When people want to get in shape or reduce weight, they typically concentrate on working out more often and eating better. Nevertheless, our busy way of living often makes it difficult to stay with healthy foods consistently, since meals can be time-consuming to make.
I know from my own experience that immediately after a long bike ride or a tiring dance class, the last thing I want to do is prepare a meal. I am usually too tired and simply am looking for something quick and easy to eat.
That is where protein bars come in convenient. They usually include a variety of healthy nutrients, and they are small and portable so we can easily eat them while out running errands. They are especially good to have after an exercise routine when we are not in the house to cook a healthy meal.
That said, there is a disadvantage to protein bars.
Some products pack in just as many unhealthy components as healthy ones. We may not be eating anything beneficial, and in many cases, we may be no worse off consuming a bag of candy.
Isolated Soy Protein
One common component found in lots of protein bars is soy protein isolate. Some products even have this noted as the first ingredient. Soy itself is not always bad, but most of the soybeans grown in the United States have been genetically modified and can interfere with our bodily hormones.
Furthermore, soy protein isolate is processed, which makes it an entirely different food than the unprocessed soybean alone. Overall, it's a better strategy to eat unrefined foods in their taw or natural form as opposed to the processed alternative. Typically, processed foods consist of less nutrition anyway.
Eating an occasional protein bar with this processed protein source might not have a considerable effect. However, in my opinion, I would not prefer to have one as a snack everyday after working out - specifically if I have alternative and easy options.
Therefore, with a multitude of so-called "healthy" bars on store shelves with soy protein, where does one go for an alternative option? It is taxing to read every product label, and many grocery stores do not carry a big selection.
Here's Something Good
Fortunately, that there are an increasing amount of soy-free bars offered today, due in part to the paleo movement. Some paleo-friendly bars might not include as much protein as standard products, but in many cases they contain more than enough.
To learn more on paleo protein bars that don't contain soy, click here.
I know from my own experience that immediately after a long bike ride or a tiring dance class, the last thing I want to do is prepare a meal. I am usually too tired and simply am looking for something quick and easy to eat.
That is where protein bars come in convenient. They usually include a variety of healthy nutrients, and they are small and portable so we can easily eat them while out running errands. They are especially good to have after an exercise routine when we are not in the house to cook a healthy meal.
That said, there is a disadvantage to protein bars.
Some products pack in just as many unhealthy components as healthy ones. We may not be eating anything beneficial, and in many cases, we may be no worse off consuming a bag of candy.
Isolated Soy Protein
One common component found in lots of protein bars is soy protein isolate. Some products even have this noted as the first ingredient. Soy itself is not always bad, but most of the soybeans grown in the United States have been genetically modified and can interfere with our bodily hormones.
Furthermore, soy protein isolate is processed, which makes it an entirely different food than the unprocessed soybean alone. Overall, it's a better strategy to eat unrefined foods in their taw or natural form as opposed to the processed alternative. Typically, processed foods consist of less nutrition anyway.
Eating an occasional protein bar with this processed protein source might not have a considerable effect. However, in my opinion, I would not prefer to have one as a snack everyday after working out - specifically if I have alternative and easy options.
Therefore, with a multitude of so-called "healthy" bars on store shelves with soy protein, where does one go for an alternative option? It is taxing to read every product label, and many grocery stores do not carry a big selection.
Here's Something Good
Fortunately, that there are an increasing amount of soy-free bars offered today, due in part to the paleo movement. Some paleo-friendly bars might not include as much protein as standard products, but in many cases they contain more than enough.
To learn more on paleo protein bars that don't contain soy, click here.
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