When people are looking to get in shape or slim down, they normally concentrate on exercising more and eating healthier. However, our busy lifestyle often makes it challenging to stick to healthy foods consistently, since meals require effort to make.
I know from my own experience that immediately after a long run or an exhausting dance class, the last thing I want to do is prepare a meal. I am typically too worn out and simply want something quick and simple to consume.
That is where protein bars come in useful. They typically contain a range of healthy nutrients, and they are small and easy to carry with you so we can easily eat them on the go. They are particularly good to have after a gym class when we are not in the house to cook a healthy meal.
That said, there is a drawback to protein bars.
Some products contain just as many unhealthy components as healthy ones. We may not be eating anything beneficial, and in many cases, we might be no even worse off consuming a bag of candy.
Isolated Soy Protein
One common component included in lots of protein bars is soy protein isolate. Some items even have this detailed as the main ingredient. Soy itself is not always bad, however most of the soybeans developed in the United States have actually been genetically modified and can interfere with our bodily hormones.
In addition, soy protein concentrate is processed, which makes it an entirely different food than the unprocessed soybean alone. Generally, it's a better strategy to eat unprocessed foods in their taw or natural form as opposed to the processed option. Typically, processed foods include less nutrients anyway.
Eating an occasional protein bar with this processed protein source may not have a significant effect. Nonetheless, in my opinion, I would not want to have one as a snack everyday after working out - especially if I have other easy options.
For that reason, with a multitude of so-called "healthy" bars on supermarket shelves with soy protein, where does one go for another choice? It is tedious to check out every item label, and lots of grocery stores do not carry a big selection.
Here's Something Good
The good news is that there are a growing amount of soy-free bars available today, due in part to the paleo movement. Some paleo-friendly bars might not contain as much protein as standard bars, but in many cases they contain plenty.
For more information on paleo protein bars that don't contain soy, click here.
I know from my own experience that immediately after a long run or an exhausting dance class, the last thing I want to do is prepare a meal. I am typically too worn out and simply want something quick and simple to consume.
That is where protein bars come in useful. They typically contain a range of healthy nutrients, and they are small and easy to carry with you so we can easily eat them on the go. They are particularly good to have after a gym class when we are not in the house to cook a healthy meal.
That said, there is a drawback to protein bars.
Some products contain just as many unhealthy components as healthy ones. We may not be eating anything beneficial, and in many cases, we might be no even worse off consuming a bag of candy.
Isolated Soy Protein
One common component included in lots of protein bars is soy protein isolate. Some items even have this detailed as the main ingredient. Soy itself is not always bad, however most of the soybeans developed in the United States have actually been genetically modified and can interfere with our bodily hormones.
In addition, soy protein concentrate is processed, which makes it an entirely different food than the unprocessed soybean alone. Generally, it's a better strategy to eat unprocessed foods in their taw or natural form as opposed to the processed option. Typically, processed foods include less nutrients anyway.
Eating an occasional protein bar with this processed protein source may not have a significant effect. Nonetheless, in my opinion, I would not want to have one as a snack everyday after working out - especially if I have other easy options.
For that reason, with a multitude of so-called "healthy" bars on supermarket shelves with soy protein, where does one go for another choice? It is tedious to check out every item label, and lots of grocery stores do not carry a big selection.
Here's Something Good
The good news is that there are a growing amount of soy-free bars available today, due in part to the paleo movement. Some paleo-friendly bars might not contain as much protein as standard bars, but in many cases they contain plenty.
For more information on paleo protein bars that don't contain soy, click here.
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