We all know about meal replacement shakes and powders, many of which are already made up in skimmed milk but a growing trend and a major commercial ‘rocket’ are the meal replacement bars. Most are marketed as a weight control bar if nothing else although they offer the consumer a vast array of nutrients including vitamins and minerals. Worth looking out for as an alternative format to the powder or shake.
We all know that obesity is a growing problem throughout the world. It probably underlies most of the world’s ills including diabetes, heart health and even cancer. We know that meal replacement options are a very good cost effective option according to the University of Oxford researchers looking at ways of using meal replacement to cut down on obesity. Currently, obesity is responsible for a £6 billion Sterling bill so any method that can help to cut the costs must be welcome.
The number one brand is still Slimfast.
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SlimFast Meal Replacement Bars
With these bars, just one bar is sufficient as a single meal replacer. Again like the shakes and powders, use the bars as part of their tailor made 3-2-1 plan. each bar contains a third of your daily nutrient make up. The variants change regularly but at the moment they have three on the go: Chocolate Crunch, Nutty Salted Caramel and Yogurt Fruit Crunch. Each of their bars contains 15g of protein but with only 217 kcal per bar. The bars also makes use of fibre which is an important component that is long associated with good cardiovascular health.
A study of the ingredient list shows some interesting compounds. Protein crisp which is 23% by weight of the bar is mainly soy protein but there is also milk protein isolate, whey protein concentrate and caseinate present too. Green tea extract is touted for its high antioxidant properties and is known to accelerate natural burning of fat which hopefully helps us lose that weight. There is plenty of calcium and minerals from milk. Caseinate along with the other protein sources incidentally is a good source easily digested proteins and immune enhancing nutrients to boost health and immunity. The amino acids also help us feel full. Soy Protein Isolate contains specific plant nutrients, known as isoflavones, that help regulate many body processes to keep hormone and energy systems in balance.
Optimum Nutrition Meal Replacement Bars
Opti-Lean Meal Replacement Protein Bar with Vitamin B12, Vitamin C and Vitamin D and High Fibre. Protein Meal Replacement by ON – Chocolate Brownie.
Optimum Nutrition are a big player in protein supplements including meal replacement products. This is a higher protein content than SlimFast in their serving of 20g protein which makes it high. It also contains plenty of fibre which is between 5.4g and 6.3g. The bar clearly makes great play of the vitamin B12, vitamin C and vitamin D.
Slim&Save Meal Replacement Bars
Slim & Save from Stockton On Tees in the United Kingdom have come up with a variety pack of bars which is also high in protein and with a very low calorie content. The business claims it has proven weight loss results as part of their meal replacement program. They can offer the consumer over 10 different flavours. These include Apricot & Almond, Chewy Chocolate, Coconut, Crispy caramel, Chocolate Orange, Yogurt Muesli, Dark Truffa, Milk Truffa, Praline, Lemon, Crispy Caramel and finally Chocolate Orange.
Purchase Slim & Save products here
Quest Nutrition Protein Bar Adventure
If you are following a low carbohydrate diet then these meal replacement bars might just be the biscuit. Again a large range of flavours. Flavors Include: Cookies & Cream, S’Mores, Blueberry Muffin, White Chocolate Raspberry, Oatmeal Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Roll, Coconut Cashew, Double Chocolate Chunk, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Apple Pie. In the USA they are the GNC’s Protein Bar Of The Year for 2012 and 2013. Again, they offer a great range of vitamins and minerals as well as all the requisite protein derived amino acids.
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I feel the Optimum bars are too chewy for my liking. They are a bit like the old but really chewy Milky Way bars that you had ‘between meals’. They do the job though of fil;ling you up instead of a huge breakfast. I think the flavour of the salted caramel version is the best at the moment but I also like those that Maxinutrition do although I cannot always find them. At least they are not sickly like the Grenade ones.
Some really interesting ideas here about nutrition. Keep it going because I read lots of lies from the manufacturers and least you article are genuine. Opt nu. Probably do the best tasting but Atkins are very special.