Healthy snacks?
Replies
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sophie9492015 wrote: »sophie9492015 wrote: »So about protein bars... i dont really understand why i would eat it them if im trying to lose weight? Can someone shed some light?
A large amount of protein "in theory" keeps you fuller longer, they tend to a source of good fats and fiber. Basically, they are the Whole Wheat Bread of Candy Bars -- they have just as many calories as a candy bar, they just have more nutrient rich stuff. No people on diets shouldn't be eating them. I have found in my diet adventure that I am wearing my skeptical hat ALL. THE. TIME.
Yeah, i thought they were really for people who were trying to build muscle.
I have looked at them and thought they were high in calories and not the best snack for me.
Higher protein while trying to lose weight will not add weight to you, it may actually help protect the muscle mass you have. That being said, if the calories don't fit, then obviously it won't work for you. Personally I find them nasty, but will supplement with a protein powder smoothie in the mornings when I don't have time for an actual meal.2 -
Those protein bars are like 200+ calories a Bar. They are not for people on a diet AT BEST they are a meal substitute.5
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Those protein bars are like 200+ calories a Bar. They are not for people on a diet AT BEST they are a meal substitute.
I used to eat Quest bars a few times a week on my way to work (breakfast later). Didn't prevent me from losing weight since they fit into my calories and helped me reach my protein goal.2 -
I used to eat Quest bars a few times a week on my way to work (breakfast later). Didn't prevent me from losing weight since they fit into my calories and helped me reach my protein goal.
What did you have to remove from your daily meals to budget for that 200 calorie candy bar BEFORE breakfast? Pardon me if having breakfast before breakfast doesn't sound all that appealing for a diet unless you're a hobbit.
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Those protein bars are like 200+ calories a Bar. They are not for people on a diet AT BEST they are a meal substitute.
You have some interesting ideas on what people on diets should do. If those calories fit, and it suits her needs, there is nothing wrong with it. If she doesn't want/like them, then there are plenty of other options. Demonizing of foods isn't necessary.6 -
I used to eat Quest bars a few times a week on my way to work (breakfast later). Didn't prevent me from losing weight since they fit into my calories and helped me reach my protein goal.
What did you have to remove from your daily meals to budget for that 200 calorie candy bar BEFORE breakfast? Pardon me if having breakfast before breakfast doesn't sound all that appealing for a diet unless you're a hobbit.
I worked 6-2:30 those days and ate breakfast about 10:30. That was to tide me over until then. I work retail and regularly eat 1800+ calories a day.0 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »You have some interesting ideas on what people on diets should do. If those calories fit, and it suits her needs, there is nothing wrong with it. If she doesn't want/like them, then there are plenty of other options. Demonizing of foods isn't necessary.
So believing that a person on a diet should avoid calorie heavy candy is an 'interesting' idea? I was replying to a poster who had initially asked peoples thoughts on protein bars -- I think I answered that -- how other people choose to take it is on them. As far as demonizing food .. well .. I am not exactly sure what that means.
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I worked 6-2:30 those days and ate breakfast about 10:30. That was to tide me over until then. I work retail and regularly eat 1800+ calories a day.
I see. I work the same hours, 6 - 230. I eat my 150 -to- 200 cal breakfast at 530 and that gets me to 10 when I have an 80 cal Greek yogurt. I still find essentially eating TWO breakfasts strange and wouldn't recommend someone eat a calorie rich candy bar while being on a diet.
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nutmegoreo wrote: »You have some interesting ideas on what people on diets should do. If those calories fit, and it suits her needs, there is nothing wrong with it. If she doesn't want/like them, then there are plenty of other options. Demonizing of foods isn't necessary.
So believing that a person on a diet should avoid calorie heavy candy is an 'interesting' idea? I was replying to a poster who had initially asked peoples thoughts on protein bars -- I think I answered that -- how other people choose to take it is on them. As far as demonizing food .. well .. I am not exactly sure what that means.
I would hardly call a protein bar a candy bar. You said yourself in an earlier post that it has more nutritional value. Your chosen terminology is where the demonizing comes in. "Calorie heavy candy" referring to a protein bar is hyperbolic at best.4 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »I would hardly call a protein bar a candy bar. You said yourself in an earlier post that it has more nutritional value. Your chosen terminology is where the demonizing comes in. "Calorie heavy candy" referring to a protein bar is hyperbolic at best.
Perhaps that is the problem, you wouldn't call it a candy bar -- you would lie to yourself that this was some kinda health food. It is the EXACT same thing with Whole Wheat Bread, people eat handfuls of it and then don't understand why they are gaining weight. Because it is bread, it has the same calories as white bread its just passed off as "Healthy" because it is slightly more nutritious. Powerbars have a lot of nutritional value, yes, it is a very nutritious candy. It is still loaded with calories that most dieters (in my opinion) don't need. Go to the store and take a look where they Stock the protein bars, they stock them next to the candy right? I wonder why that is?
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http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/are-protein-bars-really-just-candy-bars-in-disguise-201512158848
"When you get right down to it, a Snickers bar isn’t all that much worse than many nutrition bars. For example, the difference in calories shrinks when the portion sizes are equalized. And the protein content of these bars won’t make much difference for the person who already eats a well-balanced diet with other good sources of dietary protein. Nevertheless, I can’t recommend a daily candy bar, although the occasional splurge probably won’t harm you."2 -
I worked 6-2:30 those days and ate breakfast about 10:30. That was to tide me over until then. I work retail and regularly eat 1800+ calories a day.
I see. I work the same hours, 6 - 230. I eat my 150 -to- 200 cal breakfast at 530 and that gets me to 10 when I have an 80 cal Greek yogurt. I still find essentially eating TWO breakfasts strange and wouldn't recommend someone eat a calorie rich candy bar while being on a diet.
How is that a candy bar? I ate it to give me enough energy for the first part of the morning and to hit my protein goal on days I lifted. Other days I ate a banana. Then on my lunch break I'd get a Jimmy Dean breakfast bowl and cup of Greek yogurt.0 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »I would hardly call a protein bar a candy bar. You said yourself in an earlier post that it has more nutritional value. Your chosen terminology is where the demonizing comes in. "Calorie heavy candy" referring to a protein bar is hyperbolic at best.
Perhaps that is the problem, you wouldn't call it a candy bar -- you would lie to yourself that this was some kinda health food. It is the EXACT same thing with Whole Wheat Bread, people eat handfuls of it and then don't understand why they are gaining weight. Because it is bread, it has the same calories as white bread its just passed off as "Healthy" because it is slightly more nutritious. Powerbars have a lot of nutritional value, yes, it is a very nutritious candy. It is still loaded with calories that most dieters (in my opinion) don't need. Go to the store and take a look where they Stock the protein bars, they stock them next to the candy right? I wonder why that is?
I'm not lying to myself and saying they're healthy, I'm saying context matters. I don't see how considering a protein bar within the context of an overall healthy diet is problematic. Likewise with bread. There is an alternative to eating "handfuls" of it. Moderation. It's a wonderful thing to learn.4 -
livingleanlivingclean wrote: »sophie9492015 wrote: »livingleanlivingclean wrote: »I don't snack either, I generally save calories for bigger meals and dessert. But - I don't consider chocolate/icecream a snack.. . It's something I have as a treat or dessert. If I feel like those, I have those.
Wow! You're alot better than me.. dont you ever fill up your car with petrol and get tempted by a choccy or ice cream?
No.... They cost double or triple what I could get in a supermarket, and I'm normally on the way home, or to the gym or work. I also made a "no eating in the car" rule to stop random snacking and mindless eating on the run...
Yes, I did that too, and it really made a difference. No more Starbucks for me either. I love my own coffee now, just simple with a bit of milk1 -
livingleanlivingclean wrote: »sophie9492015 wrote: »livingleanlivingclean wrote: »I don't snack either, I generally save calories for bigger meals and dessert. But - I don't consider chocolate/icecream a snack.. . It's something I have as a treat or dessert. If I feel like those, I have those.
Wow! You're alot better than me.. dont you ever fill up your car with petrol and get tempted by a choccy or ice cream?
No.... They cost double or triple what I could get in a supermarket, and I'm normally on the way home, or to the gym or work. I also made a "no eating in the car" rule to stop random snacking and mindless eating on the run...
No eating in the car would never work for me. That would require I get up way earlier to eat breakfast on workdays, and that ain't gonna happen, lol.
In Washington State there is now a $99.00 fine for eating, drinking, or smoking while driving. A lot of people are going to have to give up their coffee in the car habit.2 -
Fruit is my main snack, or cheese. If I want sweet after dinner but don't have enough calories left for ice cream I'll eat a single serving pudding (60-150 calories) or applesauce or a single oatmeal raisin cookie. Occasionally I'll eat a small chocolate bar left over from Halloween. If I'm really hungry, I'll make a half sandwich, either peanut butter or cheese.1
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I LOVE a good apple with some yogurt for dipping it in
Also almonds and dates, satisfies the crunchy and sweet1 -
sophie9492015 wrote: »So about protein bars... i dont really understand why i would eat it them if im trying to lose weight? Can someone shed some light?
A large amount of protein "in theory" keeps you fuller longer, they tend to a source of good fats and fiber. Basically, they are the Whole Wheat Bread of Candy Bars -- they have just as many calories as a candy bar, they just have more nutrient rich stuff. No people on diets shouldn't be eating them. I have found in my diet adventure that I am wearing my skeptical hat ALL. THE. TIME.
No.
Stop.2 -
Lately I've enjoyed 1/2 cup dannon light and fit vanilla Greek yogurt with 18 g of polander all fruit blackberry jam, 5 g sliced almonds, and 1/2 square of bakers semi sweet chocolate chopped mixed in. Whipped cream. My favorite evening snack lately.0
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sophie9492015 wrote: »What do you have for a healthy snack when you feel like something junky like chocolate or ice cream?
Not snacking on crap is the hardest part for me.
When I want something like chocolate or ice cream I have chocolate or ice cream. What's the point of depriving myself when this is the rest of my life and I have lost 100+ lb doing it this way?3 -
OY74NmFGBL wrote: »Lately I've enjoyed 1/2 cup dannon light and fit vanilla Greek yogurt with 18 g of polander all fruit blackberry jam, 5 g sliced almonds, and 1/2 square of bakers semi sweet chocolate chopped mixed in. Whipped cream. My favorite evening snack lately.
That sounds delicious!! Will try!0 -
JeromeBarry1 wrote: »sophie9492015 wrote: »What do you have for a healthy snack when you feel like something junky like chocolate or ice cream?
Not snacking on crap is the hardest part for me.
When I want something like chocolate or ice cream I have chocolate or ice cream. What's the point of depriving myself when this is the rest of my life and I have lost 100+ lb doing it this way?
Thats awesome. I dont have great self control sometimes though hahaha. Just have to only buy small portion for myself i think.0 -
I worked 6-2:30 those days and ate breakfast about 10:30. That was to tide me over until then. I work retail and regularly eat 1800+ calories a day.
I see. I work the same hours, 6 - 230. I eat my 150 -to- 200 cal breakfast at 530 and that gets me to 10 when I have an 80 cal Greek yogurt. I still find essentially eating TWO breakfasts strange and wouldn't recommend someone eat a calorie rich candy bar while being on a diet.
Sounds to me like:
a) You have a terrible relationship with food.
b) Unless you're really chowing down for dinner, you're not eating anywhere near enough calories for a grown man.6 -
sophie9492015 wrote: »JeromeBarry1 wrote: »sophie9492015 wrote: »What do you have for a healthy snack when you feel like something junky like chocolate or ice cream?
Not snacking on crap is the hardest part for me.
When I want something like chocolate or ice cream I have chocolate or ice cream. What's the point of depriving myself when this is the rest of my life and I have lost 100+ lb doing it this way?
Thats awesome. I dont have great self control sometimes though hahaha. Just have to only buy small portion for myself i think.
That's exactly what I had to do for the longest time, but I was convinced that I would learn to control myself around foods. So I set nothing off limits, but only brought home a single serving size the day I intended to eat it. Every once in a while I would bring home a couple, just to test the waters. Eventually, it became no problem, but I did have occasional days where I went over. It's really freeing though to not set those limits on what you can and can't have. Takes much of the guilt away from the process.2 -
I've a selection of fruity Balsamic creams, those, dashed over Greek Yoghurt, (which I sometimes whip up with almond or soy milk) gives an ice cream like experience on a fraction of the calories. I've also packs of Bali’s Best coffee and tea candies - 15 calories each and they take a while to get through. Small doses of strong flavors help me stay distracted from things like Raspberry and Chipotle Cheesecake and Magnum ice creams.1
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I was really struggling because I love my crunchy snacks. That's where I really started thinking I might cave, but I recently found a couple of things that scratch that itch. I was really desperate when I combined raw bell pepper with cream cheese and smoked salmon, but it was surprisingly delicious. I put it into my permanent rotation. Also I've discovered that raw cucumber slices in lieu of crackers will do very well for cheese, turkey pepperoni or even a little tuna salad. Tastes great!
Our garden is overflowing with cucumbers right now, so it's nice to have one sliced up and ready to crunch at a moment's notice.
I actually started eating so much cucumber that I googled "Can you eat TOO much cucumber?" lol1 -
Sounds to me like:
a) You have a terrible relationship with food.
b) Unless you're really chowing down for dinner, you're not eating anywhere near enough calories for a grown man.
Haha, thanks for the insight. Who knew NOT eating candy bars for breakfast was such a controversial topic? You can was it down a tall glass of sugary fruit juice and feel healthy as hell lol.
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Sounds to me like:
a) You have a terrible relationship with food.
b) Unless you're really chowing down for dinner, you're not eating anywhere near enough calories for a grown man.
Haha, thanks for the insight. Who knew NOT eating candy bars for breakfast was such a controversial topic? You can was it down a tall glass of sugary fruit juice and feel healthy as hell lol.
I'm really not sure what's so terrible about either of those things in the context of an overall wide and varied diet within appropriate calorie limits.
Why are you so angry at others perfectly fine food choices? People who have lost and maintain their weight and health beautifully?
All food has nutrition, fruit juice contains lots of macros. It's not where I personally choose to "spend" my calories other than very rarely but it's not an issue if I did. Even if the only thing you need from food is calories it's of benefit. As long as you're largely meeting macros and micros then scratching an indulgent itch is normal and fine and something those who purposefully and those who seem to naturally maintain a healthy weight do.4 -
I try to stick with fruit like grapes or berries, but if I really want/need a treat, I love Halo Top ice cream. A half cup has 70-80 calories, and in my opinion, tastes just like 'real' ice cream. It's amazing. The chocolate and peanut butter cup flavors are amazing.1
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VintageFeline, but we agree that both things are Indulgences, yes? I am not angry in the least, people are free to enjoy what they will, I am only stating my opinion that Protien Bars are candy --- indulgences under the guise of "health food" (like fruit juice and low-fat-double-chocolate-muffins)
A lot of people, myself included, find themselves struggling with their weight because the human brain is a creative thing. If finds all sorts of ways to explain why you should eat that sugar-free cake.
Something like only 1 in 5 people are still at their desired weight 2-years post goal. I dont know why that is but I suspect it has something to do with lying to yourself about the candy bar youre eating.
Eat it, enjoy it, just call it what it is CANDY.4
This discussion has been closed.
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