The nutrition barcraze is incredibly popular and has been for the last few decades. It’s easy to see why, though. Each bar includes all sorts of good for you ingredients that taste good together and don’t ruin your diet. Bars can be found in just about any variation and any combination of ingredients. From meal replacements to energy boosting bars, there is a bar that fits just about any need. However, these bars can also be packed with hidden ingredients that are totally horrible for your body and general health. When you are out in the store choosing the bar that is right for you, keep these things in mind.
- The number of ingredients- Some nutritional bars can be packed with preservatives and ingredients that are added as fillers and doesn’t really add anything good to your diet. Typically, when it comes to ingredient panels, the first ingredient on the list represents the majority of the product. Secondly, if the bar has more than 5 ingredients, it’s likely a poor option.
- The amount of sugar- Like any snack food, manufacturers want it to taste good for the consumer. When it comes to snacks, that usually means a lot of salt or a lot of sugar. For nutritional bars, it usually means way too much sugar. Be sure to check out the sugar amount to make sure you aren’t consuming too much sugar each time you chow down.
- Avoid oils like corn, canola, and soy- Processed oils are absolutely useless in nutritional bars. Since these oils are highly processed, they can cause inflammation as well as raise your risk of heart disease. Opt for bars that have healthy fats in them such as coconut oil, peanuts, chia seeds, and walnuts. They will actually benefit you.
- Pay attention to the type of bar you’re eating- Some nutritional bars are meal replacements while others are intended as pre-workout snacks. If you aren’t careful, you could be consuming a high amount of calories with a pre-workout bar while lying on the couch. Ensure that you are eating the right bar at the right time.
Nutritional bars are great for many people for various reasons. Whether you are eating them so that you can avoid the drive through during your morning commute or you’re eating them to make sure you have enough calories to carry you through your workout, nutritional bars can be helpful. As long as you pay attention, limit the sugar and processed oils, and the ingredients panel; you will love them!