Most Atkins bars are highly processed and contain artificial sweeteners and additives, which can be harmful to your health
Atkins bars may fit into a low-carb diet plan like the Atkins Diet, but they are not healthy meals or snacks.
Most Atkins bars are highly processed and contain artificial sweeteners and additives, which can be harmful to your health.
4 reasons why Atkins bars are unhealthy
1. Contains additives and sweeteners
Atkins bars may be low in carbs but they are often high in harmful ingredients such as high-intensity sweeteners and unhealthy fats such as soybean or canola oil.
Atkins bars do not provide the same nutrients as whole foods and still contain carbs that need to be tracked.
2. Not for people with diabetes
Atkins bars contain sucrose, which can cause reduced insulin sensitivity linked to diseases such as type II diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
In addition, Akins bars contain maltitol, an artificial sugar with a high glycemic index, a potential nutritional disaster for those with high sugar levels.
3. May cause digestive issues
Even though most individuals can handle some levels of sugar alcohols, such as maltitol, eating snacks heavy in these low-calorie sweeteners can result in diarrhea and flatulence.
For example, some Atkins bars contain carrageenan, sucralose, and acesulfame potassium (Ace-K), which have been shown to disrupt gut flora and increase inflammation in the body.
4. Not a meal replacement
Although Atkins bars make a convenient snack, they are not the ideal meal replacements. Atkins meal bars have too few calories to be a sufficient meal replacement for most people even though they are intended as such. As with most things, it is best to enjoy these bars in moderation and not as replacements for a balanced diet.
What are healthier alternatives to Atkins bars?
If you are trying to limit your carb intake, it is best to choose whole foods for your meals and snacks. Here are a few options that are both convenient and healthy.
- Sweet potato: Sweet potatoes are low in calories and have a low glycemic index (GI). Furthermore, they are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Baked sweet potatoes are portable and can make a quick on-the-go snack.
- Cauliflower or broccoli rice: Cauliflower rice and broccoli rice are both low-carb and low-GI, easy to cook, and act like rice. You can combine them for a colorful, nutrient-rich, low-carb base for any meal.
- Baked kale chips: Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable and has high levels of vitamins A, K, B6, and C, as well as calcium, potassium, copper, and manganese. Baked kale chips make a wonderful low-carb snack.
- Lettuce wraps: If you are used to eating sandwiches for lunch but want to cut back on carbs, consider lettuce wraps instead.
It is easy to prepare your own low-carb meals and snacks at home. Instead of reaching for an Atkins bar, find ways to include more whole foods in your diet for better health.
SLIDESHOW
Foods That Aren't as Healthy as You Think See SlideshowMedically Reviewed on 8/30/2022
References
Image Source: Getty image
Are Protein Bars a Healthy Choice for On-the-Go Kids? https://food.unl.edu/free-resources/newsletters/family-fun-run/are-protein-bars-healthy-choice-go-kids
How It Works. https://atkins.ca/how-it-works/library/articles/is-your-nutrition-bar-right-for-you
The Atkins Illusion. https://www.downtoearth.org/articles/2009-03/14/atkins-illusion
Weight loss - common myths. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/weight-loss-common-myths
