Cliff bars as meal replacement?

[thestrangebrew1]

Ye or nay? Semi active but started training for a 1/2 marathon. Ran 3 miles 4 times last week and another 3 last night. I got a desk job so I think that's my biggest problem. Just curious if these are ok for breakfast and lunch.

 

[utahraptor]

Well they are nothing but apple cores and old Chinese newspapers. I recommend compressing 5lbs of spaghetti into bar form.

 

[z1ggy]

I've done it before as a meal replacement.

What's preventing you from cooking your meals the previous night or current morning before you head into work? This is what I do.

 

[blackdogdeek]

What is your motivation for using them as meal replacements?

 

[Zivic]

Soy protein... No thanks

 

[Carson Dyle]

I got a desk job so I think that's my biggest problem.

"Biggest problem" for what?

 

[thestrangebrew1]

There really isn't motivation other than the convenience factor. I've been prepping meals for the week over the weekend, but now that school's back in session, I've been alot busier these last 2 weekends. I'll just keep doing the preparation and throw the bar in as a snack once in awhile I guess.

 

[thestrangebrew1]

"Biggest problem" for what?

Moving around during the day. I go on walks on my 15 min. breaks. But that's about it.

 

[Carson Dyle]

Moving around during the day. I go on walks on my 15 min. breaks. But that's about it.

What's that have to do with what you eat for breakfast or lunch?

 

[z1ggy]

There really isn't motivation other than the convenience factor. I've been prepping meals for the week over the weekend, but now that school's back in session, I've been alot busier these last 2 weekends. I'll just keep doing the preparation and throw the bar in as a snack once in awhile I guess.

How about wake up 30 minutes earlier to prep your meals for the day.

The other morning, I managed to make mac and cheese and 3 pancakes, all while taking my dog out for a bathroom break, getting dressed and getting my gym clothes ready. All within 35 minutes.

So... yeah.

 

[repoman0]

I understand your motivation .. I work full time, work on my MSEE part time, go to the gym and ride my bike often, and on top of that keep up with practicing piano for an hour or two per day, and all of that requires a lot of sleep to keep functioning so waking up early just to cook sucks.

Instead of cliff bars, I make giant blenders of smoothie, typically makes a couple liters at a time so lasts two days.

Apple
Carrots
Cucumbers
Banana
Spinach
Plain Greek yogurt
Orange juice
Topped off with olive oil
Protein powder if I happen to have it laying around
A few raw eggs but I'm on the fence about this due to the minuscule risk of salmonella

It is pretty delicious too and with known quality ingredients!

 

[MustISO]

Some of those protein or meal replacement bars are not much better than a candy bar. I'd look for something that is made of whole foods if possible but ideally make your own.

I make a large batch of fruit smoothies on the weekend using fresh fruits and veggies and then eat some whole grain cereal with it.

If I buy any bars I go for the ones with less than 10 ingredients and those have to be natural ingredients. The people who make Cliff also make a bar called Kit's organic. There are usually around 6 ingredients all fruits and nuts.

Here's an example:

Organic Dates, Organic Almonds, Organic Barberries, Organic Bilberries, Sea Salt.

and a bar called Perfectly Simply:

Peanut Butter (Peanuts), Cane Syrup, Soy Protein Isolate, Date Paste, Gluten-Free Rolled Oats, and Coconut.

 

[TallBill]

Not enough calories!

 

[Kaido]

Ye or nay? Semi active but started training for a 1/2 marathon. Ran 3 miles 4 times last week and another 3 last night. I got a desk job so I think that's my biggest problem. Just curious if these are ok for breakfast and lunch.

First question: are you willing to cook?

If so, you can make waaaaay tastier snacks. Some Clif Bars are pretty good, but don't hold a candle to the homemade stuff in terms of being yummy, nutritious, and free of preservatives. Allow me to introduce you to some resources:

1. Protein Pow: All kinds of DIY goodies using protein powder:

http://proteinpow.com/

2. Thrive Diet: Lots of great vegan bars in here (= no dairy, easier to digest, tasty, etc.). One of my favorites are the chocolate-blueberry bars (amazing for cycling!). Basically just dump everything in a food processor & then pat into bars. Easy peasy.

http://renegadehealth.com/blog/2011/09/17/chocolate-blueberry-energy-bars

http://www.amazon.com/Thrive-Nutriti...dp/B004GB1FTY/

3. Energy Bites: These are basically no-bake granola balls. The most basic form is peanut butter with oats, chocolate chips, and honey. You can use almond butter, flaxseed, shredded coconut, all kinds of stuff. Takes about 60 seconds to stir in a bowl, roll into balls, and throw in the fridge. Lots of recipes on Pinterest:

http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=energy bites