In January of 2018 there were near-riots in France as a grocery chain knocked down the price of Nutella, the popular chocolate-hazelnut that’s gathering a following here in the U.S. But is it really worthy of that kind of devotion? After all, the first two ingredients are sugar and palm oil — not ideal fuels […]
The post Sweet Cocoa Avocado Toast appeared first on VegKitchen.
Luckily, it’s easy to get a creamy, vegan salad dressing by using ingredients like vegan mayonnaise, hummus or even nuts like cashews.
The post Creamy Vegan Salad Dressing Recipes appeared first on VegKitchen.
Carbohydrates have been getting a bad reputation for several years now as the culprit behind weight gain, fatigue, and other adverse health conditions. But this couldn’t be farther from the truth, and most health professionals will ask you to think twice before eliminating an entire food group from your diet. The key is to know which carbohydrates to eat and which to stay far, far away from.
Plant-based foods help you lose weight and gain energy because they are full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. They naturally detox the body, improve the efficiency of the digestive process, and give the immune system a boost. On the other hand, highly processed carbohydrate foods, such as refined sugar and sweet treats, will give you brain fog and increase your waistline. Here’s a list of the 27 best carbohydrate foods for optimal energy and weight loss.
1. Blueberries
One cup of blueberries contains 21 grams of carbohydrates, and they’re worth every gram of it. As one of the world’s healthiest foods, blueberries have been shown to alter genes that regulate fat-burning and storage (http://ift.tt/2qc6nW4). They have also been shown to enhance energy levels by reducing abdominal fat, lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, and improving insulin sensitivity. This is possibly due to their unique polyphenol content. Anthocyanins are a special type of antioxidant with promising results. According to Doctor Steven Bolling, heart surgeon and head of the cardioprotection laboratory at the University of Michigan, blueberries, and anthocyanins show promising results in regards to these health conditions that regulate energy levels.
2. Apples
Apples are an excellent source of fiber, which has been shown to help you lose weight and improve your energy levels. Because they’re high in easily digestible carbs, eating an apple a half hour or so before you workout is a great way to increase your energy levels without feeling bloated or weighed down from a high-carb energy bar. A 2003 study (http://ift.tt/2iUWjwC) showed that women who ate three apples a day lost 1.22 kg after 12 weeks. They also had a more significant reduction in blood glucose. Because they are naturally sweet, apples make an excellent replacement for sugar in smoothies, baked goods, and on top of oatmeal.
3. Broccoli
Eating your greens is a great way to lose weight and increase your energy levels because they’re packed full of fiber and antioxidants that naturally detox the body and improve digestion to help get rid of excess weight. Broccoli contains a phytochemical called sulforaphane that has been shown to fight obesity. One study (http://ift.tt/2lTJr7N) found that mice who were fed sulforaphane reduce their visceral fat by 20 percent, which was 15 percent lower than the control group. The study also found that sulforaphane had positive effects on gut bacteria to remove toxins and promote weight loss, which can help you feel more energized.
4. Kamut
Kamut is an ancient grain packed full of protein and omega three fatty acids. It’s also relatively low in calories. One half-cup serving contains 140 calories and has 30 percent more protein than wheat. It’s also gluten-free, which makes it a great replacement if you’re sensitive to gluten. Research shows that eating kamut helps lower cholesterol, balance hormones, improve cognitive function, fight the common cold, assist with bone structure support, and detox the body. Its high fiber content helps push food through the digestive tract to aid in weight loss. Enjoy kamut as a side dish at dinner and prepare for a great morning workout the next day.
5. Black beans
Black beans fill you up with their high fiber content and pump you full of protein to help aid lean muscle mass. When combined with brown rice, black beans make a complete protein, which means that it provides all nine essential amino acids. These are typically found in animal products. Plus, you get the added benefit of protective plant compounds, copper, folate, and B vitamins. One cup of black beans contains 12 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber. They’re inexpensive if you buy them bagged. Soak them overnight, rinse, and boil the next day for a filling and satisfying meal.
6. Bananas
Bananas are a great food to eat if you suffer from a bloated belly because they are high in prebiotic indigestible carbohydrates. This means that they help fill you up and provide “fuel” to the good bacteria in your gut so that it can remove toxins and keep things moving. One study (http://ift.tt/2EQoCbC) found that women who consumed a banana twice a day as a pre-workout snack improve their gastrointestinal symptoms and reduced stomach bloat. The authors of the study concluded that bananas could be a useful food for women who have weight problems. Add them to smoothies or eat them plain with a handful of nuts for a protein boost.
7. Tart cherries
Tart cherries are the king of anti-inflammatory foods. Chronic inflammation can lead to weight gain and fatigue. One study (http://ift.tt/2uJJMSc) found that tart cherries alter abdominal adiposity (belly fat), adipose gene transcription, and inflammation to promote weight loss and reduce the risk of metabolic diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. One cup of cherries contains 22 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, and 16 percent of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C. True tart cherries are hard to find, but they’re worth seeking out at your local health store for their amazing health benefits.
8. Sweet potatoes
Along with berries, sweet potatoes are high in the polyphenol antioxidant anthocyanins to fight free-radical accumulation, detox fat from the body and keep your immune system working at its best. They’re also full of slowly digested carbohydrates, which is the best kind as they do not spike your blood sugar levels as refined sugars do. By improving your insulin sensitivity, you’ll reduce the number of calories that are converted into fat. Additionally, sweet potatoes are high in vitamins including A, C, and B6 to give you lots of energy through your day. Enjoy a baked sweet potato with a salad for lunch or turn them into sweet potatoes fries when you’re craving the fast-food kind.
9. Buckwheat
Despite having “wheat” in its name, buckwheat is a gluten-free grain, which makes it easier to digest then other grains if you’re sensitive to gluten. Buckwheat is a true superfood because it’s full of fiber to prevent glucose from being dumped into your bloodstream too quickly. Fiber also helps send a steady supply of fuel to your brain so you’ll be thinking clearly all day long. Research shows (http://ift.tt/1dcyaH9) that buckwheat has health-promoting benefits equal to or better than that of fruits and vegetables. Put buckwheat in the rotation along with your other favorite ancient grains when looking for a delicious side dish at dinner.
10. Raw cacao
You don’t need to stop eating chocolate if you want to lose weight. You just have to eat the right kind. Raw cacao powder is one of the best sources of bioflavonoids on the planet, which might be the key to losing weight and keeping it off, according to one study (http://ift.tt/207ubXx). Flavonoids are naturally occurring bioactive compounds that have been shown to increase energy expenditure and decrease fat absorption. Unlike cocoa, raw cacao is unprocessed and hasn’t been stripped of its nutrients. Loko for it at your local health food store and add it to smoothies for a treat.
10. Lentils
Lentils punch a robust nutritional punch that includes 116 calories, 9 grams of protein, 20 grams of carbohydrates, 8 grams of fiber, and 1.8 grams of naturally occurring sugar per a 100-gram serving. The same amount also contains 127 percent of your daily recommended intake of vitamin B6 to take care of all of your energy needs. Additionally, one serving has an impressive 45 percent of folate, 70 percent of manganese, and 58 percent of thiamine. The most satisfying way to enjoy lentils is to create a delicious soup. Be sure to add other delicious vegetables, such as spinach, carrots, tomatoes, and onions.
11. Oats
Don’t think twice about starting your day with a big bowl of oatmeal. Oats contain complex carbohydrates, which are slowly digested to provide you with long-term, sustainable energy. Oats are also high in soluble fiber, which has been shown to protect against heart disease. Plus, one-half cup serving of oats contains up to 10 grams of protein to build lean muscle. Eating a bowl of oats topped with blueberries and flaxseeds gives you the protein, fat, and energy you need to make it through whatever the day throws at you. Soak the oats overnight for better digestion if you’re sensitive to starchy grains.
12. Chickpeas
Dipping your vegetable sticks (cucumber, carrots, and tomatoes) into hummus is the ultimate snack. It has vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber to keep you naturally energized without crashing. Chickpeas are also really good for your heart. They lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease. One study (http://ift.tt/232pb4G) found that eating a serving of legumes each day helps you lose more weight than a diet that doesn’t include them. Lentils are also low-glycemic, meaning they won’t spike your blood sugar levels and leave you craving more sugar an hour later. Finally, chickpeas are gluten-free and easy to digest for most people.
13. Sprouted brown rice
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (http://ift.tt/2BOZU9c), sprouted brown rice is soaked in water for several hours, which makes the nutrients in the grain more bioavailable. It has four times the amount of fiber and vitamin E than regular rice and three times more magnesium, vitamin B1 and vitamin B6 for optimal energy. Sprouted brown rice has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, prevent cancer cells, and boost the immune system. Plus, it’s super filling and tasty. One quarter-cup serving contains 170 calories. Use it in place of regular rice whenever you need a delicious plant-based dish.
14. Teff
Looking for a plant-based dish with a complete protein profile? Teff contains all nine of the essential amino acids, which is a unique quality that not many plant sourced foods can claim. It tastes similar to quinoa with a mild, nutty flavor that goes great with sauteed onions, broccoli, and mushrooms. Plus, it’s gluten-free. One cup of teff contains 255 calories, 50 grams of carbohydrates, 10 grams of protein, and 360 percent of your daily recommended intake of manganese. It also has 7 grams of fiber. One study found that eating teff reduces the risk of metabolic diseases (http://ift.tt/2EQoEjK).
15. Amaranth
Amaranth is yet another gluten-free grain that’s packed with fiber and protein. One cup contains 251 calories, 46 grams of carbohydrates, 5 grams of fiber, and 9 grams of protein. Studies show that amaranth can help reduce inflammation, aid in your fitness goals due to its high protein content, support bone health, lower cholesterol, improve digestion, and fight diabetes. Additionally, amaranth is high in an amino acid called lysine, which helps produce carnitine that converts fatty acids into energy. Use amaranth in place of oatmeal for a tasty breakfast along with your favorite fruits.
16. Mango
Mangos have about 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving, and they’re wonderfully nutritious with a long list of health benefits. They provide you with 100 percent of your daily recommended intake of vitamin C, which has antioxidants abilities in the body to get rid of excess toxins that may hang out and disrupt critical metabolic processes. They have been shown to reduce obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even premature death. Eating mangos by themselves is a delicious way to enjoy a mid-morning snack, but you can also get creative and add mango chunks to salads or smoothies. If you buy them frozen, make sure there is no sugar added to them.
17. Pineapple
Pineapple contains a potent anti-inflammatory enzyme called bromelain, which has been shown to support weight loss, decrease joint pain (to make it easier to exercise!), treat and prevent sinus infections, fight allergies and asthma, prevent cancer, and treat digestive disorders. One study (http://ift.tt/2BKJdf0) found that bromelain can be used as an anti-obesity medication because it downregulates fatty acid synthase, adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein, and lipoprotein lipase. It may also inhibit a process that contributes to the formation of fat cells called adipogenesis and reduce overall triglyceride levels. Add pineapple chunks to yogurt, smoothies, salads, or even on top of your favorite burger.
18. Butternut squash
Butternut squash is not only a tasty addition to your favorite meals, but it also contains four times the recommended daily intake of vitamin A and over half the recommended intake of vitamin C in just one serving. Vitamins A and C are antioxidants that assist with weight loss and energy production by combating free-radical damage that causes inflammation. One serving of butternut squash contains 82 calories, 21 grams of carbohydrates, and three different carotenoids. One study (http://ift.tt/2lCJBT8) found that butternut squash may help decrease fatigue and increase exercise performance to give you a boost at the gym.
19. Dates
You can tell that dates have a ton of sugar (the good kind) by taking one bite of them. The good news is that sugar from whole food sources like fruit doesn’t spike your blood sugar levels the same way a candy bar would, so they’re safe to eat. Dates can have a laxative-like effect on the body, so a little bit goes a long way. But they’re a delicious way to keep your diet on track even if you have a sweet tooth. Plus, they’re full of zinc, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins A and K, potassium, and folate. Add one or two Medjool dates to sweeten up your homemade almond milk or roll them in walnut pieces for a delicious treat.
20. Peas
Peas belong to the legume family, and they’re often used as a non-dairy source of protein to help build lean muscle. They have been shown to help you lose weight, support a healthy heart, and regulate blood sugar. They also have incredible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce your risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and arthritis. One cup of cooked green peas contains 116 calories, 25 grams of carbohydrates, 9 grams of fiber, and 8 grams of protein. Add some peas to your favorite ancient grain for a fiber and protein rich dish, or incorporate some pea powder into your post-workout meals to help you recover.
21. Beets
Beets have the highest sugar content of all vegetables, so many low-carb dieters tend to stay away from them, but that’s a huge mistake given their high nutritional value. Beets have been shown to boost your stamina, reduce inflammation, lower your blood pressure, protect against cancer, and play an essential role in your body’s natural detoxification process. Specifically, they assist with Phase 2 detoxification where toxins are broken down and bind to other molecules where they can be eliminated from the body. This helps decrease fat storages and leave you feeling energized. Add them to smoothies, salads, or homemade juices.
22. Barley
Barley helps keep you full to prevent you from overeating by creating a bulking effect in the digestive system to push waste through. Keeping your digestive tract clean and adequately functioning is an integral part of losing weight. Barley is gluten-free and contains lots of vitamins and minerals, including folate, copper, B vitamins for energy, niacin, phosphorus, magnesium and more. One cup of cooked barley has 217 calories, a whopping 10 grams of fiber, 45 grams of carbs, and 7 grams of protein. Try soaking them or buying them sprouted to enhance the nutritional profile.
23. Pistachios
Pistachios are well-known for being high in fats, but their carbohydrates content is one that shocks most people. A one-cup serving of these delicious nuts contains 691 calories, 56 grams of fat, 13 grams of fiber, and 34 grams of carbohydrates. As they are calorically dense, you won’t need to eat a lot of these nuts to feel full, which is what makes them ideal for weight loss. Plus, pistachios have been shown to lower cholesterol, protect your heart, stabilize blood sugar levels to fight diabetes, and even support sexual function. Keep your serving size to a one to two ounce minimum when snacking on them.
24. Oranges
Citrus fruits are often shunned on low-carb diets because of their high sugar content, but doing so means you’ll miss out on a whole bunch of nutritional benefits. Oranges are regarded as one of the healthiest foods in the world for their vitamin C and antioxidant support. They have been shown to improve your immune system, reduce the risk of many diseases, give you great skin, and provide you with lots of energy. They’re also high in fiber and low on the glycemic index, which is the perfect recipe for weight loss. Research suggests that low glycemic foods are also easier to digest. Be sure to avoid processed orange juices and enjoy the whole fruit instead.
25. Parsnips
Parsnips are considered a starchy vegetable because of their high carbohydrate content, but they’re also full of vitamins, fiber and minerals to make them worthy as part of your weight loss diet. Research shows that parsnips may lower your risk of high cholesterol, depression, diabetes, digestive ailments, high blood pressure, and immunity problems. They are a good source of iron, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, vitamins B, C, E, and K, and potassium. They make an excellent replacement for white potatoes if you’re looking for something a little more nutritious on your dinner plate.
26. Grapes
Grapes contain an antioxidant called resveratrol, which has been shown to help you lose weight. One study (http://ift.tt/2BLS4Nm) found that subjects who supplemented with resveratrol burned more calories throughout the day due to an increase in their muscle metabolism. Another study (http://ift.tt/2BLS4Nm) resveratrol might help control insulin sensitivity, which could lead to type 2 diabetes and weight gain. Snacking on a handful of grapes and raw nuts is an excellent alternative to a sugary energy bar before a workout. You can also freeze some grapes and eat them as dessert in place of ice cream.
27. Quinoa
Rounding out the list of high-carb ancient grains that can help you lose weight is quinoa. With its delicious flavor and high fiber profile, quinoa makes a great weight loss food. One cup provides you with 222 calories, 5 grams of fiber, 8 grams of protein and 39 grams of carbs. It’s one of the rare plant-based sources of complete protein and has been shown to help you lose weight and gain more energy, according to one study (http://ift.tt/2EO1uKY).
The post 27 Best Carb Foods for Optimal Energy & Weight Loss appeared first on Bembu.
When Pingala Café opened its doors in 2013, it was the only vegan eatery in Burlington — though it won’t be holding that distinction for much longer. Word has it that soon it will be in good company, reflecting the exponential growth of the plant-based revolution. From the get-go, Pingala’s aim was to exceed expectations […]
The post Pingala Café Lets You Bring Home the Eggplant Bacon appeared first on VegKitchen.
Protein bars are everywhere, but most of them are glorified candy bars full of unhealthy ingredients advertised as something that can help you. If you do manage to find one that’s not full of junk, then you might not be crazy about how it tastes. While most people seek protein after an exercise session, you don’t need to take excessive amounts to get the benefits you desire. In fact, you don’t even need to be a gym-rat to benefit from protein at all.
A protein bar can be a delicious way to satisfy your hunger and help you focus at work in between meals. Finding one with quality ingredients and a pleasant taste doesn’t have to be an impossible task. Here are the 27 best protein bars we found and tips for choosing the right one for you.
Syntha-6 Protein Crisp provides you with 20 grams of protein and 4 grams of sugar per bar. It has a rice crispy like texture, which most people find tasty, and it makes a great alternative to a candy bar if you have a sweet tooth. The primary ingredient is whey protein, which is a good choice because it’s a complete protein that contains all nine essential amino acids. While the bar has a good ratio of protein to sugar, you’ll want to be careful as this bar contains sucralose. Eating too many sugar-free sweeteners may cause gastrointestinal upset in some people.
No one would ever complain about eating a cookie, and this one provides 18 grams of protein to satisfy any cravings. It’s created by MuscleTech, which is a well-known nutritional company in the fitness industry with many tasty products. The cookie is gluten-free and contains 14 grams of sugar, which might seem high, but it’s about half the amount of leading brands, according to the cookie’s website. MuscleTech promises this cookie is soft and delicious, just like the ones you’d buy at the bakery. It features a blend of brown rice flour and whey protein.
Quest is another well-known company in the fitness world, and their products are tasty and packed with protein. This bar contains 170 calories, 20 grams of protein, 3 grams of sugar, and 7 grams of fat. It’s gluten-free and has a shorter than average ingredients list, which is ideal when comparing it to other brands with lots of fillers. It features milk and whey protein isolate, soluble corn fiber, almonds, water, apples, natural flavors, erythritol, palm oil, sea salt, cinnamon, calcium, sucralose, and malic acid. It also provides 14 grams of fiber, which is great for filling you up and curbing hunger.
Combat Crunch Bars claim to taste just like a soft-batch cookie without the taffy-like texture of a sports bar. It’s gluten-free, triple-layered, and baked just like a cookie. Plus, it has 210 calories and 20 grams of protein per bar. It also has 12 grams of fiber, 5 grams of sugar (1 gram of sugar alcohol), and 7 grams of fat. It contains isomalto-oligosaccharide, which is a prebiotic fiber that helps fuel the good bacteria in your gut for healthy digestion. As with other bars that include sugar alcohols, don’t eat too many if you are sensitive to sugar-free sweeteners.
The NITRO-TECH crunch bar has 22 grams of protein, which is about 2 grams more than most brands. It also has 5 grams of fiber, 7 grams of fat, and 7 grams of sugar with 3 grams of sugar alcohol. It delivers a premium grade of protein in the form of whey protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and milk protein isolate. Be careful of the artificial ingredients in this bar as it contains numerous types of artificial food colorings, which have been linked to hyperactivity and other problems to those who are sensitive to it.
The company Optimal Nutrition creates cake Bites, and they sound like a delicious way to get your protein fix. For every three cake serving, you get 20 grams of protein 7 grams of fat, and 6 grams of sugar with three grams of total added sugar. Be mindful that the bar does not contain any fiber, and it has the artificial food colorings red 40 and blue 1, which have been linked to irritability and increased aggressiveness in some people. They come in six different flavors, including birthday cake, chocolate dipped cherry, red velvet, chocolate-frosted donut, blueberry cheesecake, and chocolate mint.
The Complete Cookie by Lenny and Larry’s is a vegan cookie with 16 grams of plant-based protein. They also provide 8 grams of fiber and are made with non-GMO, kosher ingredients. There are no artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols in this cookie, so they might be a good option if you have digestive issues or are sensitive to added sweeteners. It should be noted that these bars contain wheat flour, so they are not gluten-free. Their vegan protein blend is made from pea protein isolate, brown rice protein, and wheat gluten.
This bar is a good option if you are trying to avoid eating too many carbohydrates. Carb Killa is a high-protein bar made by Grenade. One bar has 210 calories, 8 grams of fat, 7 grams of fiber, 1 gram of sugar (11 grams of sugar alcohol), and 23 grams of protein. The website even offers a tasty recipe for turning this bar into homemade protein pancakes. It also contains 15 percent of your daily calcium requirements, but it has higher than average amounts of sugar alcohol than other bars to keep the total carbohydrate content down.
FitJoy Bars are non-GMO, gluten-free, and don’t contain any artificial colors, sweeteners or flavors. One bar contains 230 calories, 20 grams of protein, 8 grams of fat, 10 grams of fiber, and 3 grams of sugar. They have a yogurt-flavored coating that gives them a creamy and delicious taste with 20 percent of your daily calcium requirements. It’s also gluten-free and is colored with plant-based extracts, such as beta-carotene, radish extract, spirulina extract, and turmeric. Try this bar if you need a protein fix but don’t want many artificial ingredients in the recipe.
FIT Crunch Bars contain 380 calories, 30 grams of protein, 16 grams of fat, 2 grams of fiber, and 6 grams of sugar (16 grams of sugar alcohol) per bar. According to the bar’s website, it’s the only six-layered baked bar in the world. As this bar is calorically dense and contains a lot of protein, it’s ideally suited for someone who wants to put on weight. It doesn’t have much fiber in it, and the sugar alcohol content is high, but it’s a good option if your sole purpose is to get more protein in your diet.
EPIC is a great company if you’re concerned about eating clean. It’s also a great bar for meat lovers. The bar is 100 percent sugar-free, gluten-free and contains uncured bacon and pork with no nitrates. It has 130 calories, 8 grams of fat, 3 grams of saturated fat, no carbs, no fiber, no sugar, and 15 grams of protein per bar. The company was designed to be Paleo-friendly. You can purchase them from Amazon for $2.06 per bar or $24.69 for a 12 pack. This bar is ideally suited for someone looking to eat a high-fat or protein and low carb diet with no added sugars.
This bar contains 230 calories, 16 grams of fat, 15 grams of carbohydrates, and 10 grams of protein per bar. It also has 3 grams of fiber and 6 grams of sugar. While it might not be the first choice for serious bodybuilders, this bar makes a great snack bar for someone looking to eat better. It would also be great after an exercise session to help your muscles recover as it contains almonds, which are high in the amino acid l-arginine. L-arginine has been shown to help build lean muscle and blast belly fat.
This bar is unique because it contains sprouted ingredients, which is a process that increases the bioavailability of specific ingredients. This means that you’re more likely to absorb them and utilize them for energy. They also tend to be easier to digest. This bar contains sprouted cashews and almonds. It has 220 calories, 15 grams of fat, 15 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, and 8 grams of protein. As a whole food bar, this is a good option for someone who is concerned about eating too many artificial ingredients, preservatives, or sugar alcohols.
The Luna Protein Mint Chocolate Chip bar is a good option if you have a craving for a treat but want to eat something healthy instead. It’s made by Clif Bar and Company and features 170 calories, 5 grams of fat, 20 grams of carbohydrates, 13 grams of sugar, 3 grams of fiber, and 12 grams of protein per bar. It uses soy protein isolate and macadamia nut butter as its protein sources, and the majority of its ingredients are clean with no color dyes or sugar alcohol. You’ll also get some added antioxidants from its organic alkalized cocoa blend.
The GoMacro Macrobar Protein Paradise bar is vegan, gluten and dairy free, non-GMO, organic, kosher, and soy free. It’s made with lots of high-quality plant-based ingredients, such as organic brown rice, organic sprouted flax, organic coconut oil, organic cashews, and organic pea protein. It contains 260 calories, 11 grams of fat, 10 grams of sugar, 1 gram of fiber and 11 grams of protein per bar. This is a good no-nonsense bar if you’re looking for an alternative to cane sugar and ingredients that you can’t pronounce. It also contains 10 percent of your daily recommended iron intake.
Sometimes the best bars are the ones that contain the fewest ingredients. This bar’s claim to fame is what you won’t be putting in your body when you eat it, and that includes artificial ingredients, flavors, and sweeteners. It has just four ingredients: organic cashews, coconut nectar, pea protein and lemon extract. One bar contains 260 calories, 13 grams of fat, 15 grams of protein, 12 grams of sugar, and 1 gram of fiber. It would be a great mid-afternoon snack, a pre or post-workout bar, or even a breakfast bar on the go.
Exo protein bars are only made with real food ingredients. They are also dairy, soy, and gluten-free. But the kicker is that they are made out of crickets. Before you shun the idea of eating insects as a snack, consider that they contain about as much protein as chicken breast and three times the amount of calcium. This bar also has almonds in it for a nice crunch, and it contains a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids. One bar has 300 calories, 20 grams of fat, 10 grams of protein, 7 grams of fiber and 13 grams of sugar.
Think Thin Protein Nut Bars are made with nuts and pumpkin seeds, so they are high in both protein and fiber to help curb hunger. They’re also gluten-free. Each bar has 190 calories, 11 grams of fat, 17 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fiber, 8 grams of sugar, and 9 grams of protein. They’re sweetened with real sugar and coconut, so they don’t contain any sugar alcohols. This would be a good bar for someone who needs a pick-me-up in the afternoon as opposed to a sugary candy bar or treats.
Health Warrior Superfood Protein Bars have 200 calories, 8 grams of fat, 5 grams of fiber, 10 grams of sugar, and 10 grams of protein per bar. They’re made with superfoods, such as chia seeds, organic quinoa, and oats, which makes them higher in fiber than most bars. In fact, they contain 20 percent of your daily fiber intake. The mint flavors make them a refreshing choice for a protein bar, and these bars are easier to digest than other brands, which makes them ideally suited for a pre-workout energy boost.
This bar will cost you more than others, but that’s because it’s made of grass-fed beef from cows have been fed natural food instead of highly inflammatory corn products. As a result, the meat is higher in omega three fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids to reduce inflammation and assist with weight loss. One bar contains 80 calories, 3.5 grams of fat, 3 grams of sugar, no fiber, and 8 grams of protein. If you’re starving or need more protein, you can even eat two without feeling guilty or wrecking your fitness goals!
Amazing Grass makes this protein superfood bar. It’s a favorite among those who prefer plant-based protein over whey or animal products. It features a tasty blend of seven alkalizing greens, whole nuts, veggies, superfoods and fruits with real chocolate. You’ll also find some surprising ingredients inside, like organic acai, rose hips, and organic spirulina. Unlike other bars, you can use these to bring you closer to your daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables. One bar contains 250 calories, 10 grams of fat, 3 grams of fiber, 13 grams of sugar, and 12 grams of protein.
If you’re looking for a way to get your chocolate chip and peanut butter fix in your diet without wrecking your fitness goals, then try this bar. It’s made from Aloha and contains 270 calories, 13 grams of fat, 6 grams of fiber, 12 grams of sugar and 18 grams of protein per bar. As it’s a bit high in carbohydrates, this bar would work well as a protein-rich breakfast bar or pre-workout meal. The plant-based protein blend comes from peanuts, pea protein, and pumpkin seeds. The bar is also organic and contains no artificial ingredients.
If you’re looking for a high-protein breakfast option, then try these no-bake homemade bars. Chances are you probably keep most of these ingredients in your house anyway. You’ll need almond flour, oat flour, almond or cashew butter, vanilla protein powder, pure maple syrup, milk of your choice, blueberries, vanilla, cinnamon and sea salt. You can also adjust the ingredients based on your protein needs. The best part is that you know exactly what’s in them and you won’t have to worry about artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or food dyes. They’re also great for kids.
These bars are paleo, keto, and vegan-friendly. Plus, you can make them at home. They take five minutes to prep and five minutes to create. You’ll need some coconut flour, the protein powder of your choice, peanut butter or your choice of nut butter, the sweetener of your choice, and some chocolate chips. This recipe can be tailored to meet any needs. For example, you can make it sugar-free or include as much protein as you’d like. Make some ahead of time and keep them in the freezer for whenever you need a protein boost.
This protein bar is Paleo and Whole30 approved and does contain any sweetener except for fruit. They’re dairy and gluten-free, and only take about 10 minutes to make. One bar contains approximately 136 calories, 6 grams of fat, 2 grams of fiber, 9 grams of sugar, and 7 grams of protein. You won’t have to worry about insulin spikes or digestive problems with this bar. Ingredients include raw almonds and cashews, pitted dates, dried apples, egg white powder, raisins, spices, and water. Try these as an on-the-go snack or right before a workout.
If chocolate isn’t your thing, then maybe you’ll enjoy these vanilla protein bars. They take about five minutes to throw together, but they’ll need to set in the freezer for about 30 minutes before you can enjoy them. They’re easy on the stomach and make a great snack anytime hunger strikes. Ingredients include oats, vanilla whey protein powder, coconut oil, peanut butter, raw honey, almond milk and vanilla extract. They’re creamy and delicious, and you won’t get tired of eating them.
Lots of store-bought bars contain hard to digest ingredients. Making your own bars at home saves you time, money, and worry about what you’re eating. These bars are Paleo approved, so they don’t contain any processed grains or sugars. They call for grass-fed vanilla whey protein powder, almond butter, raw honey, eggs, salt, and baking soda. They’re soft, chewy, and perfect for dessert or on-the-go snacking. You can even use a sugar-free sweetener such as erythritol if you’re trying to cut back on carbs.
The post 27 Best Protein Bars & How to Choose the Right One appeared first on Bembu.
My name is Gloria Clay, and I won Vegan Outreach Mac Down Competition in Columbia SC. I was the only person who isn’t chef or an owner of a food truck or restaurant. I’ve never gone to culinary school, so I was surprised and thrilled to win the competition with my original Vegan Mac and […]
The post Gloria and Adam’s Prize-Winning Vegan Mac & Cheese Collard Green Bake appeared first on VegKitchen.
The ketogenic diet is the talk of the town right now, and rightfully so. It comes with a long list of proven health benefits and incredible transformation stories from people who have tried it. If you haven’t heard about it, the ketogenic diet is an extreme form of low-carb eating that boasts some of the best weight loss success when compared to other diets. It works by putting your body into a state of ketosis in which you use fat instead of glucose as fuel.
For many people, the most challenging part of the ketogenic diet is determining which foods are safe to eat. Unlike other low-carb diets, the ketogenic diet is genuinely a high-fat diet that asks you to limit your carbohydrate intake to less than five percent of your daily calories. Even overeating protein can kick you out of ketosis. Here are the best ketogenic diet recipes we found online to help make your transition as tasty as possible.
The ketogenic diet is no ordinary low-carb diet. It will require a good amount of self-control when it comes to limiting carbohydrates, but the results are so amazing that you’ll be inspired to continue. It takes a few weeks to get the hang of it, but once you’re in ketosis, many people claim that their sugar cravings go away. Then comes the weight loss and increased energy levels. Try these recipes to get started.
The post The Best Ketogenic Diet Recipes We Found Online appeared first on Bembu.