Those protein bars that advertise healthy energy may be all fluff, according to an Iowa State University nutritionist. Dietitian Ruth Litchfield says the supplements have been around for some time. For years they aimed at athletes, but now they’re showing up in convenience and grocery stores. Litchfield says for all their colorful packaging and hints at healthiness, most are little more than junk food.She says if you read the label and check calories and fat content, they look just like a candy bar. Litchfield says not only do “protein bars” not have anything super-healthy, they have a lot of junk you should avoid.There’s a lot of fat in many, because it’s mixed in to hold the bar together and give it flavor. Litchfield says you don’t need a ton of protein if you’re not an athlete, and she says even American athletes already get more protein than they need.If a normal person wants a pick-me-up, they’ll get just what they need from a simple bagel according to Litchfield.
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