Have you heard of picky bars? While I believe in food first, I do believe that there is room in our diets for bars. However, not all protein and granola bars are created equally, and all of them do not fit well in our daily diets. Those with the right ingredients and nutrition facts panel have a place.
Picky bars are great for athletes and those just looking for an easy mid morning or afternoon snack to hold them over until their next meal. These bars have a 4:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio which is great for athletes pre or post workout. Carbohydrates provide fuel for our bodies before we work out. When we eat carbohydrates our bodies store the glucose (which is the main source of fuel for our cells) that we are not currently using as glycogen (the storage form of glucose). As our blood sugar levels fall, glycogen releases more glucose into our blood to keep our energy levels up. Therefore, carbohydrates are important after a workout to replenish these glycogen stores and to keep our energy levels up. The protein in these bars supports muscle growth and recovery. When we exercise and play sports muscle is constantly broken down which is why it is important that we consume protein for muscle repair.
When choosing a bar as a snack I recommend they have around 200 calories, at least 3 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber. Picky bar checks all of the boxes on my bar checklist! These bars all have real and recognizable ingredients which is something I am a huge fan of! These bars are also gluten, dairy and soy free making them great for those with wheat, soy and milk allergies and intolerances!
My favorite flavor is Ah Fudge Nuts. What is yours?
Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and products reviewed in this post are highlighted because I like them and want my readers to know about them. I have not been compensated for mentioning any specific products, brands or retailers in this post.
Leave a Reply