When individuals start to get in shape or reduce weight, they normally concentrate on working out more frequently and eating healthier. However, our active lifestyle typically makes it challenging to stay with healthy foods all the time, considering that meals require effort to make.
I know from personal experience that immediately after a long run or a tiring dance class, the last thing I want to do is prepare a meal. I am normally too tired and just am looking for something quick and easy to eat.
That is where protein bars are helpful. They normally include a variety of different nutrients, and they are small and portable so we can conveniently eat them when we are on the road. They are especially nice to have after a workout when we are not in the house to cook a healthy meal.
That said, there is a disadvantage to protein bars.
Some items contain just as many unhealthy ingredients as healthy ones. We might not be doing our bodies any favors, and sometimes, we may be no worse off eating a bag of candy.
Isolated Soy Protein
One typical component included in numerous protein bars is soy protein isolate. Some items even have this detailed as the main ingredient. Soy itself is not always bad, however many of the soybeans developed in the US have actually been genetically modified and can interfere with our hormones.
Furthermore, soy protein concentrate is processed, which makes it a completely different food than the plain soybean itself. Generally, it's a much better strategy to eat unprocessed foods in their taw or natural form as opposed to the processed option. Normally, processed foods include less nutrients anyway.
Eating an occasional protein bar with this processed protein source may not have a considerable impact. Nonetheless, in my view, I would not want to have one as a snack everyday after exercising - especially if I have alternative and better choices.
For that reason, with a multitude of supposed "healthy" bars on store shelves with soy protein, where does one shop for another choice? It is taxing to read every item label, and many supermarkets do not carry a big variety.
Here's Something Good
The good news is that there are an increasing amount of soy-free bars offered today, due in part to the paleo movement. Some paleo-friendly bars may not contain as much protein as traditional bars, however, oftentimes they have more than enough.
To learn more on paleo protein bars that do not contain soy, click here.
I know from personal experience that immediately after a long run or a tiring dance class, the last thing I want to do is prepare a meal. I am normally too tired and just am looking for something quick and easy to eat.
That is where protein bars are helpful. They normally include a variety of different nutrients, and they are small and portable so we can conveniently eat them when we are on the road. They are especially nice to have after a workout when we are not in the house to cook a healthy meal.
That said, there is a disadvantage to protein bars.
Some items contain just as many unhealthy ingredients as healthy ones. We might not be doing our bodies any favors, and sometimes, we may be no worse off eating a bag of candy.
Isolated Soy Protein
One typical component included in numerous protein bars is soy protein isolate. Some items even have this detailed as the main ingredient. Soy itself is not always bad, however many of the soybeans developed in the US have actually been genetically modified and can interfere with our hormones.
Furthermore, soy protein concentrate is processed, which makes it a completely different food than the plain soybean itself. Generally, it's a much better strategy to eat unprocessed foods in their taw or natural form as opposed to the processed option. Normally, processed foods include less nutrients anyway.
Eating an occasional protein bar with this processed protein source may not have a considerable impact. Nonetheless, in my view, I would not want to have one as a snack everyday after exercising - especially if I have alternative and better choices.
For that reason, with a multitude of supposed "healthy" bars on store shelves with soy protein, where does one shop for another choice? It is taxing to read every item label, and many supermarkets do not carry a big variety.
Here's Something Good
The good news is that there are an increasing amount of soy-free bars offered today, due in part to the paleo movement. Some paleo-friendly bars may not contain as much protein as traditional bars, however, oftentimes they have more than enough.
To learn more on paleo protein bars that do not contain soy, click here.
About the Author:
For more details on healthy protein bars that are low in carbohydrates, look at this