After receiving my stress fracture diagnosis, I thought I would be able to start running again after a 6-8 week rest.  However, after being on crutches for 12 weeks with minimal signs of healing, I knew I needed to investigate dietary and lifestyle culprits to my stress fracture, so I could better prevent another one from developing.  I already knew my bone density had been compromised from my eating disorder and inadequate fueling throughout my early 20’s, and I also had a suspicion that my nutrient absorption might be a contributing factor to my compromised bone density, due to my significant IBS symptoms over the past 7 years.
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Sometimes it’s nice to have a “fall back option” for those times when you need something portable to tide you over until you can eat real food.  Think of being stuck in a traffic jam and you’re starving, or when you're having an extra busy day and taking the time to eat is a long shot, or when you want chocolate, but also want something that will also provide some sustenance.  The “Protein & Fiber Bar” by ThinkThin might be an option to consider.

First of all, I didn’t take the time to evaluate a ThinkThin bar until two weeks ago when a client asked me for some bar recommendations.  I had seen ThinkThin bars in passing at Kroger (grocery store) in the past, but didn’t check them out because, in all honesty, foods that promote weight loss as a marketing strategy turn me off!  A person’s body composition is not going to be affected by one specific product.  In other words, finding your natural healthy weight is not found in a particular product or "magic food", but rather your lifestyle choices plus your thoughts and beliefs about food.

The bar reminded me of a Twix candy bar but not obviously not as sweet.  After all, the product contains 5 grams sugar without any artificial sweeteners.  The Chocolate Peanut flavor was similar to a Reese's peanut butter cup, but with more chocolate "action" and less peanut butter.  If you are used to eating a lot of sugar, then your palate might not find it to be sweet enough.  However, if you generally do not eat a lot of sugar, then it may be enough sweetness to pacify your sweet tooth without giving you a sugar rush.  In my opinion, it has a pleasant taste – chewy and a subtle crisp texture (the Chocolate Peanut flavor is not as crisp as the Chocolate Almond Brownie option).  The product is free of artificial colors, sweeteners, and GMO ingredients!  It also provides some sustenance with 10 grams protein and 5 grams fiber. 

Here’s the “red flag”: proceed with caution if you are sensitive to FODMAPs.  FODMAPs include fibers, carbohydrates, and sugars that can lead to bloating if you have a sensitive digestive system, particularly those with IBS.  The bar contains added prebiotic fibers from chicory fiber and tapioca fiber.  For this reason, this bar would not be ideal prior to a workout.

I want to point out that ThinkThin makes a “High Protein Bar” variety, which touts 0 grams sugar.  The saying, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” comes to my mind!  The reality is, each "High Protein Bar" contains 12 grams of maltitol, which is a sugar alcohol.  I’m not a fan of sugar alcohols since they are notorious for causing stomach distress, gas, and/or diarrhea, even if you seldom experience GI issues.  No thank you, I’ll opt for the version with sugar!

The bottom line: If you are looking for a rich chocolate dessert, then the Think Thin “Protein & Fiber Bar” probably would not be an appropriate option.  However, if you are looking for a moderately sweet chocolate alternative that also includes some sustenance, then it could be worth trying.

What is your main “go to” option when you want a chocolate fix?