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For most people, snacking is an integral part of the day which can help to bridge the gap between meals and offer added nutrients to help fuel your workout or afternoon with a boost of energy. However, not all snacks are created equal, and there are obvious choices, such as chips and sweets, which offer little to no nutritional value to your day.
Healthy snack marketing has been on the rise over the last several years, offering low-calorie options to munch on, often advertising high-protein content as a selling point for weight loss. But while there are snacks that have been touted as healthy and are, in fact, such, there are just as many snacks lining the grocery aisles which may actually be making weight loss more difficult, and can gradually slow your metabolism, making them a detriment to your diet. As you work to improve your eating habits for weight loss, there’s one ‘healthy’ snack that experts agree you should steer clear of for a better chance at achieving a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Breakfast Bars
Often touted as weight loss friendly, breakfast or meal replacement bars are a sneaky diet fad of their own. Marketed as low calorie or high in protein, breakfast bars are most frequently a guise for high sugar bars which can front load your energy levels before causing a subsequent crash. “Manufacturers of ‘healthy’ foods that are unhealthy have mastered the game of deception,” warns Dr. Carrie Lam, MD, FAAMFM, ABAARM. “There is an increasing demand for healthy foods, but many tricks are being used by these manufacturers to mislead consumers. These include using the words “natural”, “sugar-free”, or “low calorie.” The packaging of these products also tends to support this facade.”
While breakfast bars may offer a quick boost of energy that can help to fuel your morning, this is often short lived and overshadowed by the overwhelming sugar content it likely houses. The harsh reality is that while these snack options may be advertised as low calorie, their lack of nutritional value will fail to keep you full for long, and you’ll be more inclined to turn to another, denser snack later in the day to satisfy your cravings, making it more difficult to maintain a calorie deficit.
Healthline reports, “Studies show that excess added sugar consumption may put you at a higher risk of several chronic conditions, including diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. While some granola bars opt to use sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners to cut down on sugar content, these have been linked to health problems as well.” Sugar alcohols have been known to cause digestive issues as well, which can cause a whole slew of issues for your body, particularly as you work to lose weight.
Healthline reports, “Studies show that excess added sugar consumption may put you at a higher risk of several chronic conditions, including diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. While some granola bars opt to use sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners to cut down on sugar content, these have been linked to health problems as well.” Sugar alcohols have been known to cause digestive issues as well, which can cause a whole slew of issues for your body, particularly as you work to lose weight.
If you’re looking for a quick and healthy snack which takes little time and effort to throw together and actually helps nourish the body, slicing up carrots, cucumber, or any of your favorite vegetables with a hummus dip can provide you with ample energy to make it to your next meal without feeling deprived. Hummus is loaded with healthy fats and plant-based protein from chickpeas, and veggies are a great source of vitamins and minerals which are essential for muscle development, boosting your metabolism, and even improving your immune system. Snacks should function to fuel your day and allow you to feel energized without overeating, so finding options that support this goal is vital for achieving healthy weight loss.
