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.)
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.
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.
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.
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
gnu foods
FIBER LOVE bars in Cinnamon Raison
DNA Life Bars
Larabars
Kind Bars
Luna Bars
Cliff Bars in Chocolate Chip
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!
