Nutmeg “Nuggets”
store, wondering, “Which bar is best?” For these instances, I’ve created a foolproof guide to picking out a last-minute snack.
What to Look for in a Protein/Snack Bar
Fertility Nutrition: What to Look for in a Healthy Snack
P
lan ahead, be prepared… It’s what I always say, both to myself and my patients. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist at RMA of Connecticut, I work with men and women as they go through fertility treatments. My personal contribu- tion is to give them tools they need to live a life of wellness. How best to do that? Plan ahead, be prepared. I live by this mantra.
But sometimes, we can’t plan ahead.
We aren’t prepared. Either we forget, plans change, or we really, really, really don’t like what we prepped. I get it. We’ve all been there. So now, you’re starving and wandering the aisles of a convenience
Choose “Whole” Foods: The fewer ingredients the better. Why? The more in control you are of the ingredients you consume, the better you’ll feel about your choice. Avoid artificial colors and flavors, which usually signify a heavily processed, high-calorie/low-nutrient food that can lead to spikes in blood sugar. Also avoid hydrogenated fats and oils, which create trans fats (the bad fats).
Sugar: Look for a bar that has 6g or less of added sugar. The more added sugar, the more quickly the food will digest, causing a spike in blood sugar.
Whole Grains: Always make sure
to include whole grains. Pair them with heart-healthy fats (think nuts, avocado, nut butters) and/or protein to achieve the desired balance. This balance of ingre- dients helps to stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels, as well as provide long- lasting energy.
Fiber: Look for at least 3 grams of
fiber. This is one of the added benefits of choosing whole grains not to mention antioxidants and B vitamins. Fiber helps with satiety, meaning it keeps you fuller
longer. It also helps with glucose and insulin control (slows the absorption of glucose into your bloodstream), and it can help keep your heart healthy by pull- ing cholesterol out of your body.
Protein: Aim to pick a bar with at
least 3 grams of protein. Higher protein can help with satiety, and along with any healthy fats, it helps balance the carbo- hydrates in the bar for improved blood sugar levels.
In moments of desperation, I find
myself grabbing a Kind bar for a sweet and salty crunch or a Lara bar to sneak in some fruit or veggies. They have clean ingredients, naturally occurring sugars (not added), and they have a balance of protein to whole grains to heart-healthy fats. Remember that each small step in wellness gets you closer to your goals. Whether you’re in the middle of an IVF cycle, you need to lower your blood sugar, or you just want to lead a healthier lifestyle, committing to a life of wellness will always help you reach your goals. Plan ahead, be prepared…you know, as best you can.
Submitted by Jill Hickey, RDN at RMA of Connecticut. See ad below.
10 Natural Nutmeg - January/February 2020
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
