Rapid Fat Loss Diets

Friday, September 4, 2009

New Discoveries on Fibromyalgia? - Your Diet and Exercise

By Christian Goodman

I have spent a considerable amount of time and research related to ones diet and how it can affect health. In fact, Ive written several articles on diet as it relates to specific illnesses.

Although research is lacking in the department of diet and fibromyalgia, some does exist. What I have focused on the most though, is actual feedback from my clients.

While my program has shown them the most promise of relief for their Fibromyalgia symptoms, many, if not most, stated that also a key was the change in diet.

Fibromyalgia is a disease that affects both the muscles and connective tissues. The main symptoms are chronic pain in these areas and extreme pain even when gently touched.

Other symptoms include: extreme fatigue, sleep disturbances including bruxism (tooth grinding), hard time breathing and swallowing.

Fibromyalgia has also had a long history of not being accepted as an actual medical condition by many doctors. Many times my clients have written telling me their doctor told them, Its all in your head.

While thats an infuriating thing to read, let alone hear from a doctor who is supposed to care, recent studies indicate that could actually be the key. No known organic cause can be found, so many are now starting to believe that fibromyalgia is in fact a psychological condition.

That's not to say that these are imaginary symptoms of pain. In fact, this same research indicates that those who suffer from fibromyalgia have a heightened sense of pain, meaning, those of us who normally don't register stimuli as pain, will register it if we suffer from fibromyalgia.

It follows a pretty common sense approach as far as diet goes. The main foods to avoid are: chocolate, coffee, alcohol, foods high in salt, fried foods, high fat foods, white flour or sugar, carbonated drinks, Nutrasweet or saccharine and tobacco (although not technically a food).

Remember that this is a preventative approach " avoid foods that can further inhibit an already suppressed immune system (like alcohol). Avoid high fat foods that are known to cause lethargy. Stay away from fried and high salt foods which can cause the body to swell, and lead to further pain.

I highly recommend my Fibromyalgia program. Its results have been amazing! Breathing and relaxation exercises are also recommended. Be cautious, with exercise. Overdoing it can actually trigger painful symptoms.

EL331004 - 17273

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Jumpstart Your Hair Growth

By Archie Benfeldt

There are literally hundreds of home remedies to get thicker hair naturally. You need to start with your diet. Hair is mostly made of protein so anything that is a good source of protein should be eaten on a daily basis.

A few types of foods that are great sources of protein are nuts, dairy products, and fish. Gelatin, which is a byproduct of animal preparations, is very high in naturally occurring protein. Did you realize that Gummy Bears have a high percentage of gelatin in their make up?

The next you get a sweet tooth why don't you get a few Gummy treats and get your daily dose of gelatin. Another great source of protein is cold water fish. Not only that, but they also contain great levels of Omega-3 which builds healthy nails and hair.

Remember when you mom told you to take your vitamins? Well she was correct. A good multi-vitamin is essential to healthy hair growth. Be sure it contains Vitamins A and D along with Vitamin B7 which is also known as Biotin. Vitamin deficiency can be a major cause of hair loss.

One great way to be sure you eat enough Vitamin A is to find foods rich in Beta-carotene because it is converted in your body into this essential vitamin. Foods high in beta-carotene levels include sweet potatoes, kale, broccoli, and carrots. Another great source of vitamin A is liver but most people do not care for it.

Another important aspect which affects hair growth is the amount of stress in your life. Stress has been shown to slow down the growth of hair and in extreme cases it has actually caused massive hair loss. If you want to protect your hair you should try to control your stress levels as much as possible.

In these stressful situations it is necessary to learn how to deal with the stress. I used to have a terrible problem with stress until I put things in perspective. I realized that most things just aren't as important as I let them seem. If you start to feel your stress levels getting higher then stop, take a deep breath, and ask yourself if it really matters all that much.

I have recently realized that most things I worry about are not really problems at all. I found that fretting about them did nothing for the outcome. On top of that, most of the time nothing came of them any way. If they did come to pass they really weren't very bad at all.

Dealing with stress was one of the most important lessons from my quest to learn how to make your hair grow faster naturally. The next most important was diet and exercise. The cause of most hair loss is a disruption in the blood flow to the hair follicle and exercising increases the flow to all parts of the body. - 17273

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Natural Herbs For Impotence: Keep You Healthy

By Pierre Federkeil

This Brazilian herb Muira puama, also referred to as murapuama, is mostly known for its effective help with erectile dysfunction and increasing libido and as an aphrodisiac - but is also an excellent tonic for increasing general well-being and mental tiredness. Muira puama is a bush / small tree up to 5 meters in height and produces pungent flowers with a jasmine like fragrance

The indigenous tribes in Brazil have used the roots and bark internally in a tea as an aphrodisiac, for treating sexual debility and erectile dysfunction, nervous system disorders, neuralgia, baldness, impotency, gastrointestinal disorders, neuromuscular problems and rheumatism.

Traditionally this herb was used by indigenous tribes as an aphrodisiac and to treat impotence. Chewing the barks, stems or root was the most popular method of administration.

It is from the Olacaceae family, and the genus is Ptychopetalum (species olacoides) and is also known as Muira Puama, Marapuama, Marapama, Potency Wood and Potenzholz. The bark and roots are used in herbal treatments.

Although many people are skeptical about sexual stimulants or "herbal viagra" as such, the muira puama herb has been shown by Dr. Jacques Lelu, a world authority on sexual functioning, of the Institute of Sexology in Paris, France, that it is effective in assisting in increasing sexual desire as well as attaining and maintaining an erection.

The action of the muira puama herb is not fully understood but it seems to assist with both the psychological as well as the physical aspect of sexual function.Muira puama is considered a safe herb, whereas another herbal sexual stimulant called yohimbine can induce anxiety, panic attacks, and hallucinations in some individuals, as well as elevated blood pressure, high heart rate, dizziness, headache, and skin flushing.

Muira puama appears to be relatively safe at the dosages expressed above. Insomnia and restlessness have been noted with high doses. Due to lack of research with human subjects, women who are pregnant or lactating should avoid taking this supplement. Safety in children has also not been determined. There has not been any toxicity noted with long term use on muira puama. There do not appear to be any drug interactions with this supplement, although it may increase the effect of erectile dysfunction drugs and supplements.

Next to muira puama, the other useful herbal remedy for lowering blood pressure, is garlic preparations. This helps in reducing the total cholesterol level. Hawthorne berry is another safe herbal remedy available in the market other than muira puama, for lowering blood pressure. Besides treating high blood pressure, they may also help in treating cardiovascular disease in many different countries. - 17273

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Simple Guide To Building Muscles

By Spike Elpinski

A number of people have been wondering what are the best exercise they should do to increase muscle mass. This has been plaguing the minds of bodybuilders and strength athletes for years. This article aims to determine how you should pick the exercises that suit you well and help you achieve your goal.

A lot of people have been arguing over the issue of compound versus isolation exercise. For novices, compound exercises are those that target multiple muscles groups in a single session. Examples of compound exercises are squats, bench press, and dips.

In contrast, isolation workouts only focus on fewer muscles across a single joint. Dumbbell flies, pec deck, and leg extensions are just some examples of isolation exercises. If you are targeting a specific area in your body, doing isolation exercise is the most effective way to do it.

That said, a lot of muscle experts are opposed to such approach. They believe that if you want to really buff your body up more efficiently, then do some compound exercises. Compared to isolation exercises, compound exercises employs more muscles groups, therefor enabling you to take on heavier loads.

A clear demonstration of compound exercises' effectiveness is the squat. This activity works on the quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus, lower back, abdominals, hips, and abductors, all simultaneously. With more muscle groups, you'll be able to lift heavier weights than usual.

The leg extension, by contrast, only works on the quadriceps. Without a doubt, squatting builds more muscles than leg extensions. However, if you really want to just center your attention on your quadriceps, then an isolation exercise is the best way to do it.

Another thing you need to remember is that free weights are much effective in creating muscle mass than machine exercises. While machine exercises are easier to perform, you lose the purpose since the machine is doing half the work for you, such as balancing the weight. Free weights, on the other hand, give you more muscle stimulation as you use your stabilizer muscles. Remember that machine exercises do not replicate the same quality of free weights. - 17273

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Researchers Find Help against Diabetic Complications from Common Mushroom

By Dr. Markho Rafael

The English common name for the tree mushroom Ganoderma applanatum is 'Artist Conk,' due to the fact that the light pores on its underbelly stain brown when etched, thus supplying a nature-made canvas for artists.

According to American tree expert David Arora - author of mushroom identification guide Mushrooms Demystified - Artist Conk is "the most common conk in our area [USA]," along with Red-belted Conk (Fomitopsis pinicola). [400] Artist Conks can grow huge and live for 50 years.

"The only regions where [Artist Conk] seems to be absent are those where there aren't any trees!" says Arora. [400] It can grow on most hardwood trees plus some conifers species, like the northwestern Douglas Fir.

Our ancestors would burn Artist Conk because it produced not only a pleasant odor but an insect repelling smoke as well. [25]

In 2008, a study by Jeong et al. stated that an isolated compound from Artist Conk "significantly inhibited the growth of solid tumor [Sarcoma-180] and increased the natural killer (NK) cell activity." [401] NK cells, or Natural Killer cells, are white blood cells that form a vital part in the human immune system's cancer fighting arsenal. At least four additional studies have also reported positive findings in regards to the anti-tumor properties of Ganoderma applanatum. [402, 403, 404, 405]

An area more unique to the research on this particular mushroom species is its influence on blood sugar levels and preventing diabetic complications. A 2007 study concluded that an isolate from Artist Conk lowered blood sugar levels by an average of 22.0% and blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) by 20.3% [406] The lowering effect on blood glucose levels by an alcohol extract of Ganoderma applanatum had been previously reported by Jung et al. in 2005. [407]

However, the main purpose of the 2005 study by Jung was to assess Artist Conk's effect on inhibiting aldose reductase, an enzyme that's considered responsible for the organ complications seen in diabetics. It is commonly believed that inhibiting aldose reductase in diabetics could have a major effect on decreasing side-effects of diabetes. Jung reports that "these results suggested that G. applanatum [Artist Conk] might possess constituents with anti-diabetic and inhibitory effects on diabetic complications." [407] Two other studies have also found Artist Conk exhibiting significant aldose reductase inhibiting properties. [408, 409]

Looking at other research on Artist Conk, a 2005 study reported a polysaccharide extract of Artist Conk as strengthening the gastric mucosa barrier, useful in cases gastric ulcers. [410] Other papers have reported Artist Conk extracts as anti-viral, [414] anti-bacterial, [411, 412, 413] anti-parasitic and diuretic, [415] antioxidant, [416] and immune boosting. [25]

In addition, Paul Stamets also lists respiratory conditions and inflammation as areas where research has shown Artist Conk extract to be beneficial, in his book Mycelium Running. [134]

Note: The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Never use any herb (or mushroom) except as advised by a licensed medical practitioner. - 17273

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5 Types Of Protein You Should Avoid When Toning Flabby Arms

By Katherine Crawford M.S.

Getting rid of flabby arms entails a solid understanding of protein. Why? Because protein plays a major role in the female body. And if you don't know how to manage your protein intake, results could come at a much slower pace.

And not all sources of protein are good for you.

Unfortunately, some sources of protein are very bad for you. So without further delay, here are 5 bad types of protein to stay away from when arm toning:

1. Farmed salmon. The research is clear here: farmed salmon has significant amounts of toxins and carcinogens. Although more expensive, you should stick to wild salmon for long-term health.

2. Fried protein. Deep fried food tastes very good, but the taste comes at a cost. Not only are you loading up on fat, but if you inhale the fumes your risk for lung cancer goes up a lot.

3. Overcooked protein. Overcooking protein to the point of crunchy blackness may taste good, but it's very unhealthy. How so? Increased rates of colon cancer.

4. Fatty cuts of marbled meat. As the level of fat in meat increases, the level of healthfulness decreases. Now meat isn't inherently bad for you, it's the saturated fat that causes harm. So if you can, stick to grass fed meats.

5. Thin-sliced deli cuts. The convenience of deli cut meats is cancelled out by nitrates. What do nitrates do? Increase rates of colon cancer. Not good. So stick with natural sources of protein and avoid highly processed protein like deli cuts.

Toning flabby arms should not include risks to your health. So make sure you stick to clean and natural sources of protein. And by avoiding the above types of protein you'll be much more healthier during your sexy arm journey. - 17273

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The Benefits of A Healthy Colon Can Last A Lifetime

By Albert Logan

A colon cleansing may be the best thing you can do for yourself because of its many health benefits. Talk with your doctor to get positive facts about internal colon cleansing.

Toxic waste trapped inside your colon will cause a host of health problems so it's best to rid it as soon as possible. Colon cleansing is a good way to release these toxins and enjoy a disease free lifestyle.

Material waste may be the proteins you've eaten that have putrefied in your system, the carbohydrates that have fermented and fats rancid. Imagine how all this can cause major health problems in our bodies.

Our intestines will give in to these harmful toxins and put us at a greater risk of developing diseases. It may be that you are experiencing health problems right now that could be a direct link to a toxic colon.

Do you experience fatigue, sluggishness or simply drained of energy most of the time? Do you have difficulties concentrating or focusing on a daily basis? When you lack energy life becomes difficult even on the simplest of tasks.

A colon cleanse will not only reduce the fatigue and increase your energy, but will prevent colon cancer in your body.

Many report that their level of energy has increased so dramatically that they have joined a fitness center for the first time in years.

Colon cleansing also benefits those who may suffer from acne problems. Reports are positive with fine lines, wrinkles and age marks actually disappearing! Healthier looking skin is only a colon cleanse away.

Thousands have also reported in that a colon cleanse has rid abdominal discomfort, diarrhea and constipation. And many claim substantial weight loss.

Start your day with a simple pill that is jammed pack with benefits and have a healthy start in a natural, herbal supplement today. - 17273

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Best Way to Build Muscle Fast

By Curtis Joel

Many articles have been written about creatine and periodization. In every magazine open you'll see thermogenic products from cover to cover. So why is it that after reading all of these articles you still aren't as lean and muscular as you want to be? The answer is simple.

You've come to understand several individual components of the program that will take you there. You just haven't learned to put all of the pieces together.

It's time to take all of the bits and pieces of knowledge you have accumulated and link them together into "the plan that works!" In this series of articles, I'll help you design that plan.

In this first part I'll focus on the implementation of a weight training technology I've termed "Strength and Growth Training." In that lies the essence of any body development result you want to achieve, be it fat burning, muscularity, or size.

I know you've been seeking out "the perfect routine" from friends, gym members, and magazines, and although you've tried many, none has really kicked in the way you hoped. That's really because "the perfect routine" for "everyone" doesn't exist.

The idea behind metabolic shift training is to get your muscles to leave their comfort zone. Then, when the body begins to adapt to that stimulus -- add a different challenge so that you don't overtrain and your progress continues.

There are some general principle of body transformation that apply to everyone. So, although you are unique, you are also in many ways the same as other people. Once you understand general principles you'll be able to alter some aspects of your training protocol.

The way to literally design your body is to have control over the composition of it. The vital prerequisite to determining how much fat your body burns is a control of how much muscle covers your skeleton. If you want to chisel or sculpt a body, you first need to grow muscle.

Muscle is the key to changing the shape and function of your body. If you want to reveal a good looking figure it's vital to learn how to add more muscle to your body. Even if your goal is to just burn fat, adding muscle will build your fat burning furnace. This is because muscle is the place where fat is burned.

How did you get introduced to strength training? Three times a week, basic compound movements, resting every other day? At first that worked. Then you learned more and you may have met someone that trains legs on Fridays and chest on Tuesdays.

If you started with bodybuilder workouts you learned terms like supersets and forced repetitions. Then you further classified your body into sub-segments. Your chest now consists of upper, lower, inner and outer -- whereas before it was just your chest.

The interesting thing is that this is the natural progression for most strength training athletes. As they advance their results seem to diminish. Why is this? - 17273

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Massage Chairs Help With Your Health

By Bill Cooke

Massage chairs are becoming more important in people's health programs. In addition to watching your diet and performing routine exercise, massage therapy helps to reduce stress and tension. Many people simply do not take enough time for relaxation. We are too busy running from one place to another and do not adequately rest are minds. Massage chairs are perfect to provide a sanctuary for stress relief and for relieving body tension.

One of the important considerations about a massage chair is its therapy. Massage therapy is a natural form of treatment which has been practiced for thousands of years. Many massage chairs contain massage techniques which were developed by many different cultures.

Massage chairs are a perfect complement to your daily exercise routine. Use them to warm up or even to warm down. They provide natural massage therapy which has been used to relieve aches and pains for centuries.

Relaxation and quiet time is important for the body to recover. Many of us have very busy schedules and don't eat right or exercise often enough. Sometimes it's too hard to do too many things can go to many places. Massage chairs provide a safe haven in your home or office where five or 10 minutes of relaxing massage can make all the difference.

The greatest thing about a massage chair is that it is ready and waiting for you. It is inviting you to sit down and take a load off. Let it sues your body while it relaxes your mind. Relaxation is only a push of a button away.

To get the real benefits of massage therapy, it must be obtained regularly. Getting a massage once a year will not put much of a dent into your stress and anxiety. Massage should be done on a routine basis to help counteract the constant ongoing stress.

Massage chairs are able to provide a full body massage much faster than a massage therapist. A massage therapist will massage one part of the body at a time. A massage chair is able to provide massages to many different areas all in parallel. The total time for an equal massage is much less with a massage chair.

Frequent massage therapy has been shown to relieve tension in the body. The relieving of tension is made possible by massaging the stiffness out of the muscles and joints. If this is done on a frequent basis, this helps to increase the flexibility of the muscles and joints.

Stress can start to build up at any time. This is where a massage chair is one of your best assets. When you start to come under stress, take a few minutes of relaxation time to get a thorough and invigorating massage from your massage recliner.

You can manage your pain naturally with a massage chair. Massage chairs provide a ride the of different massage techniques. This can help you target specific muscles for relief. Focus the massage and a particular area until it is thoroughly relieve.

Reestablish a healthy balance by getting your stress and check. A massage chair provides you with the perfect counterbalance to relieving the build up of stress when it happens. Simply select the massage program that will best take care of your current needs.

Massage chairs are the perfect way to maintain balance in your health and well-being. They are easy to fit into your normal daily routine. Use them before or after workouts. It is a great way to warm up the muscles. Massage chairs help you to reduce your stress before it hits a crescendo. - 17273

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How To Make Crab Sauce

By Ferdinand Emy

There're many diverse sorts of crab sauce, including red, herb and cream sauces. Each distinct sort of crab sauce has one thing in common. They all possess a delicate flavor and texture, and should be approached with care. Crab meat may be fickle, its texture and flavor dependent on being adequately cooked.

because of health dangers, you should be very wary with your crab meat and making sure it is cooked thoroughly.

Ingredients (Cream Sauce):

Fresh Crab Meat Butter Flour Green onions Minced parsley Salt Pepper Light cream

Ingredients (Herb Sauce):

Lemon Garlic Cilantro Basil Parsley Odwell Oil Salt White Pepper

Ingredients (Red Sauce):

Onion Garlic Cilantro Basil Parsley Tomatoes Odwell Oil Salt White Pepper

Notes on Ingredients:

In order to compliment the lighter flavor of crab, fresh ingredients should be used. Dried ingredients tend to have a stronger flavor and may overwhelm the crab. Moderate volume of stronger ingredients, such as onion and garlic, should be used in moderation.

Preparation:

All ingredients should be prepared prior to combining in a sauce. Crab meat should be thoroughly cooked before it is employed in sauce.

Cooking Time: 1+ hours

Crab sauce may take several hours to prepare and cook, as the crab meat must be cooked prior to being utilized in sauce. Once the crab meat is cooked, you can expect 30 minutes to an hour to prepare the sauce, dependent on the type of sauce you desire. Herb and red sauces tend to have a quicker cooking time than white cream sauces.

Uses:

There're many utilises for crab sauce. It is predominantly utilised as a topping for pasta, as well as an accompaniment to other seafoods, such as lobster and salmon. Before you clarify what type of crab sauce you wish to make, you should decide what dishes you are preparing to go with the crab sauce. Red and white sauces tend to match good with pastas. Herb sauces tend to go well with fish and lobster. Both white and red crab sauce can be used as a base for various crab soups.

Regions:

Crab sauce tends to be used in both Eastern and Western cuisines. It's by and large a coastal dish, as fresh crab is difficult to transport in land. While frozen crab may be utilized, it tends to have a diverse texture and flavor than freshly caught crab. In the United States, New England and surrounding areas tend to be very well known for various crab sauces and seafood. - 17273

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Banish Cellulite For Good!

By El Bilson

Are you ready to banish cellulite for good? The cosmetic industry has spent millions of dollars marketing various products and procedures claiming to be a real solution to cellulite. There are lotions, creams, body wraps, ultrasonic massagers and medical procedures like mesotherapy. Are these products the real deal or are they just a bunch of hype?

Cellulite is caused by pockets of fat under the skin. Concerned about developing cellulite? Our genes play a large factor in determining if we will have cellulite or not. Most women have at least minimal cellulite but some cases are more extreme than others.

For women with minimal cellulite, creams and lotions can be a viable solution. The ingredients in cellulite creams are designed to help you get rid of cellulite. Caffeine, aminophyline and collagen work towards smoothing and tightening the skin. Most creams need to be massaged into the affected area for the maximum benefits.

For moderate to severe cases of cellulite, don't waste your time and money on lotions. Most likely you will need to invest in more serious treatments if you really want to get rid of your cellulite. There is a process called Endermology where a powerful electronic device massages the effected areas with more pressure than you could exert with your hands.

It can be slightly uncomfortable and leave minor bruising but most patients of Endermology see results of smoother, tighter skin. Endermology involves several sessions however. Also, it can be cost prohibitive for some women.

One of the best treatments for cellulite on the market is mesotherapy. It is a minimally invasive cosmetic medical procedure. A shot containing a special formula is given to the patient in the problem area. The special injection formula is tailored to the patient but includes pharmaceutical and homeopathic medicines, vitamins, amino acids and minerals. This formula is designed to promote the destruction of the fat in the cells, the metabolism of that fat and the renewed appearance of the skin.

Mesotherapy injections are given in a doctor's office or medical center under local anesthesia. There is no recovery time needed so you can walk out of the office and go about your daily routine. Some doctors may recommend that a patient receive multiple treatment sessions in order to see the best results. However many women have had success in getting rid of their cellulite through mesotherapy.

Products that you can avoid all together are over the counter vitamins or herbs that claim to banish cellulite and those slightly ridiculous looking wraps. The pills do not have a proven track record of effectiveness. They can contain herbs that interfere with your other medication or cause allergic reactions. Always be careful and consult with a doctor before using any cellulite treatment. - 17273

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Protein Nutrition Bars - Are They Good For You?

By Matthew Gelder

Do you know what to look for when buying protein nutrition bars? Should you be focused on taste, nutritional value, quality of the ingredients, or price? Well, all actually. There are protein bars out there that are tasty, have great nutritional balance, are made from quality ingredients, and are not too expensive. Remember, no protein bars are made equal.

Nutritional balance is a very important feature in a protein bar. If an energy bar depends mostly on carbohydrates, or in other words sugars, for fuel, that's not very good. It's bad actually and the sad thing is that the average energy bar is made mostly out of carbohydrates.

A PR bar that has a proper ratio of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and is not primarily made out of sugars is a good PR bar. What ratio of carbs, proteins, and fats is the best? That depends, it's an individual thing, but many say that 40/30/30 in a healthy balance.

How healthy are these snacks? First, it depends how nutritionally balanced they are - they need to provide a proper ratio of nutrients. Then look at the quality of the ingredients - trans fats are not healthy, for example. A healthy PR bar should also contain vitamins, minerals, and other healthy substances.

Taste is obviously also an important factor when buying PR bars. But taste is pretty hard to measure and everyone has its own preferences. Today, most brands of protein bars offer quite rich diversity of flavors - chocolate, lemon, mint, strawberry, coffee, and so on.

Protein bars usually don't last too long around the house and are eaten pretty fast. That's why price is also very important. So what's a good price? Well, you don't wanna be too cheap, because you do get what you pay for, but I wouldn't go over 2 dollars a bar.

Protein bars are a perfect choice for a snack or a quick meal. You can take them anywhere you go - no mess, no fuss. Just choose wisely. - 17273

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