A Smarter Snack Bar
Han.gry/adjective/irritable or angry because of hunger. If you’ve ever been hangry you know how easy it is to rip open a bag of chips or dive into your coworker’s candy bowl, derailing your healthy eating habits. That’s where a little planning and preparation can help. Grab and go protein bars are an excellent solution when the hangry monster rears its head, but beware—not all protein bars are created equal. Some are loaded with sugar. A good rule of thumb? If it closely resembles your favorite candy bar, or if there are ingredients you can’t pronounce, it’s probably not the best option.
“I try to stick to as close to real food as possible on the ingredient list,” says Angela Aladjem, RDN at My Nutrition Studio. “I also look for at least 3 grams of fiber and six grams of protein for satiety, and less than 5 grams of added sugar.”
Her top three picks for a protein punch? RX, Lara, and Bearded Brothers bars.
“All three of these brands contain simple ingredients, are sweetened with fruit, and provide a bit of fiber along with healthy fats and protein,” she explains.
Perfect for packing and snacking, you can throw them in your gym bag for after your favorite amp studio class, purse, or desk drawer for a quick pick-me-up that won’t drag you down.