Hey Steemers!
Just getting back from a gym session and can't wait to pound down some food! Let me know below who feels the same.
Over the last few days, my repository of Quest bars is slowly getting finished and I've been meaning to switch it up with another protein bar company, or a homemade version. I'm including the top 3 ones that I'll be trying in the near future. In case you're in my position and just looking for a delicious, healthy, protein bar that delivers whey protein alongwith healthy fiber than let's get started...
Firstly, QUEST bars.
If you've been around the fitness world the last few years, you might've come across this supplement company. They initially started off their bars quite deliciously in fact, with some quality ingredients without much in the way of artificial sweeteners. However, the last few years they've changed up their ingredients and my stomach indicates that it's not as "great" as it used to be. So for now, this is a decent backup, giving over 20gms of whey protein with 12+ gms of fiber and keeping under 6 gms of net carbs. It's a tough bar to beat. They've now spread out into making protein shakes and chips amongst other things.
So, using QUEST bars as a measuring stick, let's dive into the alternatives.
1 - Making a Homemade version of Quest bars: They have a good recipe, using Vitafiber as the thickener of choice. Vitafiber is starting to gain a lot of recognition in the health food circles for the simple reason that it's a low-calorie sweetener with a mild taste that also provides a good source of prebiotics and non-GMO dietary fiber. I recommend you purchase a grass-fed whey protein concentrate whenever possible.
2 - Mark McManus' Low-Fat Protein Bar: Mark hosts the very popular MuscleHack.com site, frequented daily by fitness and body-shaping enthusiasts. He's got an innovative take on nutrition and training and his readers are very loyal - you'll see why. I recommend also picking up his Buff Baking 2.0 guide, as he has a very no-nonsense approach to cooking and eating in general. I'll dive more into his protocols in a later post but for now, take a look at his super-easy 4 ingredient low-fat protein bar. Boasting close to 35gms of protein (I recommend you purchasing a grass-fed whey protein concentrate whenever possible), for the low amount of effort, it's a real winner!
3 - Oatmega Bars: This new bar company was brought to my attention just yesterday in fact. They appear to be using grass-fed whey protein from New Zealand cows (definitely a step in the right direction!) and non-GMO organic ingredients. The only thing I feel they could've done without is the added Omega-3's in the form of fish oil, that might be the only concerning thing on the menu for me but otherwise quite the intelligent bar. Additionally they also have a protein cookie - and I'm a SERIOUS fan of good cookies. Another article coming up soon on those! ;)
BONUS - [Aloha Protein Bars](https://aloha.com/shop/categories/protein-bars): New protein company on the street, got some good products including protein bars. I like that they haven't added on extra Omega's and that they're using inulin fiber vs soluble corn fiber. That harkens back to the early days of Quest when they were using a different fiber source. Will be trying these bad boys out and keeping you posted.
Alright, I'm right starving now! Train Hard. Eat Hard STE(A)MERS!
Cheers,
-A