The skinny on protein bars

For many of us, it is the go-to breakfast or snack item when we are on the run.

Before you reach for that protein bar, you'll want to take a good look at the label because what you're grabbing may not be any better for you than a candy bar. 

When trying to lose weight, many people will try to eat 5 small meals a day to trick their bodies into burning what is being ingested to retain lean muscle and provide energy. But if you are eating an unhealthy protein bar as one of those mini-meals, you could be doing more harm than good, according to licensed sports nutritionist and fitness expert Natalie Jill. 



Jill goes on to say you you should look for ingredients you can define, and pay close attention to the protein source, you want them to be as close to real food as possible, the more natural the better. 



Jill recommends the following guidelines when finding purchasing a healthy protein bar, some of Jill's favorites are Dales, Jay Robb's, Betty Lous Inc. What are the requirements for a good protein bar?



No High Fructose Corn Syrup 


Natural ingredients 


No preservatives 


No artificial sweeteners 


15-30 grams of protein 


Less than 300 calories 


High fiber