When it comes to identifying a surefire method for sustainable weight loss, there are so many clickbait articles with strange advice and wacky diets out there that it’s hard to know what to believe. One thing we know is that incorporating healthy energy bars into your diet is a great place to start.
Of course, not all energy bars are created equal. While many energy bar companies market their products as “healthy”, it’s important to do your research when searching for a nutritional snack. Check out this blog post to find the key things to look for when searching for a healthy energy bar.
Healthy On-the-Go Snack
If you’re looking to lead a healthier lifestyle, or perhaps lose a bit of weight along the way, meal planning is key. Of course, that’s easier said than done. Oftentimes life gets in the way, and we end up hungry in the middle of a busy work day with nothing to eat.
When you simply don’t have time to make or find a nutritional meal, or your only options are vending machine snacks or fast food, an energy bar is a much healthier alternative. Tahoe Trail Bars can serve as meal replacements, as they are packed with protein and fiber that energize you and keep you full. If you slip one or two in your bag before heading out for the day, you can rest assured that you have a healthy snack at hand.
Some say that snacking is an integral part of weight loss, as it helps maintain your metabolism and prevents you from overeating at mealtime. Rather than eating a huge lunch and hoping that it sustains you until dinner, you can snack on an energy bar in the afternoon to tide yourself over – and, you end up eating less at your next meal, helping you reach your weight loss goals.
Energy Bars Keep You Fuller, Longer
When you’re shopping for a healthy energy bar, make sure the ingredients include whole grains, like oats, rather than refined and overly processed white flour. Whole, minimally processed grains take longer for your body to break down – leaving you energized and fuller for a longer time.
They’re also better for you than refined flour, because they haven’t been stripped of the fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals they contain that are important for your health.
Protein is also a key factor in curbing your hunger. Eating a substantial amount of protein throughout the day, especially at breakfast, is proven to reduce your appetite. Protein (and carbs) controls your body’s production and release of ghrelin, the hormone that stimulates your appetite. Snacking throughout the day can have positive effects on keeping ghrelin levels down and maintaining a healthy weight.
While you want to avoid added sugars in your energy bars, naturally occurring sugars, such as those found in dried fruit, are good for you in moderation. They also trick your stomach into feeling fuller, reducing the temptation to keep snacking. Fruit contains fiber, which decreases hunger, and pectin, which helps the body release fat.
Nuts are one of the best snack options for weight loss, and they’re often a main ingredient in healthy energy bars. They are concentrated with protein and healthy fats that satisfy your appetite for an extended period of time, and they contain fiber that aids digestion and makes you feel full.
Although research on this topic is limited, nuts may even assist with fat burning while the body is at rest. Definitely consider a handful of nuts or a nut-filled energy bar the next time you’re hankering for a snack.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth
If you’re like many of us, you have a massive sweet tooth. While some might see this as an Achilles heel, it’s so easy to satisfy that craving in a healthy way. If eating dessert is a part of your routine that you just can’t kick, replacing a brownie with a healthy energy bar is a much better option.
Tahoe Trail Bar makes flavors like Dark Chocolate Cherry, Mango Coconut and Caramel Chocolate Chunk satisfy your cravings and keep you energized throughout the day so that you don’t have to feel guilty about eating.
Should I Bring Energy Bars When Exercising?
When you’re trying to lose weight, exercise is as important as eating a healthy and nutritional diet. Weight loss occurs when you burn more calories than you eat. And, regular exercise can keep the weight off. Because dieting and exercising go hand in hand, it’s important to fuel yourself with nutritional foods before or after a workout. Luckily, energy bars are portable and are a great snack on the way to the gym, on a hike, or a bike ride.
We’re biased, but our favorite form of exercise is hiking in the great outdoors. It’s easy to forget that you’re exercising when you’re hiking with friends in a beautiful place – we prefer it much more than staring at a TV in a gym on a treadmill.
Hiking is a low-intensity workout, meaning it builds your stamina and burns fat. What makes it such a good workout, compared to walking, is the terrain – the more hilly the trail is, the more fat you’ll burn. According to a Harvard study, a 185 pound individual will burn 1064 calories hiking for two hours compared to the 712 calories they would burn while walking for two hours.
You can increase the intensity of your hike and the calories you burn by pushing yourself to hike faster or for a longer time, or making your pack heavier by carrying extra water. And, of course, staying hydrated and well nourished is super important to maintain stamina and strength. Don’t forget to consistently drink water and fuel up on food – energy bars are perfect for hiking or any on the go activity.
If you’re trying to lose weight, healthy energy bars can help you reach your goals and sustain you along the way. Tahoe Trail Bars are made with whole grains, nuts, seeds, and fruit, and contain fiber and protein to keep you full for a long time. They’re a great snack to incorporate into your diet – they maintain your energy level and prevent overeating at your next meal, and are a perfect accompaniment for a calorie-burning hike.
