Soy-free protein bars
When people start to get in shape or drop weight, they generally concentrate on exercising more and eating healthier. Nevertheless, our busy lifestyle frequently makes it challenging to stay with healthy foods consistently, because meals can be time-consuming to prepare.
I know from my own experience that right after a long bike ride or a tiring dance class, the last thing I want to do is prepare a meal. I am typically too tired and just want something quick and simple to consume.
That is where protein bars are convenient. They usually contain a range of healthy nutrients, and they are small and easy to carry with you so we can conveniently eat them when we are on the road. They are especially good to have after a gym class when we are not in the house to cook a healthy meal. Paleo protein bars that contain a good amount of fat and carbs in addition to protein can keep you satiated for longer - and therefore be an easy way to save yourself some money!
That said, there is a downside to protein bars.
Some products contain just as much unhealthy ingredients as healthy ones. We might not be doing our bodies any favors, and in some cases, we might be no even worse off eating a bag of candy. In fact, if you take the time to read the labels on the back of many of the popular protein bars and products, you'll find that they contain only highly processed ingredients - some fitness enthusiasts (who tout a whole foods diet made up primarily of organic foods) do not even consider them "food".
Isolated Soy Protein
One typical ingredient found in many protein bars is soy protein isolate. Some items even have this noted as the first ingredient. Soy itself is not necessarily bad, but many of the soybeans developed in the United States have been genetically modified and can interfere with our bodily hormones.
On top of that, isolated soy protein is processed, which makes it a completely different food than the plain soybean itself. Overall, it's a better strategy to consume unprocessed foods in their taw or natural form as opposed to the processed alternative. Normally, processed foods contain less nutrition anyway.
Eating an occasional protein bar with this processed protein source may not have a significant effect. However, in my view, I would not prefer to eat one every day after working out - specifically if I have other easy choices.
Therefore, with a multitude of so-called "healthy" bars on supermarket shelves with soy protein, where does one shop for another choice? It is time-consuming to check out every product label, and many grocery stores do not carry a big selection.
The Good News
Fortunately, that there are an increasing number of soy-free bars available today, due in part to the paleo lifestyle concept. Some paleo-friendly bars may not include as much protein as standard bars, however, oftentimes they include more than enough.
I know from my own experience that right after a long bike ride or a tiring dance class, the last thing I want to do is prepare a meal. I am typically too tired and just want something quick and simple to consume.
That is where protein bars are convenient. They usually contain a range of healthy nutrients, and they are small and easy to carry with you so we can conveniently eat them when we are on the road. They are especially good to have after a gym class when we are not in the house to cook a healthy meal. Paleo protein bars that contain a good amount of fat and carbs in addition to protein can keep you satiated for longer - and therefore be an easy way to save yourself some money!
That said, there is a downside to protein bars.
Some products contain just as much unhealthy ingredients as healthy ones. We might not be doing our bodies any favors, and in some cases, we might be no even worse off eating a bag of candy. In fact, if you take the time to read the labels on the back of many of the popular protein bars and products, you'll find that they contain only highly processed ingredients - some fitness enthusiasts (who tout a whole foods diet made up primarily of organic foods) do not even consider them "food".
Isolated Soy Protein
One typical ingredient found in many protein bars is soy protein isolate. Some items even have this noted as the first ingredient. Soy itself is not necessarily bad, but many of the soybeans developed in the United States have been genetically modified and can interfere with our bodily hormones.
On top of that, isolated soy protein is processed, which makes it a completely different food than the plain soybean itself. Overall, it's a better strategy to consume unprocessed foods in their taw or natural form as opposed to the processed alternative. Normally, processed foods contain less nutrition anyway.
Eating an occasional protein bar with this processed protein source may not have a significant effect. However, in my view, I would not prefer to eat one every day after working out - specifically if I have other easy choices.
Therefore, with a multitude of so-called "healthy" bars on supermarket shelves with soy protein, where does one shop for another choice? It is time-consuming to check out every product label, and many grocery stores do not carry a big selection.
The Good News
Fortunately, that there are an increasing number of soy-free bars available today, due in part to the paleo lifestyle concept. Some paleo-friendly bars may not include as much protein as standard bars, however, oftentimes they include more than enough.