Meal Replacement Bars

For some foodies, mealtime is an opportunity to divulge taste buds and satisfy epicurean delights. Supermarkets used to offer the makings of a meal, vegetables, meats, breads and a variety of ingredients. Now they also sell whole meals packed into a convenient candy bar.

A growing trend in mass productions of meal replacement bars (high packed protein bars intended to replace full meals) has surged onto counters of supermarkets, drug stores and of course, the local nutrition stores like GNC and Max Muscle. Although the new trend matches well with the on-the-go lifestyles of those who are too busy to eat, not many have fallen for this lose weight quick scheme.

“I do not use supplemental bars for many reasons,” 46-year-old Danny Goodwin said. “One is the cost, second is the ingredients. Really all they provide is protein and carbohydrates which is necessary for training.”

Although high in protein, these bars have not yet been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration and its contents can be uncertain.

“I don't think that these bars should replace meals because though they have protein and may or may not make you full,” said Stella Ortiz, a registered nurse. “They do not have all the nutrients that a meal offers.”

When consumers do use meal replacements they often times find that they use it in-between meals instead of replacing them altogether.

“I use it in-between meals as a snack or before a workout,” said 22-year-old Spencer Hamilton.
Additionally consumers who use them in-between meals find it is a better snack then traditional junk foods like chips, French fries, and other greasy, unhealthy treats.

“They’re better to eat than normal snacks while you wait for your next meal,” said Franca Livelli, 28.

And still, there are others who prefer to stay the natural route.

“I’d rather keep it simple and natural then to use any enhancements or anything like that,” 20-year-old Andrew Rosales said.

Ortiz believes alternative healthy snacks are better than snacking on meal replacement bars.

“One can eat them in between meals,” added Ortiz. “But I feel that fruit, crackers, something of that nature which is natural is better for you than these bars in which the ingredients can be questionable.”

The key factor in eating appropriately is proportioning to fit your needs. Many people eat to satisfy the hunger pangs, while others eat to the brink of “stuffed.” In American culture, bigger is better, getting super-sized for only 10 cents more. This is in stark contrast to the rest of the world, where proportions are better suited to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Meal replacement bars are usually not sufficient for many people to feel “full.”

“Personally, I tell people not to [use it as replacements] because a lot of bars aren’t basic meals,” Spencer said. “A protein shake can replace a meal, but only when you’re used to smaller portions.”

Replacing regular food with what looks and tastes like a candy bar can not be better than eating healthy, natural foods that tickles the taste buds while providing the needed nutrients.

“If you eat appropriately and you eat timely, you don't need supplemental bars,” Goodwin said.
While many are smart enough to know that meal replacement bars are not the answer to a healthy diet, these products still have quite the selling power. Whether or not people choose to eat candy bars or real meals, the scope has broadened regarding the choices of consuming nutrients and continues to develop using basic ingredients that shape itself around the ever changing society.