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The Best & Worst Protein Bars

From the Show: Staying Well
Summary: How can you tell if your protein bar is actually healthy or doing more harm than good?
Air Date: 8/26/13
Duration: 10
Host: Melanie Cole, MS
Guest Bio: Wayne Scott Andersen, MD
Wayne AndersenDr. Wayne Scott Andersen is the Co-founder and Medical Director of Take Shape For Life and the Co-founder of the Health Institute. His groundbreaking book, Dr. A's Habits of Health, is a core component of our successful program. He and his wife Lori were the first Presidential Directors and have had a huge influence on the 10,000+ Health Coaches, especially those here with us today. Dr. A is the heart and soul of Take Shape For Life. An innovator and tireless champion of America's health, he is dedicated to providing the means for those who want to make a difference in the fight against obesity. He is the former Director of the Surgical Critical Care Program and Chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology at Grandview Hospital.
The Best & Worst Protein Bars
As their name suggests, protein bars contain a significant amount of protein.  They can be a a convenient small meal or snack, especially when you're on the go. Many protein bar manufacturers claim their bars can help you lose weight, build muscle and give you a much-needed energy boost.

Not only that, but protein bars can be a great substitution for vegetarians who should eat a variety of protein-containing foods each day. If you're a vegetarian, you know that you need to be conscious of what sources you are getting your protein from.

Vegetarian or not, you have to be careful. A lot of protein bars, or "nutrition" bars, can end up being more like candy bars, since they harbor stealth ingredients like hydrogenated oils, saturated fat, sugar, and sugar alcohols, and can be very high in calories. 

How can you tell if your bar is healthy or doing more harm than good?

Dr. Wayne Scott Andersen, MD, unwraps the health-food hype and lists the ingredients to look for, and shares the nutritionist-approved protein bar options.