Diet bars are designed to give you the right amount of nutrients to boost your energy levels while keeping their calorie count low. This isn't an easy task. Some taste really good, but are loaded with preservatives. Others don't taste all that great, so the diet bars are dipped in a low-calorie chocolate or yogurt type coating. When looking for a quality diet bar, there will always be a trade off. The better quality diet bars will usually be higher in calories for the simple fact that they are made with higher-quality natural ingredients.
What to Look for
When you are dieting or just trying to eat healthy. There are some things you need to consider. First off, the more natural a food is, the easier it will be for the body to utilize its nutrients. The second important point, is that if you get calories from a natural source, they will also be accompanied by the fuel you need to burn them. Watch for diet bars that use natural sugars. Honey, molasses and beet sugar are easily assimilated into the body and will give you a short boost of energy. When reading the ingredients on the packaging of a diet bar, look for words like whole grain, natural sweeteners and flavors. Avoid preservatives and additives.
Depending on what you are trying to accomplish, look at the level of carbohydrates. If you are looking for a boost of energy, then you would want slightly more carbs. If you are looking for extra nutrients because you missed a meal, lower carbs would be OK. If you are heading to the gym or a ready for your daily walk, look for an energy bar with a little extra protein and more carbohydrates.
Common Pitfalls
Sometimes to get a good diet bar, you have to allow for some extra calories, but don't let it get out of hand. A good diet bar with natural ingredients will add some extra calories, but it shouldn't be an excessive amount.
Avoid artificial sweeteners. They can throw off the way the body uses insulin and start a cycle that could eventually lead to diabetes. Some are also made from known toxins, such as wood alcohol. Others are processed in such a way that they can become toxic.
Avoid processed or refined ingredients. They are hard for the body to digest and the body has a difficult time utilizing the nutrients. Synthetic forms of vitamins and minerals are very hard for the body to assimilate and sometimes travel through the system unused. Stay away from too many oils and fats. Blended oils are OK, but if you're dieting or trying to change your diet, it's best to avoid them.
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