Energy bars 40-30-30

40-30-30 bars have become one of the most popular over the past few years. These bars contain approximately 40% carbs, 30% protein and 30% fat (give or take). They are more like a meal than a supplement or “snack”. The ratio of these bars corresponds to the ever-increasing number of people with some form of insulin resistance. This is because these bars are slowly digested and absorbed into the bloodstream due to their high fat content as well as protein.

Pay attention to the ingredients as not all 40-30-30 bars are the same. One bar can contain carbohydrates from high fructose corn syrup (high glycemic index and high in refined sugar). Another is brown rice syrup or honey. One bar can contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, a fat that should always be avoided. A healthier bar might contain olive or sunflower oil, natural nuts and seeds, peanut or almond butter.

Pay attention to the protein source. If you see the words “isolates”, “hydrolyzed”, “soy”, or “casein”, then you are using monosodium glutamate, which will not be listed on the product label.