The importance of eating healthy protein bars cannot be overemphasized. They are an excellent on-the-go snack, and they help you prioritize your health while consuming a small amount of high-protein food. In addition to being an excellent snack, protein bars are also great for post-workout treats. These products are often a convenient and easy-to-pack solution.
While protein bars are convenient, they are not the healthiest snack. They should contain about six to eight grams of sugar per serving. Many manufacturers add sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners in order to lower the calories and fat content. The added sugars in protein bars may lead to side effects and can increase the risk of diabetes, fatty liver disease, and obesity. These ingredients should be avoided. Instead, protein bars should be high in fiber and low in calories, and contain little or no added sugar.1
In addition to keeping calories low, protein bars should contain very little sugar. The recommended daily sugar intake for both men and women is 35 grams. However, a protein bar that contains more than 10 grams of sugar is not healthy. Excess sugar can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels and a crash in energy. If you choose a protein bar with too much sugar, it could lead to weight gain. To avoid this problem, making your own protein bars are the best option.2
What Are Dates?
If you’ve never tasted a date, you should! They’re sweet and chewy and are a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine. You can find them at farmers markets, grocery stores, and even restaurants. Depending on where you live, dates can range in texture, flavor, and quality. Some dates have a soft flesh, while others are dry or semi-dry. In addition, they can also be very hard.3
The best way to eat dates is to make pasta out of them. These are easy to make and are loaded with healthy sugar. Traditionally, dates have been cultivated in the Middle East. The fruits are sweet and can be substituted for white sugar in baking. However, you shouldn’t confuse this natural sweetness with sweetness! When you’re making your own jams, you can make a date paste. The sweetness of dates is what makes them so appealing.
Dried dates are wrinkled, sticky, and sweet. They have a flavor similar to chocolate and are semi-dry. Despite their sugar content, dates don’t need additional sugar for flavoring. This juicy fruit tastes like a cross between a prune and a fig. They have hints of cinnamon and chocolate as well. The nutrition facts of dates may make them seem like a sugar bomb, but they aren’t. Instead, they’re a holy superfood!4
What Are the Health Benefits of Dates?
Dates contain a high concentration of antioxidants that prevent damage to the cell’s DNA and structural integrity. Phenolic Acid, Carotenoids, and Flavonoids are the most potent forms of antioxidants found in dates. These nutrients are essential for the prevention of aging, are known to fight inflammation, and promote cardiovascular and brain health. Here are a few creative ways to incorporate dates into your diet:
Dates are a great source of dietary fiber. Fiber helps maintain blood sugar levels in the body, which is important for diabetics and those who are prone to obesity. Studies have shown that dietary fiber may reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and gastrointestinal problems. Despite their high sugar content, dates are a good choice for diabetics. Here are some more benefits of eating dates.5
Dates are a great source of antioxidants. They have a low glycemic index and are rich in fiber and antioxidants. Moreover, studies have shown that dates can lower levels of inflammatory markers in the brain, including IL-6. High levels of this protein are associated with a higher risk of neurodegenerative diseases. These compounds are also beneficial for the heart and reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
Researchers have discovered that dates reduce the signs of infertility in rats. These results suggest that date consumption could help treat infertility. However, more studies are necessary to find out what amount of dates can be effective for treating infertility. Regular dates are linked to better cognition, a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and other disorders. They’re also excellent sources of antioxidants.
When compared to other fruit and vegetable fruits, dates have a number of health benefits. They are rich in potassium, magnesium, Vitamin B6, copper, manganese, iron, and fiber. This means they are a great alternative to prescription medications and expensive vitamins and minerals. And because they are naturally low-calorie and high-fiber, they can even increase energy levels! This makes dates a great choice for diabetics who want to maintain their healthy weight.6
Dates contain potassium. These two minerals help keep the body functioning properly. They balance sodium in the body, keeping blood pressure under control, and converting carbohydrates to fuel. They are a great source of fiber. But, when it comes to health, dates are one of the most powerful sources of fiber in nature. For this reason, they are a great choice for diabetics. Besides being high in fiber, dates are also rich in vitamins and minerals.
Although dates are a good choice for diabetics, they should be eaten with caution. This fruit is high in polyphenols and antioxidants, and they may help prevent cardiovascular disease. While dates are a great alternative to table sugar, they should be avoided by those with diabetes.7 They contain high amounts of fiber and may cause excessive bowel movements. In addition, the high amount of fiber in dates can lead to bloating and excess bowel movements. The sugar alcohol, sorbitol, in these fruits can aggravate the symptoms of diarrhea. If you experience these side effects, avoid eating dates.
The Importance of Homemade Protein Bars With Dates
Homemade protein bars are naturally sweetened and made with whole grains. They should contain a soft date and a teaspoon of peanut butter. You can use stale or hard dates if you prefer. To increase the protein content, use all-natural peanut butter or maple syrup. You can also add a few drops of honey. Vanilla protein powder is an ideal choice if you don’t have any protein powder in your house. This ingredient provides sweetness and is an excellent source of protein.
A homemade protein bar with dates is a good alternative to commercial bars. You can easily store these bars in your refrigerator for several days or even weeks. These tasty treats are very low in calories and will keep you satisfied all day. The one serving provides about 18 grams of protein and six grams of good fat and four grams of fiber.
If you want to make your own protein bars, you should use Medjool dates and process them in a food processor. After processing, add other ingredients like chocolate chips and coconut. Once the mixture is smooth and firm, you can press the bars into a pan with an 8×8 inch square shape. Then, press the mixture into the prepared pan and allow them to cool. You can decorate the bars with melted chocolate chunks.
Why Are Healthy Homemade Protein Bars Healthier?
Making protein bars at home is a great way to customize the ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Not only are they healthier, but they’re also more economical and environmentally friendly. Plus, you can save the wrappers, too! Most “healthy” protein bars are loaded with sugar, fat, and processed ingredients. Here’s a list of the most healthy ingredients you can substitute for whey or vegan protein powder.
Make your own protein bars at home. These are a great snack or dessert alternative. These protein bars contain whey protein powder, nuts, and plain Greek yogurt. In addition to being delicious, they’re also a healthy option. So, make your own and enjoy their benefits! You’ll also save money since homemade bars are healthier than those purchased in stores. You’ll be glad you did.
When making protein bars at home, you’ll need whey protein powder. Popular brands of protein bars include Perfect Bars, Clif, and Luna Bars. You can even use Gatorade’s protein bars. Just make sure you use unsweetened protein powder when making your own protein bars. And don’t forget about the flavor! These bars are not only healthy, but they’re also delicious!
While you can buy a variety of protein bars in stores, a healthier option is to make your own. These bars are rich and contain healthy fats, like avocado. They’re also good sources of iron and fiber, which can boost your energy levels. They’re also a quick lunch option. The best thing about protein bars is that they’re tasty! You can add bananas that are about to brown and you’ll have a guilt-free snack. If you have any other favorite ingredient that you love, go for it!
Another benefit of homemade protein bars is that they’re more nutritious than commercially prepared protein bars. Unlike commercially made bars, they have a lower calorie content and are a better choice for people who have a sweet tooth. Moreover, they’re high in monounsaturated fats, which are great for the heart. The bar’s high sugar content also makes it a good snack for active individuals.
Protein bars are a great way to fuel your body during workouts and as a dessert. They contain natural peanut butter and coconut, which is a rich source of protein and also helps improve bone health. They are also low in sugar, which makes them more nutritious than most bars you buy in stores. The best part is that you can enjoy them any time of the day. So, why is making protein bars at home healthier?
Benefits of Homemade Protein Bars With Dates
One of the benefits of making homemade protein bars with dates is that they are easy to make. These energy bars contain 13 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and 150 calories. These are the perfect post-workout or pre-workout snacks. Additionally, they are packed with omega-3 from the flax seeds, which is a key component of your diet. People on a strict diet can still enjoy these treats, as they contain no soy.
Making homemade protein bars with dates is easy. All you need is to grind the dates until they are fluffy. Use an electric mixer to make the dough smooth. Roll out the dough into balls and press firmly with a spoon or palm. Cut the mixture into bars and place it in the fridge for at least an hour. This type of bar is light on the stomach and keeps you satisfied all day long. It contains 18 grams of protein, 6 grams of good fat, and 4 grams of fiber.
Another benefit of making homemade protein bars is that they are easy to customize according to your tastes and nutritional needs. Plus, they are more eco-friendly and you save money on packaging and wrappers. While many commercially-produced protein bars are made with healthy ingredients, you can avoid them altogether. Most of these products are full of highly processed ingredients, GMO soy, and artificial sweeteners. You’ll save up to $2.07 per bar by making your own bars.
Image Credits
Deccan Herald / Google Stock Images
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Wannabite / 2021
1“Are Protein Bars Good for You? – Healthline.” 16 Mar. 2020, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/are-protein-bars-good-for-you Accessed 8 Dec. 2021.
2“Are Protein Bars Good for You: Nutrition & 11 Healthy Options 2021.” 29 Jan. 2021, https://greatist.com/eat/are-protein-bars-good-for-you Accessed 8 Dec. 2021.
3“What Are Dates, and Why Are They So Awesome? | Bon Appétit.” 24 Apr. 2018, https://www.bonappetit.com/story/what-are-dates Accessed 8 Dec. 2021.
4“Dates 101: Everything You Need To Know About Date Fruits.” 11 Dec. 2020, https://www.liveeatlearn.com/dates/ Accessed 8 Dec. 2021.
5“Fiber | The Nutrition Source.” https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/carbohydrates/fiber/ Accessed 8 Dec. 2021.
6“8 Proven Health Benefits of Dates – Healthline.” 21 Mar. 2018, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-dates Accessed 8 Dec. 2021.
7“7 Health Benefits of Dates, According to a Nutritionist.” 9 Sep. 2020, https://www.health.com/nutrition/groceries/health-benefits-dates Accessed 8 Dec. 2021.
