In many cases, snacks that are advertised as healthy are filled with oils, sugars and numerous other artificial ingredients that are anything but nutritious. This is why it is essential to carefully read the ingredient list on any package of healthy snack bars that one is thinking of purchasing. A snack of this type that is truly healthy should have no processed ingredients, oils or added sugars.
When looking for such products, one must first take into consideration whether or not the brand contains ingredients made from whole foods. The latter include whole grains, fruits and nuts. High fructose corn syrup and other artificial ingredients offer nothing in the way of health benefits regardless of how attractively the product is boxed.
Another wise course of action is for an individual to check the nutrition panel to determine how many calories in the snack bar are from fat. If more than 30 percent of the bar's calories are from fat, there are probably better choices available. Bars that contain partially hydrogenated oil should be avoided as well, as this ingredient typically indicates the presence of trans fats, which are particularly bad for heart health.
Protein content is important as well. However, the amount of protein for which one should look depends on how the bar is being used. If it is being consumed with other foods, one should opt for a brand that contains at least 5 grams of protein. If the person is using such bars to replace certain meals, a brand that contains as many as 12 grams of protein is appropriate.
How the bar is being used is also important with regard to calories. Once again, if the bar will be used to replace a meal then one should look for a bar that contains up to 400 calories. However, if intended as a healthy snack, bars with 150 calories or less should be selected.
It is essential not overlook fiber when selecting healthy snack bars. This is because if one consumes an inadequate amount of fiber he or she may develop health problems. For this reason, choosing a bar with a minimum of three fiber grams is a wise course of action. Fiber is generally listed as a subcategory under total carbohydrates on the product's ingredient panel.
Bars that are excessively high in sugar should always be avoided. Numerous individuals believe that it is only important to watch fat content in order to follow a healthy diet. However, foods that are high in sugar are equally as unhealthy as high-fat fare.
Fortunately, consumers will find that numerous manufacturers sell low glycemic bars. These snacks contain a broad range of nutrients and they are not packed with sugars or carbohydrates. Additionally, certain brands add extra minerals and vitamins to the ingredients of their products. For instance, if the shopper is a man who is interested in building muscle, he can choose a bar containing extra iron. A postmenopausal woman may prefer a bar to which extra calcium is added. A nutritionist can offer helpful tips based on one's gender and age.
These types of snacks can be bought online or at conventional health food stores. However, it is wise to comparison shop before making a final choice. Most individuals are pleased to find that with a bit of time and effort, truly healthy snack bars can be located.
When looking for such products, one must first take into consideration whether or not the brand contains ingredients made from whole foods. The latter include whole grains, fruits and nuts. High fructose corn syrup and other artificial ingredients offer nothing in the way of health benefits regardless of how attractively the product is boxed.
Another wise course of action is for an individual to check the nutrition panel to determine how many calories in the snack bar are from fat. If more than 30 percent of the bar's calories are from fat, there are probably better choices available. Bars that contain partially hydrogenated oil should be avoided as well, as this ingredient typically indicates the presence of trans fats, which are particularly bad for heart health.
Protein content is important as well. However, the amount of protein for which one should look depends on how the bar is being used. If it is being consumed with other foods, one should opt for a brand that contains at least 5 grams of protein. If the person is using such bars to replace certain meals, a brand that contains as many as 12 grams of protein is appropriate.
How the bar is being used is also important with regard to calories. Once again, if the bar will be used to replace a meal then one should look for a bar that contains up to 400 calories. However, if intended as a healthy snack, bars with 150 calories or less should be selected.
It is essential not overlook fiber when selecting healthy snack bars. This is because if one consumes an inadequate amount of fiber he or she may develop health problems. For this reason, choosing a bar with a minimum of three fiber grams is a wise course of action. Fiber is generally listed as a subcategory under total carbohydrates on the product's ingredient panel.
Bars that are excessively high in sugar should always be avoided. Numerous individuals believe that it is only important to watch fat content in order to follow a healthy diet. However, foods that are high in sugar are equally as unhealthy as high-fat fare.
Fortunately, consumers will find that numerous manufacturers sell low glycemic bars. These snacks contain a broad range of nutrients and they are not packed with sugars or carbohydrates. Additionally, certain brands add extra minerals and vitamins to the ingredients of their products. For instance, if the shopper is a man who is interested in building muscle, he can choose a bar containing extra iron. A postmenopausal woman may prefer a bar to which extra calcium is added. A nutritionist can offer helpful tips based on one's gender and age.
These types of snacks can be bought online or at conventional health food stores. However, it is wise to comparison shop before making a final choice. Most individuals are pleased to find that with a bit of time and effort, truly healthy snack bars can be located.
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