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What to Look for and What to Avoid: Read the Labels Carefully
Whole grains: there are a vast variety of whole grains being used today ranging from oats to whole wheat flour to buckwheat to corn. The list is endless. Whole grains are a healthy source of carbohydrates and fiber and are essential in our diets. However, there are various stages of processing, so one needs to avoid fully refined whole grain.
Nuts and seeds: They contain good fats and are excellent sources of protein and fiber. Needless to say, they must be included in the daily diet. Avoid any additional fat that may be listed in the ingredient list.
Sweeteners: Look for bars that contain dry fruits as they act as natural sweeteners and are loaded with vitamins and minerals. Avoid those that contain high sucrose or fructose such as corn syrups. Dates, raisins and berries are commonly found in energy bars. However, read the labels carefully to check the sugar content.
The Different Kinds of Bars
Energy bars can be defined by their ingredients and the nutrients they provide -
Protein Bars
Some protein bars are specifically designed to help you build muscles. Therefore, they are protein rich so that they help the muscles to recover after exercise.
Endurance Bars
Most endurance bars are meant to be taken before a long workout. Compared to a protein bar they have more carbohydrates to give you energy.
Activity Bars
These are similar to endurance bars and focus on sustaining energy. They are ideal for outdoor exercises.
Organic Bars
These are a new range of energy bars that aim at providing energy in its natural form. They do not contain artificial sweeteners or protein, but instead have simple ingredients that speak for themselves.
The Truth about Energy Bars: Are they Really Good for You? - NDTV Food
Whole grains: there are a vast variety of whole grains being used today ranging from oats to whole wheat flour to buckwheat to corn. The list is endless. Whole grains are a healthy source of carbohydrates and fiber and are essential in our diets. However, there are various stages of processing, so one needs to avoid fully refined whole grain.
Nuts and seeds: They contain good fats and are excellent sources of protein and fiber. Needless to say, they must be included in the daily diet. Avoid any additional fat that may be listed in the ingredient list.
Sweeteners: Look for bars that contain dry fruits as they act as natural sweeteners and are loaded with vitamins and minerals. Avoid those that contain high sucrose or fructose such as corn syrups. Dates, raisins and berries are commonly found in energy bars. However, read the labels carefully to check the sugar content.
The Different Kinds of Bars
Energy bars can be defined by their ingredients and the nutrients they provide -
Protein Bars
Some protein bars are specifically designed to help you build muscles. Therefore, they are protein rich so that they help the muscles to recover after exercise.
Endurance Bars
Most endurance bars are meant to be taken before a long workout. Compared to a protein bar they have more carbohydrates to give you energy.
Activity Bars
These are similar to endurance bars and focus on sustaining energy. They are ideal for outdoor exercises.
Organic Bars
These are a new range of energy bars that aim at providing energy in its natural form. They do not contain artificial sweeteners or protein, but instead have simple ingredients that speak for themselves.
The Truth about Energy Bars: Are they Really Good for You? - NDTV Food