Because a very busy schedule makes it almost impossible to eat a healthy sit- down meal, nurses simply chomp power snacks to keep them going for hours.
Also Read: Top 5 Super Foods For Busy Nurses
However, some of these foodstuff are loaded with calories, sugars and additives that are bad for the health.
Here are the seven worst snacks you usually see in grocery stores and some of the better alternatives.
1. Luna Lemon Zest vs. SoLo Nutrition Bar – Lemon Lift
The Luna Lemon Zest is an energy bar that’s so rich in sugar and other ingredients that the body can’t easily digest. The citrusy taste is so overwhelming that it really taste artificial. If you’re looking for a refreshingly flavored bar, try the SoLo Lemon Lift instead. It is mildly sweetened and made of natural ingredients plus it has low in glycemic index.
Winner: SoLo Nutrition Bar – Lemon Lift
2. Clif Bar Coconut Chocolate Chip vs. Quest Coconut Cashew
The Clif Bar is a bit high in sugar and calories which isn’t ideal for weight-conscious nurses. The bars have real coconut shreds but they’re infused with caffeine. On the other hand, Quest Coconut Cashew is rich in natural ingredients like coconut bits, cashew, whey protein and sea salt. It also has zero trans-fat, soy, glycerin and gluten.
Winner: Quest Coconut Cashew
3. Pro Bar Superfood Slam vs. Kind Blueberry Pecan + Fiber
Although Pro Bar can be a substitute for a full-meal and contains acai berries and raspberries, it’s calorie and sugar content might just scare you away. Kind Blueberry Pecan gives you the same delicious but healthier treat. It is low in sugar and has loads of fiber from brown rice, almonds, cashew, pecans, raisins and blueberries.
Winner: Kind Blueberry Pecan
4. Zing Almond Blueberry vs. PowerBar ProteinPlus
The Zing Almond Blueberry is gluten-free and has high whey protein content that’s perfect for nurses who work out. The protein isolate it contains can be easily digested by the body. It has 210 calories and 9 grams of fat. Although the PowerBar contains higher protein content, this is stuffed with 360 calories and 11 grams of fat.
Winner: Zing Almond Blueberry
5. Kashi GOLEAN Crunch! vs. ThinkThin
If you are cutting down on sweeteners, the Kashi GOLEAN is perfect for you. All Kashi products are made from natural ingredients that are high in protein and fiber to help you feel full. ThinkThin, on the other hand, contains 230 calories and 14 grams of sugar.
Winner: Kashi GOLEAN Crunch!
6. Health Warrior Chia Bar vs. Balance Bar S’mores
Health Warrior’s power bars are rich in fiber, omega- 3 and protein. This snack bar may sound very sweet but it’s perfect for vegetarians with only 4 grams of sugar. The Balance Bar S’mores is very rich due to its thick chocolate coating. It’s very delicious but sadly, it has calcium caseinate, an artificial flavor- enhancer that is known to cause migraines.
Winner: Health Warrior Chia Bar
7. Van’s Natural Foods Multigrain Sandwich Bar vs. Quaker Real Medleys Cherry Pistachio Multigrain Fruit & Nut Bars
Van’s Multigrain Sandwich Bars are gluten-free with a combination of peanut butter and fruit filling. They are ideal for breakfast or lunch, with each serving containing 160 calories. The Quaker Multigrain Fruit and Nuts Bars packs 170 calories per serving and the salty taste is overwhelming. Though it has rich amounts of oats, grains, nuts and dried fruits, this is not an ideal healthy snack for those who want to lose weight.
Winner: Van’s Natural Foods Multigrain Sandwich Bar
Also Read: Best Diet for Nurses – 8 Nutrition Tips for a Healthier You
We’ve just listed down the best and worst power snacks for nurses. No matter how hungry you are, you need to carefully consider what food you nibble to last a busy shift. Otherwise, you’ll feel extremely guilty.