#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.

Protein bars are popular for busy lifestyles and fitness goals, but new expert insights urge Thai consumers to look closely at what’s inside the wrapper. As these convenient snacks line shelves in supermarkets and gyms, it’s important to weigh benefits against potential drawbacks when making protein bars a daily habit.

Experts caution that not all protein bars are created equal. While some provide real nutritional value, many are highly processed, high in added sugars, and rely on low-quality protein sources. A registered dietitian notes that bars can help increase protein intake for those who struggle to meet needs through whole foods, but they should not replace meals like eggs, lean meats, beans, or low-fat dairy on a regular basis.

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.

A growing number of people feel overwhelmed by food choices amid busy lives. Kylie Sakaida, a registered dietitian and TikTok influencer, champions a “stress-free eating” lifestyle. Her approach centers on simplifying meal prep and moving away from an all-or-nothing mindset. In conversations with CNBC, she explains that easier cooking and flexible diets can significantly reduce food-related anxiety.

Sakaida argues that the quest for perfect food choices can be exhausting. Her guidance is to focus on what to add rather than what to remove. For example, she suggests incorporating plant-based proteins to complement rather than eliminate animal products. This positive framing helps people view meals as doable and enjoyable, reducing stress around cooking.

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.

New insights from a gut-health expert challenge the idea that baked potato chips are a healthier choice. Research from a leading dietitian suggests that baked versions may not deliver the nutritional benefits many assume. The takeaway for Thai readers is simple: look beyond calories and fat when judging a snack’s healthiness.

The appeal of baked chips lies in their lower fat and fewer calories. Yet, processing can offset these advantages. Many baked chips are made from potato flakes rather than whole potatoes, which can reduce minerals such as potassium and vitamin C. In addition, processing may introduce extra flavors and sometimes sugar, blurring the line between healthful snacking and indulgence. For better choices, seek snacks with a short, recognizable ingredient list.