If you've ever had days when you were so busy that there was no time to eat, you will know how handy a snack bar is. You can pop it into your bag before you leave the house and you'll have something to nibble on while you're running to the next meeting. You can keep one in your desk drawer to get you through the morning until you can go on your lunch break. Having some on hand for the kids will stave off their hunger pangs when you're driving somewhere. Healthy snack bars have become an indispensable part of modern life.
The difficult part is to choose from the myriad of products available in your local supermarket. Not all of the products that purport to be good for you actually are. They may have a high sodium, sugar or fat content, for example. In order to help you choose the best product, you simply need to look at the labels with a little extra care and a discerning eye.
One of the first things to look for is whether the product is a snack bar or whether it is an energy bar. You may think that there isn't much difference between the two. However, energy bars aim to be a quick source of energy. They are suitable for athletes and people who go hiking, but not for a quick way to fill that that hole in your stomach.
The reason is that energy-providing products are extra high in calories. For sportspeople or those with a very active lifestyle, this shouldn't be a problem, since they burn off those calories in no time. If you munch away on these treats while you're sitting at a desk, however, you may soon find yourself packing on the pounds. A good guideline for those not wanting to put on weight is to choose products that contain less than 230 calories.
Another guideline to look for is the protein content of the product. You need a product that has a high percentage of protein in comparison to carbohydrates. This creates a good balance and protein helps you to feel fuller for longer. A general guideline is to go for a product that contains no less than five grams of protein. Take care, though, that your high-protein snack contains enough fiber and not too much fat.
Another essential ingredient to look for is fiber. Because fiber takes a long time to digest, it keeps you fuller for longer. It also helps relieve and prevent constipation. Even though they are hard to find, try to buy a product that has three or more grams of fiber.
Also check the fat and sugar content of the product. These ingredients are added to improve the taste, but they're not necessarily very healthy. A little bit of fat will help the energy from the snack last longer, but too much, especially in the form of saturated fat, has many health risks. The same goes for sugar, which is great for a quick burst of energy but not so great for anybody who might be at risk of diabetes.
One of the best ways to make sure that you're eating healthy snack bars is to take the time to make your own. Find a good recipe and experiment with the ingredients that you want. You can add more fruit and less sugar, for instance.
The difficult part is to choose from the myriad of products available in your local supermarket. Not all of the products that purport to be good for you actually are. They may have a high sodium, sugar or fat content, for example. In order to help you choose the best product, you simply need to look at the labels with a little extra care and a discerning eye.
One of the first things to look for is whether the product is a snack bar or whether it is an energy bar. You may think that there isn't much difference between the two. However, energy bars aim to be a quick source of energy. They are suitable for athletes and people who go hiking, but not for a quick way to fill that that hole in your stomach.
The reason is that energy-providing products are extra high in calories. For sportspeople or those with a very active lifestyle, this shouldn't be a problem, since they burn off those calories in no time. If you munch away on these treats while you're sitting at a desk, however, you may soon find yourself packing on the pounds. A good guideline for those not wanting to put on weight is to choose products that contain less than 230 calories.
Another guideline to look for is the protein content of the product. You need a product that has a high percentage of protein in comparison to carbohydrates. This creates a good balance and protein helps you to feel fuller for longer. A general guideline is to go for a product that contains no less than five grams of protein. Take care, though, that your high-protein snack contains enough fiber and not too much fat.
Another essential ingredient to look for is fiber. Because fiber takes a long time to digest, it keeps you fuller for longer. It also helps relieve and prevent constipation. Even though they are hard to find, try to buy a product that has three or more grams of fiber.
Also check the fat and sugar content of the product. These ingredients are added to improve the taste, but they're not necessarily very healthy. A little bit of fat will help the energy from the snack last longer, but too much, especially in the form of saturated fat, has many health risks. The same goes for sugar, which is great for a quick burst of energy but not so great for anybody who might be at risk of diabetes.
One of the best ways to make sure that you're eating healthy snack bars is to take the time to make your own. Find a good recipe and experiment with the ingredients that you want. You can add more fruit and less sugar, for instance.
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