Good snack?….. 🍫
I often talk about this idea of foods being described as ‘good’ or ‘bad’ and I often hear people telling me they need to choose “better”snacks, or that they’ve swapped their usual chocolate for “good” snacks. So something like this caramel chocolate peanut KIND bar is often perceived to be a “good” snack, whilst Snickers is considered to be a “bad” snack.
The key to being in control of your weight management is really understanding that there is no such thing as a “bad” or “good” snack – they’re just different. There are nutritional differences between the chocolate and the KIND bar of course but not quite as many as we think ,and of course we don’t just choose food on the basis of its nutritional breakdown.
The 40g KIND bar is a great option for a snack – it’s got a bit more protein (though still not ‘high’ protein per se) and other micronutrients and less sugar (not that sugar is bad!). The combo of slightly more protein and fat may keep you fuller for longer.
The 41g Snickers bar however actually has fewer overall calories, a reasonable amount of protein and less fat. It provides you with energy, mainly in the form of sugar. For many people the chocolate can give an emotional boost as well as an energy one.
Overall the calorie difference between the two is only 20 cals but the Snickers is lower. So if you’re choosing the KIND bar in an effort to lose weight, then think again. If you’re choosing it because you like them then brilliant – keep having it. If you fancy some chocolate, then have that! Don’t be swayed by “healthy” marketing tactics. Just because a product is labeled as better for you or comes with a higher price tag, doesn’t guarantee it’s truly beneficial!
There are no good or bad foods – all foods can be accommodated within a balanced diet. Being aware of the calories in different foods empowers you to make that choice.
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Xx
Every Step Fitness 