Or maybe you’re just hungry and looking for a tasty, satisfying and nutritious
snack. Not up for making it all the way home to your kitchen, you reach for your trusted
friend the protein bar – or perhaps it is a shake or energy bar or drink?
No matter, chances are that this quick fix isn’t going to deliver what your body needs
and may even be contributing to decreased vitality.

A Wolf in Food’s Clothing?

Here’s why: A lot of protein and energy products promise to deliver energy and
nutrients, when in fact many of the ingredients on the label aren’t recognized as food by
our bodies. In other words, they provide the body with ANTI‐NUTRIENTS.
When we eat these ingredients, our bodies identify them as foreign invaders, prompting
our immune and detoxification systems to go into over drive to remove them. This
process leaves us drained of vital nutrients needed to function. As a contrary result, our
vitality diminishes with the potential to leave our bodies more open to all sorts of
diseases and discomforts. We at Wellness by Design advocate Eating Food that is Food
in order to achieve and maintain optimal health and vitality. Very simple ‐ very
effective!

 

How to identify a Wolf in Bar Vital clothing?

• Would a cave man eat it?
• Can you pronounce the ingredients? One of our favourite sayings is, “If you can’t pronounce it, you probably can’t digest it.”
• Is it Organic? If not, there are likely chemicals in the mix.
• Is it Soy Based? Soy is used in many protein bars, and even though soy is touted to have an abundance of protein, there are many reasons to avoid this food. Soy products contain:
  • Phytoestrogens: these mimic estrogen in the body. While they can be healthy in small doses, an excess has been linked to diseases such as breast cancer.
  • Phytates: these block the body's uptake of minerals.
  • Enzyme Inhibitors: these hinder protein digestion and assimilation.

As for quick snacks, opt for the Real Deal:

• Hard Boiled Eggs – Worried about Cholesterol? Have no fear ‐ in 2004, the American Heart Association exonerated eggs, saying they don’t contribute to higher levels of LDL. Also, eggs are loaded with protein, vitamins, minerals and omega 3 fatty acids. 2 eggs = 13 grams of protein.

Fool’s Fuel

If you don’t suffer from Lactose intolerance, try raw and naturally produced cheese

with some Mary’s Crackers.

• ½ a cup of lentils with ½ teaspoon of Olive Oil and sea salt.
• A Shake Recipe ‐ Mix 2 scoops of hemp protein, Greens Plus, Vega or Living Fuel powder (even add an egg) with 1 cup of frozen berries and ½ a banana.
• Energy bars we at Wellness by Design like include: Organic Food Bar, Lara Bars, Bumble Bars. Products made with Vega green pea protein are also good choices.
• Go a bit nutty – Explore the wonderful world of nut and seed butters! Have some pre‐cut veggies and/or Mary’s Crackers ready to go and your favourite butters in tow.

There are many options out there these days, such as almond, walnut, pecan, cashew,
pumpkin seed, sesame seed (tahini)...

Easy as Fruit: Apples, Pears, and Berries. All fruits are great, but the fore
mentioned are low glycemic choices and will aid in maintaining healthy blood sugar
levels.

And one final tip:

WATER, WATER, WATER!!! – Many of our clients claim to be hungry all the time, but are
they really? Before raiding the fridge, try a glass of water, wait 20 minutes, and you may
be surprised to find you’ve overcome those hunger pangs. Consider adding in a pinch of
unprocessed, unbleached sea salt….not so much that you can taste salty like flavor. A
small pinch is all it takes, and will help with not having to frequent the bathroom so
frequently!

Have a safe, well‐nourished and well‐hydrated summer!

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