#DietTips

Grabbing a protein bar has become a daily habit for many people with busy lifestyles or specific fitness goals, but new findings and expert opinions are urging consumers—including those in Thailand—to take a careful look at what’s inside the wrapper before making protein bars a regular part of their diet. As these convenient snacks fill the shelves of Thai supermarkets and gyms, with young professionals and athletes often choosing them for a quick energy boost, it’s crucial to consider both the benefits and potential pitfalls of eating protein bars every day.

In a world where stress is omnipresent—from financial concerns to work-life balance—food can often become another source of anxiety. Kylie Sakaida, a registered dietitian and TikTok influencer with a robust following and author of the cookbook “So Easy So Good,” advocates for a lifestyle of “stress-free eating.” This approach, she argues, seeks to dismantle the stress associated with food choices that many people experience. As she shares with CNBC, making meal preparation simpler and rejecting the “all or nothing” mentality in diet can significantly ease food-related stress.

In a world increasingly obsessed with healthful eating, snacks often come under scrutiny. Recent insights from a gut-health expert reveal that our perceptions of what constitutes a “healthier” snack may not always align with nutritional reality. Dr. Megan Rossi, a renowned dietitian, highlights that baked potato chips, traditionally deemed the healthier option compared to regular potato chips, may not be as beneficial as previously thought.

While the allure of lower calories and reduced fat content makes baked chips an attractive choice for the health-conscious, Rossi explains that they may come up short in other nutritional aspects. Unlike regular chips made from whole potatoes, baked versions often use potato flakes—a form of ultra-processed potato that can strip away vital nutrients such as potassium and vitamin C.