Snack bars

healthy4self
healthy4self Posts: 198 Member
edited October 2024 in Food and Nutrition
What's the consensus about having a snack bar (Lara Bar or Perfect Foods Bar) for 2 snacks a day? Too much fat? Sugar? I'd be using them to replace plain fruit.

Replies

  • lynn1982
    lynn1982 Posts: 1,439 Member
    I think Lara bars are fairly healthy (given their ingredients), but my assumption is that it's not great to use it as a replacement for real fruit. I eat them regularly - a couple mornings a week when I'm extra busy, I usually have one for breakfast. They're also great for keeping in my purse for those days when I need to stay late in the library or am extra hungry on the bus ride home. But I definitely don't eat them instead of real fruit.
  • UpEarly
    UpEarly Posts: 2,555 Member
    Are you talking about eating two of these bars a day to replace fruit? I don't know if I personally would choose to do that. Larabars and Perfect Foods bars have anywhere from 180-300 calories. An apple has 80 calories, a banana about 110, you can have a whole cup of sliced strawberries for 60 calories. Fruit has fiber, high water content and lots of naturally occurring vitamins. Is there a reason you can't/won't just eat fruit?

    I love Larabars, but I only eat them when I'm on an all day hike and need high-energy, high-calorie food that won't squish or spoil in my backpack.
  • mabug01
    mabug01 Posts: 1,273 Member
    Personally I would rather have real food (unprocessed) because it keeps me more satisfied. Watch out for sodium and sugar levels.
  • healthy4self
    healthy4self Posts: 198 Member
    My reason is because fruit just doesn't even touch my hunger! I could use the calories because I'm trying to eat mini meals around 250 cals. I don't really get much fat in my diet so this would be my main source.

    PS My diary is open
  • lynn1982
    lynn1982 Posts: 1,439 Member
    If you don't feel satisfied with fruit as a snack, then try adding in a protein. For my afternoon snack, I'll sometimes have an apple with a piece of cheese or some peanut butter. I find the combination of fruit and protein helps keep me full longer and gives me more energy. If I'm still hungry a little while after that, then I may grab a handful of nuts. Lara bars are pretty high in sugar because of the dried fruit.
  • UpEarly
    UpEarly Posts: 2,555 Member
    I still think there are many healthier options than processed, manufactured meal bars. Have an apple with a couple ounces of sharp cheddar cheese. Spread some peanut butter on half of a whole wheat bagel. Have a handful of dried cranberries with almonds and dark chocolate chips. Mix some granola and fruit into yogurt. You'll get the fats and calories you need without the highly processed bars.

    That said, I also believe in calories in - calories out, so there's really nothing wrong with the bars. If they work for you, I don't think there's any harm in eating them. They're just not what I would personally choose to eat! :-)
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