Protein Bars and the benefits they provide are popular in the nutrition-fitness world today. But are they as good as the whole foods to replace them as a meal? Lets find in this article.
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WHAT IS THE NUTRITIONAL PROFILE OF THE PROTEIN BARS?
Protein bars are nutrition bars that contain a high proportion of Protein to some of Carbohydrates/fats.Most of them will contain between 10g-20g of protein.In addition to offering protein and carbs, many are a good source of micro-nutrients, such as calcium, B vitamins, potassium, and iron.
But, nutrient compositions might vary considerably between brands. This is largely owing to the fact that their constituents differ. Dates and dried fruit, nuts and seeds, and nutritious grains like oats or quinoa can all be used to make them. Furthermore, some of them also contain high amounts of added sugar and use unhealthy sweeteners. Therefore, it is important to check the nutritional value of the bar based on your goals.
Another factor one should consider is the source of protein. One kind of source includes yogurt powder, milk, or dairy proteins like casein and whey. The other sources can be plant based like soy, pea, or brown rice.
WHAT IS THE LIST OF BENEFITS THEY PROVIDE?
Here are the pointers of benefits which protein bars give to your body:
- They help in Muscle building.
- For the ‘Anabolic Window’ and ‘Protein Top-up’, these bars are your post and pre-workout options.
- Gives body the energy it requires while also assisting with blood sugar regulation.
- Helps to lessen the harmful effects of stress and overcome exhaustion.
- Keep you fuller for longer and suppress your hunger.
- They may aid in weight loss because these are often lower in calories than traditional candy bar but have similar taste profiles.
To read the detailed explanation on the ‘Go to’ aspects of Protein bars, read our article: https://foodvez.com/how-do-protein-bars-help-you/
CAN YOU REPLACE A REGULAR MEALS WITH PROTEIN BARS?
Without any beat about the bush, the answer is NO. Not only for Protein Bars, but also no supplement can ever “completely substitute” whole foods and the importance of a regular meal. In certain cases, as for hikers, travelers and on-the-go tight schedule people, these bars may hop in for the position (certainly when it is a necessity).
But YES, there are certain selective-nutritional profile protein bars which can be your meal replacement.
Now, let’s dive into the details. As we know that most of the its consumers aim at weight loss. This ascertains that the choice of bar shall be low calorie, low carb-fat and absolutely high protein in composition to help the process. But while one aims to use it as an alternate to meal sometime, consider the following factors –
- Certain international standards must be followed when it comes to meal replacement items. As a result, not every protein bar can be used as a substitute.
- Cut out any bar that has more than six or seven grams of sugar added.
- The goal is to find one that has tons of protein, fewer carbohydrates and some fiber.
- For a health/protein bar to qualify as a meal replacement, the Codex Alimentarious has set forth some standards. The replacements have to:
- Have anywhere between 25 – 50% of total energy as protein. Safe lower range can be 30 grams.
- 25 – 35% of the vitamins and minerals as suggested in the recommended dietary allowance. (Source:MaxProtein).
YOUR TAKEAWAY NOTE : Protein Bars can’t “completely substitute” whole foods and the importance of a regular meal. On necessity, they can be considered as an alternate after considering some factors.
If you are wondering what protein bar options are available to choose from, we have worked a list for you in this article : https://foodvez.com/protein-bar-muscle-building-what-is-the-relation/