They look and taste like candy bars and somehow we have been duped into thinking that energy bars are a healthy snack food or worse yet, a meal replacement. Granted, they are convenient and they taste good.
The energy bar industry exploded with the advent of cheap soy and whey proteins that could be added to make a ‘high-protein’ bar. But there is nothing natural about the protein used in today’s energy bars.
Much of the soy in energy bars is genetically modified. Soy protein must be processed at very high temperatures, which is a process that creates toxins and denatures many of the proteins in soy, especially lysine, making them unavailable to be used as protein in the body.
Other major ingredients include high fructose corn syrup, or concentrated fruit juices, which are also high in fructose. This ingredient has been shown to be worse for test animals than sugar and it causes our insulin levels to spike as sugar overloads our systems. Natural flavors and piles of synthetic vitamins are thrown in so the bars can be called complete.
The energy bar phenomenon falsely capitalizes on a real human need for a convenient, nutrient-dense, concentrated travel food that keeps well and tastes good. Such commodities indeed exist, but not in an energy bar.
Try raw cheese, a fresh apple and a handful of almonds to provide truly natural carbohydrates, healthy fats, protein and fiber, without the unnatural by-products of the commercially prepared energy bars.
One of the most perfect natural high protein, high-energy snacks that could be taken most anywhere is beef jerky. Bought commercially, it can be full of preservatives and nitrites, but if you shop carefully you can find beef jerky without the chemicals. U.S. Wellness Meats makes a jerky that is all natural, no hormones and made from drug free grass fed beef. Check out their site at www.uswellnessmeats.com . They also offer a complete line of healthy, nutritious snacks that are made of real food.
Ignore the hype of the slick packaged energy bars. These bars are not healthy food. Only real food will build up your body, fuel your energy and enhance your health. Stick to that which is unprocessed, unpackaged and has few ingredients. Your body will thank you for it.
Are you tired of just wishing for better health? Overwhelmed when thinking about what to do next? Ready to make positive changes and live a more vibrant life? Invest in yourself. Women’s Health Advantage is ready to help.
For more information, please contact Jill Redfern RN, enzyme and digestive health specialist at 661-310-7373 or womenshealthadvantage@msn.com .