question about protein bars ~ advice please!!!

T_Marie4

hey all - I've never purchased protein bars before, so I am impressed and slightly discouraged at the selection. I am just starting to fill my cupboard with meals to go along with Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 meal plan. She suggested Lara Bars or 22 days bars - well, the 22 days I can only find online and I don't want to spend that much $$$ - and the Lara Bars seem to contain quite a bit of sugar. Is the sugar content a natural source then and something I don't need to worry about? I couldn't imagine Jillian suggesting anything that wasn't acceptable in regards to nutrition. I purchased the Pure Protein bars, as they are on sale 10/$10 and I had coupons that made them free! Can't beat FREE! But really, what drew me to those particular ones is the sugar content is so low. The nature valley and special K protein bars also have a lot more sugar than the Pure Protein bars also. Just wondered what you all thought, since maybe I'm over-thinking or worrying too much about the sugar content. Thanks!!!

714rah714

Jillian suggested it, because Jillian is getting paid to suggest it.

mpizzle421

Some of these protein bars border on junk food (lol, and cause anal leakage). You could try making your own?

Whey + peanut/almond butter + oats + stevia (optional) + oven = simple protein bar.

peace_pigeon

Lara bars are fantastic, but they do have a lot of sugar (from dates) and are not very high in protein. I love them when I am hiking- great for quick energy.

The best protein bars that I have found are Quest bars. No artificial ingredients, gluten free, super low carbs/sugar and high quality protein. Not cheap, but well worth it for me.

mariacolumbus

I would suggest using the protein bars with lowest sugar/highest protein...this will help all the way around.
I agree with the OP - Jillian Michaels promotes certain brands because she is paid to do so.
I also understand buying the protein bars and not making your own...making them is great if you have the time...sometimes we don't have time for home made things

stylistchik

Read the ingredients. Personally I love Clif bars (including builder bars, mojo, luna, etc.) but they are high in sugar. I don't count sugar, only carbs, so I just make sure they fit into my day. My new love are PureFit bars but I also can't have dairy so anything with whey protein, casein or milk is out for me.

T_Marie4

Thanks for all the info and suggestions I'm not opposed to making my own, wouldn't mind trying to make some but time is typically an issue, so I definately want to keep stock of quality bars so I can grab-n-go if needed. Don't know why I never thought of JM being paid to promote - duh - feel kinda silly about that now. Her meal plan does say these are her personal favorites, not ones you specifically HAVE to have. Regardless, I am still surprised at the sugar amount from something she's promoting.