Small Packages Pack a Big Punch

I dipped into the CAM exhibition this weekend at Earls Court, the annual mecca for nutritional therapists, natropaths and other ‘alternative’ therapists to sample new products, see their favourite experts talk, take part in workshops and catch up with old faces.

It seemed a little smaller than last years event, however, one thing I did notice was Pulsin. Tucked away at the back of the hall these gourmet power snacks really packed a punch and a half. Not only are they nutritionally balanced, they are also really tasty.Plus vegan, dairy, gluten -free with no added sugar.

A small, mini word of warning however, tread carefully as you should with all health/energy bars, even the healthiest ones can’t be eaten willy nilly – there is no such thing as a free lunch!

Each bar gives you 225(ish) calories, so yes, they do give you a ‘better’, more balanced energy hit than a brownie or biscuit which only provides negative equity nutrition (i.e. nothing to replace the nutrients used to digest & assimilate it); BUT while the bars have no added sugar, some of the ingredients used are high in natural sugars, this means that the body will take longer to digest but sugar is sugar however we dress it up, if we eat more than we need then our waist sizes will increase.

The best uses for Pulsin bars would be as a pick-me-up on the days when your energy is low and you need to get things done, post-workout meals, as a snack when you’re on the run and don’t have time for lunch or dinner til later, you’ve got that meeting, need to pick the kids up from school, or project you must complete before you can think about food.

Alternatively, you could have a nibble and save it for later… although I’m not sure I’d be able to be that strong!

Maybe we could ask them to make them in smaller sizes? I often think that option should be available for all sweets/chocolate bars/cakes etc. It would be much easier to buy one small one than relying on self-control, but it doesn’t help profit margins does it…

Protein Powders

Pulsin also sell whey protein that is supplied from within the UK and also soy & pea protein for those of you who are vegans/vegetarians. Protein powder is great for post-workout smoothies, as it is key for us to give our muscles a helping hand in repairing themselves. I really welcome this as its really hard to find pure whey protein powder that doesn’t have lots of artificial flavourings or fillers in it.

There are many weight lifting related whey protein brands, I’m sure you’ve seen the behemoth containers in your gym or local health or gym shop but unfortunately they often come with lots of added articficial sweetners, fillers and forms of nutrients that are very hard for the body to recognise. Check out the ingredients if you don’t believe me. When prescribing to clients for specific health reasons I use whey products from nutritional supplement companies Solgar and Nutri-West as they also contain high-grade nutrients (in most easily absorbable formulations) which provide extra support.

Just to let you know, I’m not linked to Pulsin in the slightest but were one of the tastier exhibitors of the show who deserved a mention here. So, if your a budding marathon runner or just enjoy your workouts… head to your closest health food shop and try the bars, apparently the Chelsea footballers swear by them!!