Review: FullBars and FullBites

That's Fit recently had a chance to review the FullBites and FullBars weight-loss snacks inspired by bariatric surgeon Michael A. Snyder, along with his quick-read book "Why Diets Don't Work." Yes, a bariatric surgeon promoting non-surgical weight loss snacks. An expert on stomach capacity, Snyder wanted to develop a product for those who do not want or don't qualify for surgery -- a small, fiber-packed snack to deliver satiety before two of your biggest meals of the day.

Directions are simple -- enjoy a bag of FullBites or a FullBar with eight ounces of water 30 minutes before your next meal to be fuller and eat less. Bars and Bites tested had about 150 calories, 3 to 6 grams of fat, 21 to 31 grams of carbs, 4 to 8 grams of protein and a respectable 4 to 5 grams of fiber. Test results were mixed. On first test, I gagged down and nearly threw up the peanut-butter-crunch-that-had-no-crunch FullBar. This reaction is from someone with experience subsisting on bland, icky bars trekking through remote foreign villages with risky water sources. The cocoa chip flavor was a bit better. Yet my hunger meter remained fairly high at dinner.

A second test focused on breakfast, my other biggest meal of the day. This time the cheddar FullBites were OK, no gag reflex. The barbecue aren't as good, but doable. Again, no major hunger changes to report. But I typically don't overeat, and my BMI is in the normal range. Perhaps this product could assist someone with a pattern of overeating. A salad-or-soup-before-dinner kind of solution.

Now Snyder's book is what made the most sense. Keep in mind, beyond bariatric surgery, he's spent hours re-teaching patients how to eat healthy after surgery. His six principles are: Keep hydrated, minimize "white" stuff, make protein 50 to 75 percent of every meal, eat five to six meals per day for metabolic efficiency, minimize/eliminate liquid calories and don't avoid fats, but don't add them either. All logical, solid advice.

One other interesting Snyder tip focuses on how we view our own lack of control surrounding food. When one of his patients' weight began creeping up after surgery, she insisted she had no control over her eating habits. He made the point she has lots of self-control -- she doesn't cheat on her husband, drink to excess or drive recklessly. She just hadn't ever considered that having dietary control in her life is as important as fidelity, moderate alcohol consumption and law-abiding driving. His patient departed the appointment with a renewed faith in her ability to control her dietary choices. We are responsible, and we do have control over what we put in our mouths, how often we exercise and what we feed our family.

Hear from others why keeping a food journal is a great way to start over.