Are Larabars Healthy?
A client recently emailed:
"What is your opinion of Larabars?"
I try to practice the concept of caloric density (the principle on which I base the meal plans), more food for less calories. Larabars, or any bars, don't really work well with that.
I'd rather eat an apple, or a banana, or a potato, because it would be way more satiating.
Think about it this way: Larabars have 200-230 calories (10-13g of fat).
A sweet potato has 103 calories (0.2g fat). An apple and a banana together are 200 calories (0g fat).
What would leave you more satisfied? A Larabar that's the size of two fingers or TWO whole sweet potatoes? or a banana AND an apple? (This is a great example of caloric density).
I also follow the advice of Dr. McDougall, Dr. Esselstyn & Dr. Campbell, who recommend keeping very low fat, whole foods, plant-based diet -- very minimal added nuts, seeds, etc. so Larabars don't work for me since they're very nut heavy. (And they're not low in fat.)
I generally avoid dried fruit as a snack, too. I use dried fruit more like a condiment -- sprinkle some dried cherries on my oatmeal or salad, for example.
BUT that's just me and my needs. Most of the Larabars are wholesome (although I have seen a few with chocolate and I think pretzels, which aren't so wholesome), but the original ones with only dried fruit and nuts could be a good choice for kids, athletes, and adults who don't need to lose weight (and don't have medical issues or health concerns such as diabetes or heart disease).
Personally, I'd rather my clients eat an apple and banana, which are always sold anywhere Larabars are sold, or a baked potato. But if it came down to someone eating a Larabar or a Snickers, obviously my preference for them would be to eat the Larabar!! :)
Hope that helps! Lindsay