With obesity rates climbing to an all-time high, it's pretty trendy (and life-saving) to be healthy right now. Organic food cafes are springing up all over to offer cleaner dining options.

This is also the perfect time for a protein shake bar to enter the health food market. Meal replacement shakes have always been popular with gym addicts, but really, when was the last time you actually liked mixing and chugging your chalky strawberry Slim-Fast?

It seems that founder Matt Matros of Chicago's Protein Bar has struck the right balance between healthy and tasty. After losing 60 pounds on a -- you guessed it -- protein shake regime, he was inspired to share the success with others.

His quick-serve bar serves shakes (whey, egg or soy) that use agave nectar or honey as sweeteners, so it's lower in sugar content than other smoothies sold in other places. These drinks have more than 30 grams of quality protein and are about 400 calories. The best part is that they're the same price as a caffeine fix at Starbucks, minus the extra sugar and calories.

This is ideal for workaholics who are too busy to cook or go work out -- all you have to do is order one and drink it on your way to your next meeting. It can't get any easier to lower your BMI. This might also be a hit with folks on Weight Watchers and could eventually turn into a successful chain like Jamba Juice.


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