FitSugar

Is There Trans Fat Lurking in Your Granola Bar?

FitSugar — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 09:00:00 -0700

As I waited in the longest line at the grocery store, which meant standing in the snack aisle, there was plenty of time to check out the well-stocked area full of various bars. Naturally, I picked up some new products that looked interesting and began reading the list of ingredients. While my interest was piqued by a new Quaker bar that has 35 percent of my daily recommended fiber intake and contains healthy omega-3s, what I saw in the list of ingredients caused me to put the box back where I found it. To find out what I saw, read more.

There was partially hydrogenated oil near the beginning of the ingredient list, as with several of the other products I skimmed over. This means there's trans fat in these seemingly healthy snacks - you know, the stuff that can cause colon cancer, raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, and decrease HDL (good) cholesterol levels. It's tricky that products can claim to have zero trans fat, when the inclusion of partially hydrogenated oil indicates that's not the case.

When you're shopping, don't assume that something is healthy simply because it says so on the front of the box. Get the whole story by turning the product over and giving the ingredient list a quick scan. Choose bars that have short ingredient lists with recognizable components. Check your cabinets - is there trans fat lurking in your snack bars?

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Health Foods That Aren't So Healthy

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 03:00:00 -0800

It seems like every food company is getting on the health kick these days. They're advertising products that are "made with whole grains," or "low in sugar," or "fat-free." It's easy to believe the printing on the packages, but I'm sorry to tell you that food companies are using all their marketing resources to sway you to buy their product.

Here's a list of some popular foods that sound healthy, but could be the total opposite:

Granola and granola bars - Whole grain oats are packed with fiber, but watch out. Some bars and cereals may include these nutritious oats in a sea of high fructose corn syrup and refined sugar.

Baked beans - Beans are an excellent source of protein and fiber, but many pre-made cans of baked beans are loaded with sugar. 1 cup of baked beans can contain up to 24g of sugar (that's about the same amount in an 8 oz. can of soda). Add plain canned beans to salads and soups instead.

Reduced fat peanut butter - Real peanut butter that's made with plain old peanuts is high in protein and also high in fat, but they're the healthy fats your body needs. When companies make reduced fat varieties, they basically take a small amount of real peanut butter and mix it up with fillers like sugar. Stick to actual peanut butter that's made with only peanuts.

Pretzels - Sure they may be a low fat snack, but many are made with corn syrup and enriched white flour (the kind that's refined and stripped of nutrition). So when you eat them, it gets converted into sugar quickly and makes your blood sugar spike up, leaving you tired, cranky and probably hungry soon after. Go for whole grain crackers instead if you're looking to satisfy your crunchy cravings.

English Muffins - Same as pretzels, these are mostly made with refined white flour which is completely devoid of fiber, protein, or vitamins. Look for 100% whole grain English muffins, or shoot for whole grain bread instead.

Fruit cocktail or applesauce - These may seem like an easy way to get your daily fruit, but many are made with added sugar and heavy syrups. Fruit is sweet enough on its own, so eat fresh fruit instead, and eat the skins whenever possible (it's packed with fiber).

Fit's Tip: Be sure to read all labels, even from foods you buy at health foods stores. Just because they seem healthy, doesn't mean they really are.

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Cascadian Farms - Organic and Easy

FitSugar — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 13:00:03 -0800

Cascadian Farms started off as a small farm in 1972, farming organically on a few acres in the Upper Skagit Valley of Washington's North Cascade Mountains - hence the name.

And now, they've expanded to become the leading grower, manufacturer, and distributor of a wide range of delicious organic products.

Walk into any health food store and you can't miss them. Their name is on anything from granola bars, to breakfast cereals, to frozen blueberries, to pickles. That about covers all the basic food groups. It is reliable and convenient organic produce and food.

My favorite products are a staple for a weekend breakfast: frozen blueberries for pancakes and frozen Country Style Potatoes - they make hash-browns so much easier.

And what else is great? Cascadian Farms are on Bob Greene's list for The Best Life Diet as seen on Oprah.

Fit's Tips: Keep a couple of bags each of frozen peas and corn - they're great to have on hand for soups and stir-frys.

Food Review: Bear Naked Chocolaty Cherry Granola Bar

FitSugar — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 03:00:22 -0700

Granola bars make great pre and post-workout snacks, so I always keep some in my gym bag to nosh on. Since variety is the spice of life, I like to try out news ones, and recently sampled some Bear Naked Grain-ola Bars.

Each bar is made with 15 to 17 grams of whole grains, with no hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, or preservatives. To find out what I thought of the Chocolaty Cherry flavor, keep reading

TLC Chewy Granola Bars From Kashi

FitSugar — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 02:00:00 -0800

Yogurt is one of my favorite afternoon snacks. The protein is just what I need to give me enough energy to get through a late afternoon workout session before heading home for dinner.

If I just eat yogurt, I get hungry while at the gym, and won't work out as long. If I eat a granola bar with my yogurt, I feel pumped and energized. I can do my cardio, my abs, my weight lifting, and work my love handles, all with a smile.

My new favorite granola bars are made by Kashi, so you know they're healthy. They're called TLC Chewy Granola Bars. They contain Kashi's unique blend of 7 whole grains and sesame, plus whole roasted nuts, sun-dried fruit, and a touch of wildflower honey.

There are no hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, or artificial anything. What you will find are granola bars that are minimally processed and made with pure and natural ingredients that you can see and taste.

They come in 4 flavors: Trail Mix, Peanut Peanut Butter, Honey Almond Flax, and their newest one, Cherry Dark Chocolate.

Food Review: Cascadian Farm Fiber Right Bars

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:00:02 -0800

Women need between 25 and 30 grams of fiber a day, and sometimes meals alone won't bring you to your daily quota. I'm always looking for quick snacks that are high in fiber, and when I came across these new Cascadian Farm Fiber Right Bars ($4) at the store, they looked like a tasty way to help me reach my goal.

To find out how these Almond Butter Crunchy Granola Bars taste and see how many calories are in one serving continue reading

Healthy Eating Tip: Eat Breakfast Early

FitSugar — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 03:30:50 -0700

From a recent poll, I was happy to see that most of you are eating breakfast. It really is the most important meal of the day since it jumpstarts your metabolism, regulates your blood sugar levels, gives you energy until lunch, and can make it easier to maintain your weight. Breakfasts that consist of healthy carbs, protein, and fiber are the best. Remember too that what time you eat is just as important as what you eat.

Aim to enjoy breakfast shortly after you wake up. If you're not into eating early, have your first meal by at least 9 or 10 in the morning. If you're working out first thing, make sure to eat something small like a piece of toast with almond butter or a hard-boiled egg. Then eat something a little more substantial after your workout. If you're not exercising but are in a rush, grab a granola bar and a banana or a drinkable yogurt. The best thing to do, though, is make time for breakfast. Get up 15 minutes earlier if you have to, so you can sit down and enjoy oatmeal, cereal, or an omelet. You'll not only feel more energetic, but it's a nice, calm way to start your day.

10 Ways to Avoid Gaining Weight at Work

FitSugar — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 05:50:00 -0700

Working nine to five can wreak havoc on your waistline. The stress makes you crave junk food, and often you're too overworked to have the energy or time to exercise. When I asked FitSugar readers how they avoid gaining weight at work, here's what they said.

"Stairwell stair climbing . . . My heart is racing and my legs are burning." - YumYucky
"I just keep lots of healthy snacks around (fruit, Kashi granola bars, and crackers) and bring my own lunch to avoid temptation." - Renee3327
"I spend most of my lunch breaks walking outside (there's a park down the street) or running on the treadmill (my gym is 7 minutes from my work giving me just enough time to drive there, change, run 3 miles, change, drive back.) Also, willpower is key. Today was a birthday so there was chocolate cake, and I just think how much I'd have to exercise to burn off one piece - not worth it!" - Vanonymous
"I always pack my lunch and keep fruit at my desk or my cubby fridge." - jessy777

To see the other great tips from FitSugar readers, read more.

"I never eat out or use the vending machine. " - Niami
"I always make sure to work out first thing in the morning . . . I always take stairs instead of the elevator . . . I make sure to have a healthy protein-packed breakfast, and I'm usually not hungry until 2 p.m." - Mila_83
"I don't avoid all of the free temptations, but I limit myself to one or two small ones a week." - darc5204
"I stopped carrying loose change. Whether it was $1 or 50 cents, I don't take it to work. It stops me from buying a soda and chips and candy to get that little, worth-nothing jolt of energy to meet deadlines." - tamaradulva
"I also avoid the break room, where there's usually free food. When there are birthdays or people bring treats in, I go but don't have a slice. I'm usually not the only one who abstains, so it doesn't make me feel awkward." - deanna024
"I graze on fruits and veggies and take a walk during my lunch break instead. Eating a big meal at midday makes me tired." - Anonymous

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Food Review: Yotta Bar

FitSugar — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:00:00 -0700

When I need a quick snack, granola and energy bars are the best because I can slip them into my purse, desk drawer, or gym bag, and they'll stay fresh until I need a pick-me-up. I just came across a new kind of bar made by the Undercover Vegetable Company. Incredible name, huh? The bars are called Yotta Bars, and they come in three flavors: Cherry, Orange, and Apple Cinnamon.

The package says, "One serving of veggies and fruits per chewy granola bar," and website says they're made without refined sugars and contain only ingredients everyone can pronounce. Sounds healthy, but how do these bars taste? To see what I thought, read more.

I so wish I was loving this bar because the ingredients are so healthy. But I guess there's a reason no other energy bar company has added dehydrated peas, asparagus, broccoli, sweet potatoes, celery, green pepper, corn, spinach, and parsley to its granola bars. I'm sorry, but the dried bits of apple were not enough to cover up the fact that these bars are full of veggies. I did like the chewy consistency and the slightly crispy oats, but I'll be nice and say that I just didn't care for the flavor (I could say much worse). Peeking at the nutritional info, these bars aren't outstanding in anyway, so I'll stick to eating my veggies in a salad or with my meals, and if I'm feeling snacky, I'll take a Larabar instead.

Serving Size	1 Apple Cinnamon bar
Calories	120
Total Fat	1g
Saturated Fat	0g
Cholesterol	0mg
Sodium	40mg
Carbs	25g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	11g
Protein	2g

Build Your Own Energy Bar With YouBar.com

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0800

I'm a fan of energy bars for pre- or post-workout snacks, but with this whole peanut butter salmonella scare, it worries me that some of my favorite bars have been recalled. If you've been a little nervous too, then you'll love YouBar.com. You choose the ingredients to build your own energy bar, so you know it's safe and a mix of all your favorite ingredients. You choose a base, such as almond or cashew butter. Then you choose a protein if you want, such as soy. Then you get to choose up to two kinds of seeds or nuts, like hempseed, flaxseed, or sunflower seeds. Then choose up to two fruits, including goji berries, dried apricots, or dried cherries. Then pick a sweetener, such as clover honey, and up to four seasonings such as cocoa, cinnamon, peppermint oil, or ginger. Then finish by choosing up to two grains, such as rice cereal or granola.

After your have created your perfect bar, the site supplies the nutritional info on your YouBar. Plus, you can name your bar anything you want, and when you receive them in the mail, the wrapper has the name you've chosen. Cute, huh? They cost about $3 a bar, so a case of 13 costs $39. Not only is it a brilliant snack idea, but would also make a great gift or wedding favor.

Reminds me of Me & Goji customized cereal.