The high street offers so many protein bars for women it’s very hard to tell which is the best protein bar for you. With clever marketing and deceptive packaging you could be getting more than you bargained for. So how can you tell if your favourite protein bar is sabotaging your health and fitness plan? The answer lies in the quality of the ingredients where sugar free, low fat and low calorie protein bars are not always the best option.

Protein

The key ingredient in any protein bar will be exactly that, protein. Protein helps to keep your metabolism burning and also staves off hunger as it is digested more slowly than other nutrients. Look for a high quality source of protein like Whey Protein Isolate where most of the lactose has been removed.

Carbohydrates

Carbs are important and provide you with energy which is essential especially after a workout. Carbs also play a role in our insulin secretion, which helps our muscles rebuild themselves. Be wary of low carbohydrate protein bars for women as they are usually chemical based and can lead to digestive issues.

Fat

A little fat from raw and natural sources like nuts and seeds is invaluable. They help enhance the flavour while keeping you feeling nice and full. They also offer the benefits of heart healthy Omega 3 fats as a bonus.

Fibre

Most of us do not get enough fibre which is essential for a healthy digestive system. A diet high in fibre will also assist in the absorption of nutrients in our body which is an essential factor for a healthy lifestyle.

At 180 Nutrition we believe that natural ingredients are the key to good health. Our raw and natural ingredients are crushed and ground and make a great natural protein bar for women. So whether you are looking to lose weight, tone your body or are searching for  a convenient healthy meal replacement, try our all natural protein bar today.

Your body can’t make them, so the only way to get omega-3 fats is to eat them. Here’s why they are so important, and how to make sure you are getting enough.

Omega 3s, as they’re known for short, are “good” polyunsaturated fats. They are important for growth and brain function as well as heart health because they help lower triglycerides and total cholesterol. A diet full of omega 3s also has been linked to improved immunity and a reduced risk of high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.

There are three types of omega-3 fats. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) are most commonly found in cold-water fish. ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) is the omega-3 fat found in plants like flaxseed.

Good sources of EPA and DHA are cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna and sardines (salmon and sardines are typically low in mercury as well). ALA is found in canola oil, soy products such as soybean oil and tofu, flaxseeds, walnuts and in some leafy green veggies (for example, kale).

Omega-3 supplements are also an option; they are made from fish oil, flaxseed or marine algae oil. When considering a supplement, remember these guidelines: Take with food to avoid a fishy aftertaste or digestive problems, avoid mega-doses unless prescribed by a doctor and remember that supplements will not provide you with the other nutrients found in omega-3-rich foods.

Eat a diet rich in all three types of omega-3 fats. Experiment with healthy salmon recipes and try to get two servings of omega 3-rich fish per week. An example of a serving would be 6 ounces raw or 4 to 5 ounces of canned or cooked salmon. To get some ALA, cook with canola oil, top oatmeal with ground flaxseed, add tofu to stir-fries or sprinkle walnuts on yogurt or salads.

Increase your daily omega 3 intake with 180 natural protein superfood.

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