The Plan
       Meal Replacements
       Healthy Weight Loss Plan
       Transition to Maintenance
       The Science Behind Nutribar
         Clinical Study
The Products
       Product Information
       High Fibre
       High Protein
         Meal Bars
         Powders
       Original
         Meal Bars
         Powders
         Snack Bars
       Whole Grain
       Type 2 Brand
         Bars
         Powder
My Nutribar
       Recipes
       Nutrition and Wellness
         Nutrition 101
         Digestion
         Carbohydrates
         Protein
         Fat
         Vitamins / Minerals
         Water
         Portion Control
       Exercise Tips
         Aerobics
         Strength Training
         Healthy Pleasures 1
         Healthy Pleasures 2
       Tools and Downloads
         BMI Calculator
         7-Day Weight Loss Plan
         10-Week Weight Loss Program
         Week 1
         Week 2
         Week 3
         Week 4
         Week 5
         Week 6
         Week 7
         Week 8
         Week 9
         Week 10
       Success Stories
         Picture Yourself Here!
         Inspire Others With Your Story
What's In The News
       Trans Fats
       BMI vs Waist-Hip Ratio
       Diabetes Update
       Common Sweeteners in
          Reduced Carb Foods
       Nutribar in the news
Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many pounds per week can I expect to lose?
In general, with water loss, you can expect to lose between three and four pounds the first week. Thereafter, one to two pounds per week is considered safe and effective weight loss. Again this is an individual response and is affected by such factors as your beginning weight, activity level and energy requirements before starting the Nutribar program. The amount and speed of weight loss varies with individuals. If weight loss is greater than two pounds per week, try increasing your intake of low-fat foods.

2. Is the Nutribar Weight-Loss Program safe and effective?
When used as directed, Nutribar is a safe and effective way to lose weight. Nutribar is a delicious and satisfying meal replacement product – rich in high quality protein, carbohydrates and low in fat. When taken according to the weight-loss plan, over 100% of the nutrients required for good health are obtained. Clinical studies confirm that Nutribar is a safe and effective method for weight loss.

3. Can I use water, skim or 1% milk instead of 2% to mix my Nutribar powder?
We recommend that Nutribar powder be mixed with 2% milk because of the great taste and excellent nutritional value of this combination. Should less milk be used, it would result in a thicker shake however, it would lead to reductions in several important nutrients that are components of the milk itself. All the products are formulated to deliver the required nutrients for a meal replacement when prepared according to directions.

4. Can I heat Nutribar powder?
Nutribar can be heated, however, the vitamin and mineral content will be affected. To enjoy Nutribar powder as a warm beverage, heat the milk first and then add the powder slowly and stir vigorously. Since heating depletes the vitamin content, Nutribar should not be heated on a regular basis.

5. How long can I stay on the Nutribar Program?
Individuals with a significant amount of weight to lose (more than 20% of total body weight) should check with their doctor before beginning any weight-reduction program. Your physician is your best guide in all health matters. When you start the Nutribar program, you may stay on it until you reach your goal. After that point, it is recommended that you continue to moderate your eating and switch to the Nutribar maintenance program. Substitute one Nutribar daily, in place of either breakfast or lunch. Safely replacing one meal daily with a meal replacement to help prevent weight regain has been reported for periods up to 10 years . However, before starting any weight loss plan, see your doctor for advice.

6. Why do I need to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day?
Approximately 55 to 65% of adult body weight is composed of water. So be certain you drink enough – at least six to eight, 8 oz. (250mL) glasses of water daily. Virtually every body process depends on water, and every cell, tissue and body fluid contains water. Water is essential to the buildup or breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. It is essential for digestion and absorption, for removal of metabolic and indigestible wastes, helps transport nutrients and all body substances, and helps regulate body temperature. It is an essential element not only for your health, but also in the success of your weight-loss regime.

7. Can I use Nutribar for all meals to lose weight faster?
It is not recommended that a person replace all meals in a day with Nutribar. Nor is it necessary. The Nutribar plan was designed for weight-loss while allowing a person to enjoy one prepared meal a day. That means having one meal replacement for breakfast, one for lunch-whether that is a shake or bar-and then a prepared healthy meal. There is a risk that if a person’s daily caloric intake is dramatically reduced, their body will think it is starving and put all received food energy into storage. In other words, if you starve yourself, you might end up gaining weight.

8. Can I use Nutribar while I’m nursing/pregnant?
No. Nutribar, or any diet, is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. Speak with your doctor to find out what options you may have.

9. I don’t have a scoop. How do I measure the powder?
One scoop is equal to 5 teaspoons.

10. My powder has been open for a while. Is it still good?
Once the metal lid is opened, Nutribar powder has a shelf life of a few months, chocolate lasting the longest. Covering it with the plastic lid once the metal lid has been removed makes no difference to shelf life. Like any other food product, the powder will deteriorate after a period of time. The shelf life of Nutribar powder is similar to all-natural salad dressing or salsa. However, it is recommended once opened to refrigerate and use within 3 weeks.

11. My daughter is getting quite heavy; can I give her some of my Nutribar?
Although the ingredients in Nutribar are safe for consumption by almost anyone, it is not recommended for anyone under the age of 16. If the child has a serious weight problem, consult your doctor.

12. Why does Nutribar contain sugar?
The palatability of Nutribar bars and shakes is crucial to helping you stay on track. Whether Nutribar or a prepared meal, it’s important to enjoy the taste of the foods you eat. The sweetness in Nutribar comes from glucose-fructose and sucrose (sugar), which are classified as simple carbohydrates. All carbohydrates supply energy, whether simple or complex (as in grain products, fruits and vegetables). Nutrition recommendations advise that individuals should get more of the day’s energy from carbohydrates (55%) from a variety of sources than from either protein or fat.

13. How much protein is in Nutribar and where does it come from?
Nutribar is protein-rich compared to many popular foods. Whereas a muffin can average 4 g protein or a serving of cereal with milk about
6 g, a Nutribar or Nutribar prepared shake contains 13-14 g of protein. (That puts the protein content of Nutribar closer to a chicken stir-fry, which can contain 16 g.) Protein helps build and repair body tissues. Nutribar’s protein comes from soya protein isolate as well as modified milk ingredients including whey protein concentrate, for quick release of amino acids-the building blocks your body uses to maintain lean muscle mass-and milk protein isolate, which digests more slowly for more sustained release. The digestibility of the soya protein isolate used in Nutribar is equal to that of meat and milk proteins (97%) and higher than other plant proteins. The added benefit of soy is that it has been found to contain isoflavones, which particularly benefit women and may reduce their risk of developing osteoporosis.

14. Why is there fat in Nutribar?
Your brain, liver and certain other organs require fat, and your skin and hair would be dry without it. Furthermore, your appetite is more easily satisfied when food contains some fat, as it is digested more slowly than carbohydrates or protein. Nutribar contains primarily polyunsaturated fat and uses saturated fat sparingly in the bar coating.

Nutritionists recommend a fat intake of 30% or less of one’s daily calories. For the average active woman maintaining a healthy weight (1800 calories per day), this could mean 60 g of fat. Two Nutribars provide, on average, 16.2 g of fat, which represents 12% of the daily calories (1200) in Nutribar’s healthy weight-loss plan. Two Nutribar prepared shakes are lower in fat, averaging 14 g, or 10.5% of daily caloric intake.

15. Why do I need to drink water with Nutribar?
Nutritionists rank water as highly as any nutrient required for health. Since Nutribar is a nutritious meal replacement, it is also nutrient dense. An 8 oz. (250 mL) glass of water taken with Nutribar assists in the breakdown of its carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Water also aids in the digestion, absorption and transportation of these nutrients throughout the body. Water is an essential component of healthy eating any time, and it is vital to the success of your weight-loss regime. It is recommended that you not count the fluid in a Nutribar shake as water, in order to ensure you drink enough water every day (at least 6 to 8 glasses).

16. What are “Modified Milk Ingredients”?
Modified milk ingredients is a blend of whey protein concentrate and calcium caseinate.

17. How much iron is in each bar?
There is 5 mg of iron in each bar.

18. How much cholesterol is in a bar of Nutribar?
Each bar has 5 mg of cholesterol.

19. Why is palm kernel oil used in the bars if it’s supposed to be bad for you?
Palm kernel oil is found only in the coating of the bars. Oil content is less than or equal to 3.25 g which is less than or equal to 5% of the bar. It is used because (1) the oil increases the melting point of the chocolate; (2) it prevents the chocolate from blooming; (3) the texture would lose its shine/gloss. It promotes a smoother taste and texture.

We have many clinical studies from the American Society for Clinical Nutrition indicating that there are no adverse side effects with the use of palm oil and would be happy to send you copies for your perusal.

20. Why is aspartame used in the Nutribar Chocolate Powder?
Aspartame is used as a sweetener - it is 180 times sweeter than sugar – therefore a minimal amount would be used to sweeten the product. When aspartame is used as the only sweetening agent – it is usually added to allow a major reduction in calories. In meal replacement products, aspartame acts as a source of additional sweetness that appeals to consumers. Aspartame is one of the most studied and thoroughly tested food additives that the FDA has ever approved. The FDA says that more than 100 toxicological and clinical studies confirm that aspartame is safe for the general population. Under normal ingestion levels, aspartame causes no adverse effects. FDA figures show that most aspartame users only consume about 4 to 7 percent of the acceptable daily intake the agency has set for the sweetener. Note: Aspartame is in the Nutribar chocolate powders, so the vanilla and strawberry powders can be suggested as an alternative as they contain no aspartame.

21. How do you lose weight using Nutribar Shakes or Bars?
Nutribar meal replacements can be used to help you stay slim and are useful in weight reduction only as part of a calorie reduced diet. Replacing meals will help you to lose body fat without the hunger.

22. Is the Nutribar Shake safe?
The Nutribar shake is a food product. All of the ingredients are safe to consume.

23. How much sugar is in the shakes?
Rich Chocolate has approximately 7 grams of sucrose
Chocolate. Supreme has app. 6 grams of sucrose
Strawberry has app. 7 grams of sucrose
Vanilla has app. 7 grams of sucrose
(Powder only)

24. What is the difference between Nutribar and Nutribar High Protein?
Nutribar High Protein products contain between 17 to 19 grams of protein per 65 g bars (compared to approximately 13 grams of protein for Nutribar Original) and have 25% less sugar than the original Nutribar. The High Protein plan follows a 40:30:30 ratio; 40% carbs, 30% protein and 30% fat.

25. Will I lose more weight with Nutribar High Protein than with original Nutribar?
Both weight loss plans focus on healthy eating, providing a variety of choices in appropriate portions while restricting calories. The difference is less sugar and increased protein in the High Protein plan. Both plans are designed to help you lose weight. It is a matter of choice which plan you feel works best for you. A healthy and safe weight loss consists of 1-2 pounds a week, no matter which plan you follow.

26. I have read a lot in the news about the amount of fat in a typical low carb diet. How much fat is in the Nutribar High Protein weight loss plan?
Other low carb diets that severely restrict carb consumption do not focus on counting calories or grams of food consumed, therefore they tend to be higher in fat. In fact, there is usually no set amount established or restriction regarding saturated fat. On the Nutribar High Protein plan the daily intake of fat does not exceed 30% or 40 grams of total fat when following the 1200-calorie diet plan. Men can consume up to 53 grams of total fat, while following a 1600-calorie diet plan. The amount of fat in the Nutribar High Protein plan falls within guidelines recommended by nutrition and health organizations restricting the amount of saturated fat to be no more than 10% of the total fat.

Nutribar® is a registered trademark of Stella Pharmaceutical Canada Inc.™
Copyright ©2009 Stella Pharmaceutical Canada Inc. All Rights Reserved.