Cheryl Badger is a fan of a product called FullBar. She ate them post pregnancies. She would have a FullBar and a big glass of water 30 minutes before meals.
"I lost 14 pounds the first time. And the second time, I lost just over 10," said Badger.
She got in on the development stages of FullBar because she knows the inventor, Doctor Michael Snyder. Synder is a Denver-based bariatric surgeon
It took Snyder about four years and 50 formulas to come up with the chewy puffed wheat and nut bars, which he says mimics the benefits of gastric bypass. It basically stretches the stomach, which then messages the brain.
"It's all about making your brain feel full," said Dr. Snyder.
Dietician Kim Gorman says the FullBar is nutritionally sound.
"I absolutely agree with the principles," said Gorman.
Gorman likes the strategy, but the bar costs about $2.50 a piece. So, she shopped around to find a more affordable option.
Snyder doesn't believe you can select a substitute.
"What we found in our clinical trial ... People lost 42 percent of their excess body weight in three months of use. I don't know any bar you can buy off the shelf that has been used that effectively," said Dr. Snyder.
One FullBar has 170 calories, contains 5 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein. Those are both nice offerings, but not the only bar with those components.
Gnu Flavor & Fiber Bars have 12 grams of fiber and 4 protein grams. Kashi GOLEAN bars have 6 grams of fiber and 9 grams of protein. Both bars are under $2.
So before you choose a bar, remember there is no magic. A blend of protein and fiber is what is keeping you satisfied.
The latest research shows for some people, particularly those who are overweight, the brain doesn't receive the "full" signal from the stomach very effectively. So, experts suggest portion control as one way to help keep calorie counts down.
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