They seem like a logical choice after exercising. Grab a protein bar and refuel yourself. We’re told they are healthy, so why not make the healthy choice if we are taking care of our bodies by working out? The problem is this. Those protein bars are not as healthy as you believe.
A recent study out of the United Kingdom by the Protectivity insurance company found that many of the protein bars they tested in compiling their Fitness Food Index had more saturated fat and sugar than a Krispy Kreme donut!
Two of the more popular protein bars were specifically called out in this index.
PowerBar’s Protein Bar 30% Lemon Cheesecake was found to have 31 grams of protein and 20 grams of carbohydrates. Of those carbohydrates, 19.5 of them came from sugar!
Then there was the Maximuscle Prograin Flapjack Berry protein bar. This popularly touted “healthy” protein bar boasted 22 grams of protein and an incredible 41 grams of carbohydrates.
In a side-by-side comparison, a Snickers candy bar was found to contain 4.5 grams of saturated fat, 33 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of protein. This was all provided in a candy bar that delivered 250 calories to the consumer. In contrast, the Luna protein bar – the supposed “healthier” choice – had the same number of calories
Sugar, in high doses, is terrible for you. Once consumed, our livers start transforming sugar into fat, and our pancreas begins to produce insulin to counter the sugar. Chronically elevated insulin levels are a factor in the development of diabetes and some forms of cancer.
Healthier alternatives to these commercially promoted protein bars are:
- Raw nuts such as macadamias and pecans
- Pumpkin seeds
- Avocado slices
- Dehydrated veggie chips made at home
- Cheese made from raw, grass-fed milk
- A cup of homemade bone broth
- Vegetables, cooked, raw or fermented
- Yogurt or kefir made from raw organic grass-fed milk
So, the next time you workout, don’t reach for the sugary protein bar, do something healthy for your body and go all-natural! Your body will thank you for it.
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