With the enormous variety of protein bars on the shelves today, it can be more than daunting to try and pick from them. By considering a few simple factors, you can easily narrow your choices down so you can choose a protein bar that will fit your particular lifestyle and health needs.
It’s important to realize that the reason there is such a variety of protein bars is because different bars have different purposes. The person trying to lose weight will probably want to choose a different bar than the person trying to pick out a high-energy afternoon snack. If you are looking to lose weight by using protein bars as an occasional meal replacement, you will want to opt for a bar with a good amount of protein in it. Depending on your particular diet, you may want to choose a low-carb bar, or you can choose a meal replacement protein bar that has a few more carbs but is also packed with vitamins and minerals to give you more balanced nutrition. A meal replacement bar is also ideal for someone who is trying to maintain a healthy weight and wants a nutritional snack or a quick meal on the go. If you are trying to gain muscle, a bar that is very high in protein will be the best choice. Protein is the building block for muscle, so a high-protein bar will aid in building your muscles. If you are looking for a high-energy snack and you aren’t concerned with losing weight, you can choose an energy bar that is packed with carbohydrates in addition to protein.
Whatever type of bar you choose, it is important to check the ingredients label and nutritional value guide on every protein bar you consider. A protein bar may claim to be healthy and nutritional, but a quick look at the back label may prove otherwise. Sweeteners should never be the first ingredients in a healthy protein bar. Make sure ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, glycerin, sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol are further down the list. Whey protein is generally preferred over soy protein because of its high quality. Your protein bar should be high in fiber not only because this is good for your general health, but also because high-fiber foods will keep you feeling full for a longer period of time. A good protein bar will have a generous amount of protein. Look for bars with at least 10 grams of protein, but preferably more than 15 grams per bar. Try to keep the carbohydrate serving at less than 30 grams and the sugar at less than 15 grams.
Take special notice of how you feel about twenty to thirty minutes after you eat a protein bar. A quality protein bar should help you feel more energetic, not sluggish and tired. It should be able to sustain you for a reasonable amount of time without leaving you hungry for more or craving sugary foods. Taking note of how you feel after eating a protein bar will help you understand how that particular bar interacts with your body.
It may not seem like an important factor at first, but taste is actually something you should consider when choosing a protein bar. Think of it this way: how often do you think you will eat something that you think has an unpleasant flavor? If you enjoy the taste of a healthy protein bar, you are more likely to make eating one a regular ritual.
Remember that the benefits of a quality protein bar will be experienced most when combined with a healthy lifestyle. Protein bars are not meant to replace a balanced diet and exercise, but should be incorporated with healthy habits so you can reap the benefits of living a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
