Pilates Platinum's Top Protein Bar Picks

These days, most of us are on the go-- from Pilates Platinum straight to work, or from work straight to class…not to mention daily errands like the market or the bank, and taking care of our families and children. It takes some extra time and extra effort to plan ahead and eat healthy while on the run. Or, it takes little time and little effort with the help of an ultra convenient and healthy secret weapon: a protein bar.

There’s no debating that protein is an essential part of a healthy diet, especially if you’re putting in hours at the gym or Pilates. Protein helps your muscles recover after a workout and keeps you feeling full. Protein bars are a great way to incorporate more protein in your diet when you may not have the time to cook a full meal.

The question is, what protein bars are best?

There are more than 30 popular brands out there, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We recently met with our healthy (and informed!) Pilates Platinum Instructors from all four studios, and had them weigh in on their favorite protein-packed bars and snacks.

Read below to see what types of bars your favorite trainers love. And if you’re not a fan of getting your protein from a bar, our trainers also included their favorite non-bar, protein-filled snacks that keep them going strong all day long.

Top picks from the Pilates Platinum Team:

(The most popular brands lead the list, followed by the runner-ups.)

1. Think Thin
http://thinkproducts.com/products/ 

Favorite flavors: Chunky Peanut Butter, Creamy Peanut Butter

Why they’re so great: A great tasting bar with 0g sugar and 20g-30g protein. A perfect mid-day snack, something to refuel with in between teaching classes all day, or a post-workout treat. Also easy to carry in a purse or gym bag.

2. Quest Bars 
http://www.questproteinbar.com

Favorite flavors: Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Peanut Butter

Why they’re so great: The only Gluten Free bar with so many flavors to choose from, low in carbohydrates, and very low in sugar.

3. Perfect Food Bars
http://www.perfectfoodsbar.com/collections/perfect-foods-bars

Favorite flavors: Almond Butter

Why they’re so great: So filling that you can eat half of one 30 minutes before working out, and the other half post-workout. Bars are packed with 20+ organic superfoods with no preservatives or refined sugar. Tip: These bars are hard to find- look for them in the refrigerated section at Whole Foods.

4. Vega All-In-One Meal Bars
http://myvega.com/product/vega-one-bar/

Favorite flavors: Chocolate Cherry Almond

Why they’re so great: Plant-based, whole food, non-GMO ingredients, delicious flavors, and only 12g protein for those who don’t want a full 20g.

Other favorite bars include:

METRx Protein Plus in Mud Pie Fusion

(http://www.metrx.com/protein-bars/protein-plus-mud-pie-fusion-85-g)

gnu foods FIBER LOVE bars in Cinnamon Raison

(www.fiberlovebar.com)

DNA Life Bars 

(http://www.dnabars.com)

Larabars 

(www.larabar.com)

Kind Bars 

(www.kindsnacks.com)

Luna Bars 

(www.lunabar.com)

Cliff Bars in Chocolate Chip

(http://www.clifbar.com/food/products_clif_bar)

Pilates Platinum’s favorite NON-BAR protein snacks:

1. “The OG energy bar”

Sprouted Wheat Toast, like Trader Joe’s California Style Protein Bread slathered with Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Butter. http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/nutrition-calories/food/trader-joes/complete-protein-bread-california-style/, http://justins.com/item/chocolate-hazelnut-butter/

2. Garden of Life Raw Fit Protein

It doesn’t come in bar form, but it’s raw, organic, non-GMO, Vegan, dairy free, gluten free, soy free. It’s a great protein powder for those who prefer to drink their protein. http://www.gardenoflife.com/Products-for-Life/Weight-Management/RAW-Fit.aspx

3. Fruit & Nuts

Cashews, Almonds…any type of nut! Fresh fruit (apples, grapes, cherries) anything you can throw in a bag and snack on later.

4. Chia Pods

Chia Pods are a relatively new fitness craze that you can make overnight in your fridge. You can now also pick some up at Whole Foods. Try the brand, CHIA POD for an energy-boosting breakfast that’s dairy and gluten free. http://www.thechiaco.com.au/products/chia-pod

5. Protein from the Kitchen

Straight protein such as salmon, eggs, some chicken, sushi, and of course veggies.

So there you have it- the best of the best from your favorite Pilates instructors! If you have any favorites to add, list them in the comments section below. We'd love to hear your take on some of the above brands, and add any of your favorite protein snacks to our list!