or antioxidants. This decision will largely depend on one's personal taste and preferences.
When selecting a brand, shoppers should look for options that list nuts, whole grains or other foods as one of the primary ingredients. This is due to the fact that whichever ingredients are first on the nutrition panel list are those that are found in the bar in the highest amounts. The best energy bars are ultimately those that feature a balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, as well as a significant amount of unprocessed, whole foods.
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