And you thought Special K bars were good?

bodyrocks365

the trans fat bothers me, but as a dessert they taste fantastic.

songbyrdsweet

THE best bar out there nutritionally is Quest Bar protein bars. HIGH in protein (this is important), gluten free, high fiber, low sugar, low net carbs, minimal ingredients!

And there are 2 different lines:
the original line uses NO sugar alcohols (but uses TRACE amounts of sucralose)
the all natural line uses NO artificial sweetener (but uses TRACE amounts of Stevia and a sugar alcohol called Erythritol)

But, here's the scoop on Erythitol:
"While Erythritol is classified as a sugar alcohol it is ENTIRELY different than all of the others. It does not upset stomachs, it contains only 0.2 calories per gram and has little to no impact on blood sugar."

Quest Bars are eaten by professional body builders and fitness competitors up to and through competition; that's how "clean" these bars are!

I love those! But they're so high in fiber I can only eat 1/2 at a time haha

HorrorChix89

This is why i don't want to know anything about the food I eat

chrisb75

I don't think that anybody can argue that they are healthy as in "nutritious". However, if you're craving something sweet and salty, grabbing one of the Special K Chocolatey Crunch bars, for example, at 90 calories and 2.5g fat is a helluva lot HEALTHIER (not healthy) than grabbing chocolate bar that's 250 calories and 12g of fat. Junk is junk, but there are better junk options.

I don't believe that is true at all. Just because something has less fat and calories doesn't mean its healthier than something with more fat and calories. If you eat a Lindt Swiss Dark Chocolate bar (6 pieces 105 calories 6g fat) you are also getting fiber and antioxidants from the chocolate. With a special K bar you are getting trans fats and chemicals. No thanks.

jamie1888

THE best bar out there nutritionally is Quest Bar protein bars. HIGH in protein (this is important), gluten free, high fiber, low sugar, low net carbs, minimal ingredients!

And there are 2 different lines:
the original line uses NO sugar alcohols (but uses TRACE amounts of sucralose)
the all natural line uses NO artificial sweetener (but uses TRACE amounts of Stevia and a sugar alcohol called Erythritol)

But, here's the scoop on Erythitol:
"While Erythritol is classified as a sugar alcohol it is ENTIRELY different than all of the others. It does not upset stomachs, it contains only 0.2 calories per gram and has little to no impact on blood sugar."

Quest Bars are eaten by professional body builders and fitness competitors up to and through competition; that's how "clean" these bars are!

I love those! But they're so high in fiber I can only eat 1/2 at a time haha

Really? The type of fiber in these bars isn't the type that causes bloating and stomach distress. (I don't know the correct nutrional info as to why). But, I do know that I have and do sometimes eat 2 or 3 bars in a day with no stomach issues.
And I can't eat half at a time; they are too good and I have to eat the entire thing!

ElizabethRoad

I don't see why this article was eye-opening. The ingredients are on the label.

cmayfield3

I never thought they were healthy. I did, however, think they were 90 calories and delicious. Still do.

The bars in question are the "meal" bars, 180 calories.

barenaud13

Processed crap is processed crap. On a college budget, if I want to eat healthy, I have to make some exceptions.

hesn92

I never thought they were "healthy" just a quick, easy, low calorie snack.

secretlobster

I never thought they were "healthy" just a quick, easy, low calorie snack.

What's the point of eating it then?

Buddhasmiracle

Someone please post a recipe for a homemade one....PLEASEEEEEEE

Hi there! Scroll through the recipes thread/search on protein bars. I think even in the last coupla weeks there have been some good uns.

fitnesspirateninja

Meh. I try to eat as healthy as possible, but I'm not going to judge someone for eating a Special K bar. I eat convenient crap sometimes, too. I don't like the taste of Special K bars, but I'd probably eat them once in awhile if I did.

Becky_Boodle

This is why processed food scares the hell out of me. If I don't make it, I seriously don't want to eat it.

Yep!!!!
I don't even like eating at restaurants or other people's cooking
I like knowing EXACTLY what went into making my food!!!

Sweet_Potato

I don't think that anybody can argue that they are healthy as in "nutritious". However, if you're craving something sweet and salty, grabbing one of the Special K Chocolatey Crunch bars, for example, at 90 calories and 2.5g fat is a helluva lot HEALTHIER (not healthy) than grabbing chocolate bar that's 250 calories and 12g of fat. Junk is junk, but there are better junk options.

I don't believe that is true at all. Just because something has less fat and calories doesn't mean its healthier than something with more fat and calories. If you eat a Lindt Swiss Dark Chocolate bar (6 pieces 105 calories 6g fat) you are also getting fiber and antioxidants from the chocolate. With a special K bar you are getting trans fats and chemicals. No thanks.

Yep. I also think the dark chocolate bar is a lot more satisfying.

Carolyn_79

I love these and just finished eating one.

Apple Oatmeal Chocolate Protein Bars-

Ingredients:2 cups rolled oats, 1/2 cup natural nut butter, 1 tbsp coconut oil, 1 tbsp ground flaxseed, 4 scoops chocolate protein powder, 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce (add more if mix is too dry).

Directions: line 8" square baking dish with parchment paper, combine all ingredients in a medium size bowl, pour mixture into lined dish and smooth with the back of a spoon until even, place in freezer for 30 minutes. Remove and cut into 6 bars.

Information per serving: 330 calories, 16g fat, 30 mg cholesterol, 45 mg sodium, 28g carbs, 6g fiber, 5g sugar, 22g protein, 1.5 mg iron. (Recipe from Oxygen magazine).

(If you find that too many calories, cut into 12 bars instead and it's only 165 cals.)

Hernandeak11

I never thought they were healthy. I did, however, think they were 90 calories and delicious. Still do.

I'm in the same boat on this one.

However, I do think the whole idea of the "Special K Diet" is complete nonsense

happyprettygirl

i used to buy them because of their low calories, but honestly i have never been satisfied with just one. they're yummy but aren't the least bit filling so i don't bother with them anymore. even eating a whole box, i couldn't get as full as i would eating 100 calories of real food.

tinamina78

I agree that less processed is better, but sometimes you don't have time/money/desire to make your own but want something that tastes sweet... I like Luna bars. Here's a link to their Nutritional information.

http://www.lunabar.com/products/ingredients/

I think the Clif Bar company does a good job balancing nutrition and taste... I LOVE the White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Luna bars. They're delicious and filling and I think not too bad for ya.

But, as has been said here before: to each his own.

(I saw Kind bars listed... those are awesome too!!)

tbellamy1

I dont eat special K bars but I eat a fiber one bar just about everyday. Any thoughts on those? I love them because the cure my chocolate and sweet cravings. And they keep me full.

0AmyMarie0

I agree that they are crap, but I prefer the 90 calorie crap as a sweet treat vs the 500 calorie double chocolate chip brownie I used to eat that was loaded with even more fat.

mellabyte

They're not really protein bars, so this may be slightly OT, but I love Larabars. They rarely have more than six ingredients and they're yummy. ie, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: Dates, Peanuts, Chocolate Chips (Unsweetened Chocolate, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Vanilla), Sea Salt - that's it.

They are higher in sugar, but if you're craving something sweet, they're much better for you than a snickers bar. I usually have half before Kung Fu and half right after.

XXXMinnieXXX

Wow. I did loose a lot of weight eating them, but don't anymore x

happyprettygirl

They're not really protein bars, so this may be slightly OT, but I love Larabars. They rarely have more than six ingredients and they're yummy. ie, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip: Dates, Peanuts, Chocolate Chips (Unsweetened Chocolate, Sugar, Cocoa Butter, Vanilla), Sea Salt - that's it.

They are higher in sugar, but if you're craving something sweet, they're much better for you than a snickers bar. I usually have half before Kung Fu and half right after.

i agree, lara bars are delicious! i love all of the flavors, but the chocolate chip cookie dough ones are to die for! i love how they only have a few ingredients as well.

SordidEuphemism

If you're looking for home-made, filling, portable snacking?

http://www.foodnetwork.com/good-eats/power-trip/index.html

Try any of the bars Alton makes on this show. I've tried them all and they're wonderful.

vs1023

This is why processed food scares the hell out of me. If I don't make it, I seriously don't want to eat it.

Same. Though I have my moments of insanity where I'm very busy and grab something like a protein bar or some kashi cereal. I would rather cook all my own food though and mostly do.

fitnesspirateninja

I agree that they are crap, but I prefer the 90 calorie crap as a sweet treat vs the 500 calorie double chocolate chip brownie I used to eat that was loaded with even more fat.

This.

Nobody should feel guilty about not being able to achieve magical unicorn healthy living status.

peace_pigeon

Ditto the Larabars- they are fantastic! Gluten free, all natural, super tasty.

litatura

I don't think that anybody can argue that they are healthy as in "nutritious". However, if you're craving something sweet and salty, grabbing one of the Special K Chocolatey Crunch bars, for example, at 90 calories and 2.5g fat is a helluva lot HEALTHIER (not healthy) than grabbing chocolate bar that's 250 calories and 12g of fat. Junk is junk, but there are better junk options.

I don't believe that is true at all. Just because something has less fat and calories doesn't mean its healthier than something with more fat and calories. If you eat a Lindt Swiss Dark Chocolate bar (6 pieces 105 calories 6g fat) you are also getting fiber and antioxidants from the chocolate. With a special K bar you are getting trans fats and chemicals. No thanks.

Read what I wrote - I was talking about a regular chocolate bar like Kit Kat or Coffee Crisp. On top of being higher calories/fats it has a lot of trans fats and chemicals as the Special K bars (actually more). So, yes, the Special K bar is the healthier choice. But like I said, junk is junk and that there are healthier junk options. I just don't think that the Special K bars are the devil because often times, they are the lesser of two evils.

tbellamy1

bump

moksumike

Larabars!

YES!!