How to choose to best option with processed snacks (including protein bars)
For those of you that have followed my blog for long, you know that I first learned about
nutrition and eating for Fat loss (not weight loss) through a book and company called Metabolic
Effect. After reading their book (Authors: Teta and Teta), and enrolling in their nutrition training
program, I have learned SO much about how to best fuel our bodies and how to maximize your
metabolic potential.
One of the tips that they taught me was the Nutrition Label reading tool. It measures the
hormonal effect that the carbohydrates in a processed snack will have on your body.
You can use this tool ANY time you’re trying to select a processed snack, protein bar, bread, etc.
First, look at the lab for the total number of carbohydrates.
Second, subtract from that number the total number of grams of protein and subtract the
total number of grams of fiber.
TOTAL GRAMS CARBS – TOTAL GRAMS PROTEIN – TOTAL GRAMS FIBER = Hormonal Carb
You want this number, the Hormonal Carb count, to be LOW or negative. For Fat loss
ideally is should be less than 10, but under 5 or negative numbers are best.
Here’s a graphic that Metabolic Effect created to explain it simply:
Other tips: Try to keep the sodium to less than 200 mg and keep the fat to less than 15.