Protein Bars – Which ones are actually healthy choices?

So many times, I catch so many of my friends thinking that they are doing themselves a huge favor by choosing protein bars that are marketed as healthy… but they choose them without looking into the facts! While I really love the idea of protein bars (especially post-workout) I do have to say that a lot of false marketing goes on in this industry! Lots of bars are packed with sugar and have a ton of carbs – that defeats the whole purpose! Here are some of my favorite choices that taste great and also have great health benefits!

Think Thin Protein Bars

 

I really love these! They have zero grams of sugar and taste great. They are also gluten free, which is an extremely important factor since I just had to cut gluten from my diet! These really fill me up and I think they are a great choice. Find them at (http://thinkproducts.com/thinkthin-high-protein-bars/).

Quest Protein Bars

I think Quest bars are a great choice because they also have a ton of fiber, which is another vital part of the diet that sometimes we don’t get enough of. They are pretty low in carbs, high in protein, and they taste great! Found at (www.questproteinbar.com).

Kind Bars

I love this brand! Usually I eat their gluten free granola on greek yogurt, but these bars are a good, nutty choice! I am glad that I gave them a try! Find their products at (https://www.kindsnacks.com/store#Good-Protein).

Moral of the story – make sure you check out the nutrition label before you buy the protein bars! Hope you all have a great weekend!

Gym Bag Essentials: The Top Seven

Let’s be honest – sometimes getting to the gym is tough, even for exercise fanatics like me! Sometimes days just seem so busy and getting to the gym seems like a hassle. With a well packed gym bag, getting to the gym is so much easier! Already having everything I need in one place makes getting to the gym less of a stress. Here are my top seven must haves!

1. Yoga Mat – I work out at a Lifetime Fitness when I am not away at school, and they offer different yoga classes daily! I always like to be prepared in case I get the urge to test out a new class, and I am quite the yoga lover… so it happens often! I love Gaiam mats, found here: (http://www.gaiam.com/sublime-printed-yoga-mat/05-60522.html?start=7&cgid=3010400).

2. Towel – I love this Gaiam yoga towel (http://www.gaiam.com/small-thirsty-yoga-towel/05-540271.html?start=18&cgid=3010500) not only for yoga, but for other workouts as well! I prefer to use my own towel even though the gym keeps them clean, and this one is really soft and absorbent!

 

3. Reusable Water Bottle – So fun to find cute and eco-friendly water bottles!

4. Protein Snack – This is a MUST! Having a protein snack after your workout is so important to get those muscles rebuilding stronger than ever! Protein optimizes your workout – you don’t want to miss out on this! I love Think Think bars. They have zero grams of sugar and lots of protein, and they are so yummy! Check them out at (http://thinkproducts.com/thinkthin-high-protein-bars/).

5. Gym Shoes – Probably the most important thing. Injury prevention starts with a good, supportive pair of shoes!

6. Hair Ties – Hair in the face is not fun during a tough workout…

7. Baby Wipes/Face Wipes – Sitting in your sweat is never good, and these products work great for my sensitive skin!

Another must is a gym bag that you like. I love my Gaiam Everything Fits Gym Bag (found here: (http://www.gaiam.com/everything-fits-gym-bag/95-1389.html?start=1&cgid=4010300)) because it has a spot for my shoes, my yoga mat, and my water bottle. It is so convenient and gives everything a place! A spacious, sturdy gym bag may be an investment, but it is well worth it!

Having these essentials ready to go makes getting to the gym that much easier! Have a great workout TODAY!