Addicted to energy/protein bars
TenderBlender667
Posts: 78 Member
Recently, I've become addicted to larabars, quest bars, clif bars and other so called "healthy" energy bars. Some of them are loaded with sugar which is one reason why I find it hard to stop at one. Most days I have one or two bars, but I've been missing out on real home-cooked meals simply because I don't have much time to cook and the bars are a tasty and convenient alternative. I also scramble to finish my meals just to get to my treat which is usually a protein bar. Even on days that I over eat or binge, I find myself eating so many bars. How do I stop this addiction before it gets out of hand?
11
Replies
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You're better off eating a candy bar15
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One way is to stop buying them and stop keeping them at home. Or allow yourself to have one bar once a week, outside the house -- don't buy a lot to take home.
We all need treats. Find some other treat that you enjoy but you can control your eating.
Meal prep if you don't have have time to cook. Take time out on a less busy day and make a batch of food you can freeze or keep in the fridge to cover several meals.5 -
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If it's an addiction, then it's already out of hand. Stop buying them, stop bringing them home.TenderBlender667 wrote: »Recently, I've become addicted to larabars, quest bars, clif bars and other so called "healthy" energy bars. Some of them are loaded with sugar which is one reason why I find it hard to stop at one. Most days I have one or two bars, but I've been missing out on real home-cooked meals simply because I don't have much time to cook and the bars are a tasty and convenient alternative. I also scramble to finish my meals just to get to my treat which is usually a protein bar. Even on days that I over eat or binge, I find myself eating so many bars. How do I stop this addiction before it gets out of hand?
This seems spot on.3 -
If it's an addiction, then it's already out of hand. Stop buying them, stop bringing them home.TenderBlender667 wrote: »Recently, I've become addicted to larabars, quest bars, clif bars and other so called "healthy" energy bars. Some of them are loaded with sugar which is one reason why I find it hard to stop at one. Most days I have one or two bars, but I've been missing out on real home-cooked meals simply because I don't have much time to cook and the bars are a tasty and convenient alternative. I also scramble to finish my meals just to get to my treat which is usually a protein bar. Even on days that I over eat or binge, I find myself eating so many bars. How do I stop this addiction before it gets out of hand?
Thanks for the advice. I still live with my parents and they always buy Costco sized boxes of various bars which makes it harder to resist.3 -
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I don't bring any foods into the house that I can't eat sensibly. For me, that would be potato chips and tortilla chips. I live alone, so I don't have to think about others in the household.3
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I have a "thing" with Quest double choc chunk bars, I could eat multiple bars a day. The $4 a bar price tag (Australia) keeps that little habit in check...6
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They're also usually filled with vitamins and if you have a real taste for them (other than just being sweet) you may want to get your labs checked out to see if you could be anemic. Especially if you have anything else you eat/chew on that has also has a mineral taste (like ice cubes).
You may want to check if you're getting adequate protein, too.
Overall if you're getting enough real food and can work them into your calorie allotment, maybe you'd feel more satiated if you just had one as a treat right after a meal. Good luck!0 -
Then tell your parents you are struggling with portion control and would they please stop bringing home energy bars. Will they refuse?TenderBlender667 wrote: »Thanks for the advice. I still live with my parents and they always buy Costco sized boxes of various bars which makes it harder to resist.
I've went as far as taking the box of treats out of the carts while shopping with them only to see it magically reappear at home. I've also asked them to stop, but it hasn't made a difference.0 -
CamGoddess wrote: »They're also usually filled with vitamins and if you have a real taste for them (other than just being sweet) you may want to get your labs checked out to see if you could be anemic. Especially if you have anything else you eat/chew on that has also has a mineral taste (like ice cubes).
You may want to check if you're getting adequate protein, too.
Overall if you're getting enough real food and can work them into your calorie allotment, maybe you'd feel more satiated if you just had one as a treat right after a meal. Good luck!
I found out I'm very anemic a few months ago, but didn't think my eating habits could play a role. It kinda ties into my cravings for some odd food combinations too. I'll definitely look into healthier alternatives. Thanks for bringing this up.3 -
Quest bars taste about like chewing on road tar, so I could not get addicted to those. Yuck.
However, I do feel your pain. I won't keep nature valley "sweet and salty' cashew or peanut bars in my apartment anymore. I used to buy the big boxes of 48 from Sam's Club, but those things are my kryptonite.0 -
You're welcome. I'm very iron deficient anemic, too. And I have very heavy monthly.
Red meats help, and other foods that contain iron. Or take a supplement.
The basic straight iron pills make me queasy. I've had a much better time with the expensive supplements that are formulated to be easier on your stomach.
If you don't like red meat very much, canned clams are yummy and high in iron (depending on the brand, compare the labels). Hope it helps!0 -
I rely on protein bars too since I often have to skip lunch due to work. I don't see anything wrong with eating 1 a day. Allow yourself one and then think of other ideas that you can use for quick snacks or meals. You can easily make a sandwich, a can of soup, eggs and toast, fruit and yogurt, a quesadilla, a frozen meal etc in 5 minutes or less.
It comes down to self control and making better choices for yourself. Tell yourself you will have 1 per day for the next three days. Then reassess from there.2 -
CamGoddess wrote: »You're welcome. I'm very iron deficient anemic, too. And I have very heavy monthly.
Red meats help, and other foods that contain iron. Or take a supplement.
The basic straight iron pills make me queasy. I've had a much better time with the expensive supplements that are formulated to be easier on your stomach.
If you don't like red meat very much, canned clams are yummy and high in iron (depending on the brand, compare the labels). Hope it helps!
@TenderBlender667 - are you supplementing for your anemia? I have no digestive issues with Solgar - Gentle Iron 25 MG 180 Vegetable Capsules. I need to take two per day and do the other things below to keep my levels up to Low Normal.
I have 1 T of blackstrap molasses daily in warm water. This is 20% of the RDA.
I eat 12 oz of Wellshire liverwurst over the week of my period. 2 oz has 39% of the RDA of iron for someone eating 2,000 calories per day. This brand is only available at Whole Foods but in a pinch I will use other brands from supermarket delis.
I do some other things during my period but have to run and get dinner going - LMK if you are interested.
Don't be like me and ignore your anemia off and on for years until you start having drastic negative consequences
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Can you negotiate with your parents to put them on the top shelf of the pantry? Direct conversation this time. No more magically adding and deleting them from the shopping cart.
To get better control over your feelings it helps if you tell yourself you are CHOOSING to eat two Larabars after a meal. They are not levitating themselves to your mouth. As counterintuitive as it seems, to own your feelings and desires is the first step to controlling them.
What is your weight goal?2 -
Great advice@TenderBlender667 - are you supplementing for your anemia? I have no digestive issues with Solgar - Gentle Iron 25 MG 180 Vegetable Capsules. I need to take two per day and do the other things below to keep my levels up to Low Normal.
I have 1 T of blackstrap molasses daily in warm water. This is 20% of the RDA.
I eat 12 oz of Wellshire liverwurst over the week of my period. 2 oz has 39% of the RDA of iron for someone eating 2,000 calories per day. This brand is only available at Whole Foods but in a pinch I will use other brands from supermarket delis.
I do some other things during my period but have to run and get dinner going - LMK if you are interested.
Don't be like me and ignore your anemia off and on for years until you start having drastic negative consequences
That's a totally new one on me, molasses. Thanks!
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kshama2001 wrote: »CamGoddess wrote: »You're welcome. I'm very iron deficient anemic, too. And I have very heavy monthly.
Red meats help, and other foods that contain iron. Or take a supplement.
The basic straight iron pills make me queasy. I've had a much better time with the expensive supplements that are formulated to be easier on your stomach.
If you don't like red meat very much, canned clams are yummy and high in iron (depending on the brand, compare the labels). Hope it helps!
@TenderBlender667 - are you supplementing for your anemia? I have no digestive issues with Solgar - Gentle Iron 25 MG 180 Vegetable Capsules. I need to take two per day and do the other things below to keep my levels up to Low Normal.
I have 1 T of blackstrap molasses daily in warm water. This is 20% of the RDA.
I eat 12 oz of Wellshire liverwurst over the week of my period. 2 oz has 39% of the RDA of iron for someone eating 2,000 calories per day. This brand is only available at Whole Foods but in a pinch I will use other brands from supermarket delis.
I do some other things during my period but have to run and get dinner going - LMK if you are interested.
Don't be like me and ignore your anemia off and on for years until you start having drastic negative consequences
Yes, I'm currently taking Floradix liquid iron, but I haven't noticed an improvement in my energy levels. Doesn't help that my B12 levels are nonexistent. Heavy monthlies and years of an unhealthy vegan diet probably contributed to my problem.
I used to make my own version of a caffeine free latte which consisted of molasses, warm almond milk and a dash of cocoa or cinnamon. Thanks for reminding me to start drinking it again!
I don't think the grocery stores around here carry liverwurst, but I'll take a closer look next time I go shopping. Thank you for all the amazing suggestions.1 -
For iron, you may want to look into spatone, it supposedly has a higher rate of absorption than a lot of other supplements. So long as I take it regularly, my ferritin levels are good. No problems with the stomach with it, either. I used to be able to purchase it from Walgreens, but they no longer carry it so I order it from Amazon.1
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There is more than one type of anemia, mine is iron deficient anemic. You may be also, but instead it could be pernicious anemia. They're similar but have a few differences.
For B12 deficient anemia most of the food recommendations look the same. http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/tc/vitamin-b12-deficiency-anemia-topic-overview
But it looks like more B12 supplementation is recommended. If your doctor didn't tell you which type you have, I'd ask the drs office for clarification and advice and also read up on it more. The link above is a good start with a lot of info.0 -
TenderBlender667 wrote: »kshama2001 wrote: »CamGoddess wrote: »You're welcome. I'm very iron deficient anemic, too. And I have very heavy monthly.
Red meats help, and other foods that contain iron. Or take a supplement.
The basic straight iron pills make me queasy. I've had a much better time with the expensive supplements that are formulated to be easier on your stomach.
If you don't like red meat very much, canned clams are yummy and high in iron (depending on the brand, compare the labels). Hope it helps!
@TenderBlender667 - are you supplementing for your anemia? I have no digestive issues with Solgar - Gentle Iron 25 MG 180 Vegetable Capsules. I need to take two per day and do the other things below to keep my levels up to Low Normal.
I have 1 T of blackstrap molasses daily in warm water. This is 20% of the RDA.
I eat 12 oz of Wellshire liverwurst over the week of my period. 2 oz has 39% of the RDA of iron for someone eating 2,000 calories per day. This brand is only available at Whole Foods but in a pinch I will use other brands from supermarket delis.
I do some other things during my period but have to run and get dinner going - LMK if you are interested.
Don't be like me and ignore your anemia off and on for years until you start having drastic negative consequences
Yes, I'm currently taking Floradix liquid iron, but I haven't noticed an improvement in my energy levels. Doesn't help that my B12 levels are nonexistent. Heavy monthlies and years of an unhealthy vegan diet probably contributed to my problem.
I used to make my own version of a caffeine free latte which consisted of molasses, warm almond milk and a dash of cocoa or cinnamon. Thanks for reminding me to start drinking it again!
I don't think the grocery stores around here carry liverwurst, but I'll take a closer look next time I go shopping. Thank you for all the amazing suggestions.
Happy to help. Try adding some protein powder to that latte.
Regular molasses (like Grandma's) tastes better but at 2 % RDA iron has far less than blackstrap's 20 %. I don't mind blackstrap molasses in my AM drink, as it counters the sourness of the Vitamin C powder, but it's no good for gingerbread IMO. Many recipes that call for molasses will caution you to not use blackstrap.
Floradix's iron comes from ferrous gluconate, which was the first or second form of iron my doctor tried. It was not effective in raising my iron and energy levels.
It's possible your body is seeking iron and/or b12 from the protein bars and the cravings will go away if you eat a better source of iron/b 12.
Meanwhile, do have a frank talk with your parents about how the bars are a problematic food for you. I like the "top shelf" idea.1 -
TenderBlender667 wrote: »kshama2001 wrote: »CamGoddess wrote: »You're welcome. I'm very iron deficient anemic, too. And I have very heavy monthly.
Red meats help, and other foods that contain iron. Or take a supplement.
The basic straight iron pills make me queasy. I've had a much better time with the expensive supplements that are formulated to be easier on your stomach.
If you don't like red meat very much, canned clams are yummy and high in iron (depending on the brand, compare the labels). Hope it helps!
@TenderBlender667 - are you supplementing for your anemia? I have no digestive issues with Solgar - Gentle Iron 25 MG 180 Vegetable Capsules. I need to take two per day and do the other things below to keep my levels up to Low Normal.
I have 1 T of blackstrap molasses daily in warm water. This is 20% of the RDA.
I eat 12 oz of Wellshire liverwurst over the week of my period. 2 oz has 39% of the RDA of iron for someone eating 2,000 calories per day. This brand is only available at Whole Foods but in a pinch I will use other brands from supermarket delis.
I do some other things during my period but have to run and get dinner going - LMK if you are interested.
Don't be like me and ignore your anemia off and on for years until you start having drastic negative consequences
Yes, I'm currently taking Floradix liquid iron, but I haven't noticed an improvement in my energy levels. Doesn't help that my B12 levels are nonexistent. Heavy monthlies and years of an unhealthy vegan diet probably contributed to my problem.
I used to make my own version of a caffeine free latte which consisted of molasses, warm almond milk and a dash of cocoa or cinnamon. Thanks for reminding me to start drinking it again!
I don't think the grocery stores around here carry liverwurst, but I'll take a closer look next time I go shopping. Thank you for all the amazing suggestions.
Have you spoken to your doctor about an iron infusion? It's a quick and easy way to increase your iron levels. You will feel so much better within a few weeks!1 -
I always eat two a day sometimes three. I don't use them for meals but just for snacks mid morning, mid afternoon, and sometimes pre-workout. I usually have Quest Bars, Lenny & Larry's protein cookies, Luna Bars, or a Zone Bar. I don't feel guilty about it at all. I happen to like them so I eat them and they make for a quick satisfying snack.2
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I really love my Clif bars and KIND bars too. I usually eat one or two a day ,usually when I take my son to school in the morning, since I walk a few miles right after,is when I have my clif bar and I sure look forward to it. And then in the afternoon I will have my KIND bar when I go walk to pick him up. I live in California and right now the hot sun makes my walks unbearable, but these bars with lots of ice water make my walks bearable. When i don't have something like that to eat ,im feeling very light headed and not strong,as I have to push a heavy double stroller, two toddler in it,until one goes off to Tk in the morning. But yes those bars are sooo yummy.2
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I am addicted as well. Real food is so much better for me but I love them and don't care lol. I used to eat 4-5 quest bars a day every day for years. Now I only eat 1 ever so often, new formula doesn't agree with me. I still eat 3-4 bars a day though.0
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TenderBlender667 wrote: »kshama2001 wrote: »CamGoddess wrote: »You're welcome. I'm very iron deficient anemic, too. And I have very heavy monthly.
Red meats help, and other foods that contain iron. Or take a supplement.
The basic straight iron pills make me queasy. I've had a much better time with the expensive supplements that are formulated to be easier on your stomach.
If you don't like red meat very much, canned clams are yummy and high in iron (depending on the brand, compare the labels). Hope it helps!
@TenderBlender667 - are you supplementing for your anemia? I have no digestive issues with Solgar - Gentle Iron 25 MG 180 Vegetable Capsules. I need to take two per day and do the other things below to keep my levels up to Low Normal.
I have 1 T of blackstrap molasses daily in warm water. This is 20% of the RDA.
I eat 12 oz of Wellshire liverwurst over the week of my period. 2 oz has 39% of the RDA of iron for someone eating 2,000 calories per day. This brand is only available at Whole Foods but in a pinch I will use other brands from supermarket delis.
I do some other things during my period but have to run and get dinner going - LMK if you are interested.
Don't be like me and ignore your anemia off and on for years until you start having drastic negative consequences
Yes, I'm currently taking Floradix liquid iron, but I haven't noticed an improvement in my energy levels. Doesn't help that my B12 levels are nonexistent. Heavy monthlies and years of an unhealthy vegan diet probably contributed to my problem.
I used to make my own version of a caffeine free latte which consisted of molasses, warm almond milk and a dash of cocoa or cinnamon. Thanks for reminding me to start drinking it again!
I don't think the grocery stores around here carry liverwurst, but I'll take a closer look next time I go shopping. Thank you for all the amazing suggestions.
Have you spoken to your doctor about an iron infusion? It's a quick and easy way to increase your iron levels. You will feel so much better within a few weeks!
I haven't heard of that, is that an injection? Or like an IV drip. And is it a one-time thing or something done monthly, quarterly, etc.
I know they have B12 shots, which I've heard are very effective on people's energy levels when they are low on B12.0 -
Nykkismommy21 wrote: »I really love my Clif bars and KIND bars too. I usually eat one or two a day ,usually when I take my son to school in the morning, since I walk a few miles right after,is when I have my clif bar and I sure look forward to it. And then in the afternoon I will have my KIND bar when I go walk to pick him up. I live in California and right now the hot sun makes my walks unbearable, but these bars with lots of ice water make my walks bearable. When i don't have something like that to eat ,im feeling very light headed and not strong,as I have to push a heavy double stroller, two toddler in it,until one goes off to Tk in the morning. But yes those bars are sooo yummy.
I like the Kind bars once in a while. The Sea Salt Caramel one has a good fiber to carb ratio that works well for keto.1 -
OP you are NOT addicted to them. You are CHOOSING to eat them. Take the power back.
Tell yourself you are only allowed one per day. Ask your parents to leave out 7 per week for you and to put the box somewhere you can't just wander over and take one out. Figure out some food you can preprep so it's just as easy to grab it as it would be to grab a bar.
Glad you have gotten some helpful information Re the anemia too. Good luck!3 -
TenderBlender667 wrote: »
Then tell your parents you are struggling with portion control and would they please stop bringing home energy bars. Will they refuse?TenderBlender667 wrote: »Thanks for the advice. I still live with my parents and they always buy Costco sized boxes of various bars which makes it harder to resist.
I've went as far as taking the box of treats out of the carts while shopping with them only to see it magically reappear at home. I've also asked them to stop, but it hasn't made a difference.
Take the box and dropped them off at a food bank or ask a someone to do it for you. Or just toss them in the trash. Your parents will soon notice you really do eat a lot of them and then stop buying them as they won't be able to afford them!!1 -
OP you are NOT addicted to them. You are CHOOSING to eat them. Take the power back.
Tell yourself you are only allowed one per day. Ask your parents to leave out 7 per week for you and to put the box somewhere you can't just wander over and take one out. Figure out some food you can preprep so it's just as easy to grab it as it would be to grab a bar.
Glad you have gotten some helpful information Re the anemia too. Good luck!
I think you like me. 0
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