How to Choose the Best Protein Bar Every Time - Your Wellness Center (2024)

FAQs

How to Choose the Best Protein Bar Every Time - Your Wellness Center? ›

A protein bar with less than 25 grams of carbs and at least 5 grams of fiber would be a great pick! Excess amounts of carbs are easily converted to fat in our bodies, and can lead to more carb cravings. Plus, if you are trying to lose weight, high amounts of carbs in your diet can slow down the process.

A closer look at the ingredients and sugar levels in some of these bars can make you question whether they're a good idea to eat every day. While there's no problem with the occasional sugary snack or 'unhealthy' treat, eating certain types of protein bars every day might be problematic long term.

Focus on finding bars that have the highest amount of healthy ingredients. Complex carbs are much more healthy than refined, processed carbs. Fruit and nut butters provide protein, antioxidants, and more healthy nutrients. Artificial ingredients often contain higher levels of sugar, fat, and syrup than others.

Avoid added sugars and artificial sweeteners, when possible. The amount of added sugar in a product will be displayed in grams. Artificial sweeteners are often not highlighted in the same way and may just be listed as one of the bar's ingredients. Try to choose protein bars with minimal processing.

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Dietary supplements such as protein bars should be consumed as part of a healthy, balanced diet, and not used as a substitute for whole food. Nutritionist Kerry Torrens explains, 'Protein supplements, such as bars, are highly processed and lack the micronutrients and other beneficial nutrients of whole, natural food.

Generally speaking, yes, Quest Protein Bars are healthy. They come with a very low sugar load (1g), reasonable calorie count (190), and fairly robust fiber content to boot (13g). It's a solid hold-me-over snack between meals, or right after a workout when your body is craving nourishment.

Yes, it's perfectly fine to eat protein bars without working out, as they can serve as a convenient snack or a meal replacement that contributes to your daily protein intake. However, they should not replace whole foods in your diet and should be consumed as part of a balanced, nutrient-rich eating plan.

Protein bars can be a helpful component of a weight loss plan when consumed as part of a balanced diet and combined with regular exercise. However, they are not a magic solution on their own and should be enjoyed in moderation along with whole, nutrient-rich foods.

Choose protein bars that healthy fats but are low in saturated fats (less than 3 grams) and are free from trans fats. Better fats in protein bars will be found in nuts and nut butter, coconut oil, or seeds like chia.

Can you eat a protein bar on an empty stomach? ›

Yes, you can take protein bars on an empty stomach.

Since they are easily digestible, they can provide a quick source of energy. However, some people might find it heavy and prefer to eat something lighter.

Pick the source you digest best.

Whey, casein, egg, beef, soy, and plant-based protein powders can all be good options, as long as they are easily digested, and you feel good consuming them.

The entire conversation is further down the page, but in brief, the first thing to check is the ratio of protein to calories – 15g of protein in a 200-calorie bar or 25g in a 250-calorie bar are good yardsticks. If you can find a bar you like the taste of with a decent amount of fibre, that's also a welcome bonus.

If you're looking for fat loss, a 2:1 ratio of protein to carbs in a bar is recommended, a 1:1 ratio would work too. If you want to build muscle or use the bar after a workout for recovery, you'll want to get closer to a 1:2 ratio.

If you're having a protein bar as a snack or post-workout supplement, aim for a one that has roughly 200 calories per serving, Mr. DiMarino said, with fewer than five grams of fat and five grams of added sugar.