So this week I figures out I am addicted to protein bars.
It started out innocently enough. I needed protein intake. They make this bars that have high amounts of protein (10 grams for a Clif bar up to 20 grams for a Clif Builder's Bar), perfect for people that are looking for meal replacement or are working on building muscle. And they are conveniently packaged in bar form, so they are easy to take with you or pack in a lunch.
The first thing you know, I am packing one of these little gems with me every day. It becomes my 3:00 PM snack food. Life is good: I have protein, I have my protein bar. Look at me.
Two problems, of course. The first is cost - not that they are excessive but they are certainly not free. Add another $12-15 a week. The second is a little more critical: it is sugar - or rather, the sugar in the bar, which can run up to 24 grams. Not really what you are looking for when you are trying to build muscle and certainly not what you need when you are trying to watch sugar (if diabetes runs in your family like it does in mine).
A simple little thing - a snack bar - is now a cost sink and a potential health issue.
I had to change things up of course. No more handy little snack bars. I get enough of my sugar the natural way, from fruits. My protein is having to come from other, actual sources - it can be done, just takes a little more planning. And now we have $12 a week back in our pockets instead of in my stomach.
It is a dangerous thing, these unexpected addictions. Sometimes we do them with the best of intentions, only to find that we are undoing any kind of good we are seeking to do all in the name of convenience.
look on the internet for recipes of brownies made with black beans.
ReplyDeleteagave nectar has a glycemic index of 4 ,which means nothing to me but may to you, as diabetics know these things and their families are watchful.
it can substitute for sugar.
we are gluten free so if you are, too, play with recipes until you get one you like.
then you can serve treats for celebrations without upsetting the innards.
try going dairy free and lactose free for 2 weeks. see if it helps.
Thanks Deborah. I did try some alternate protein bars (quite a while back) but my experience was not such that it made me want to try them again.
DeleteBrownies with black beans. Sounds oddly horrible but I have had stranger things made with ingredients I would not have pegged that were rather delicious.
Thanks for stopping by!