Pria

[FreeAtefeh]

I generally stay away from any sort of supplements and try (try) to get all my nutrients from whole foods. This said, I'm becoming increasingly busy - so much so that it took me until today to realize I've started eating 1 Pria Bar a day in replacement for 1 of my daily 5 meals.

Other than having a pretty solid idea of what a balanced diet consists of, I can't say I'm particularly versed when it comes to the nuisances of ingredient breakdown.

What I am trying to say is: Should I be reducing/removing Pria Bars from my diet?

I get weary of eating any one thing too frequently, but figured it was better than eating nothing at all. This said, if it is doing me more harm than good, I will do my best to get my act together and make something in advance to take on the road with me.

Opinions appreciated!

[gobbla]

Con: It's obviously beyond processed with the quality of the ingredients themselves being unknown.

Pro: It's convenient and tasty and better than nothing.

If it makes you happy, fits into your calorie\macro goals, and you don't make it the cornerstone of your diet...enjoy your chocolaty treat.

[Ian Kay]

I've seen far worse ingredients. In the future, keep a lookout for things like "fractionated palm kernel oil", but one bar a day should be just fine. It does have some decent fiber and protein, so as far as bars go: I give it a thumbs up.

Although it's not quite as efficient (though still easily packed and transported), 2 low-fat cheese sticks and a medium apple will get you similar numbers and avoid the questionable ingredients.

[Aoife]

Personally, I find them completely unfilling. I'd rather go with a balance bar, the new ones don't have HFCS, if I'm going to a bar, or a tiger's milk bar (because my mommy used to give them to us when we were younger instead of candy, and they're tasty).

I haven't really found any bar on the shelf that I'd recommend over "real" food, mainly because a bit of protein and a pile of veggies (aka salad) is waaay more filling for the same number of calories.

But, in reality, I highly doubt even a snickers bar a day is gonna kill someone (a healthy someone, that is)... and certainly the "nutrition" bars and "protein" bars and "energy" bars have more nutrients in them than a snickers.

I agree with the idea that cheese and apple will be better if you could. I've found it's still better to plan ahead, something I have SERIOUS trouble with, and pack foods for the day in advance. Lunchbags with icepacks are your friends, and a sammich is just as physically easy to eat as a bar.

Again, though, I'm certainly not one to judge. One of my meals a day frequently consists of a balance bar and something to go with it. I just find that if I stay away from it and grab something else instead, It's much easier to stay in my calorie limits for the day without being hungry.

[FreeAtefeh]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

Guess I'll just do my best to pre-package my food and cut back on the Prias - which are good, but not that good.

[mikex1337]

Are the other 4 meals in your day as small as a Pria bar??

[FreeAtefeh]

No, they are around 300 calories.