Modern-day living makes it nearly impossible for us to have a healthy, balanced diet. More often we choose junk food over fruits and vegetables. It’s faster and easier. We all have our ideal weight, but with the lifestyle we lead, weight loss is something that is getting further away from us.
Luckily for us, protein bars are taking us one step closer to our healthy meal for the day. If you wonder how weight loss and protein in a built bar are connected, you’re at the right place.
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Protein bars- the basics
If we want to simply define a protein bar, we would say that it is a nutritious bar made from various different nutrients that fit into your diet. Some of them are low-carb, but others are rich in fats, which makes them perfect for people on a keto diet. When it comes to protein bars, they are nutritious food with added proteins.
When you’re looking for the perfect protein bar, look for a bar that has enough protein- around 20g, and around 3-5g of fiber. The calories and other nutrients are up to you. If you’re looking for a bar that will later on become a snack- around 150-200kcal is your go-to.
Make sure to watch out for the proteins! Some of them are dairy, while others are plant based. You might be allergic, or you might lead a lifestyle that excludes dairy from your diet. If that’s the case, then opt for a plant-based protein bar.
Protein bar and weight loss
A magic formula for weight loss doesn’t exist, but simple things like food alterations can do wonders. Recent studies suggest that there is a connection between protein intake and losing weight.
Now, the main question still remains- ‘Where do I get enough protein? My schedule is full, I cannot make enough time to cook healthy meals!’
A great source of protein is meat, dairy and eggs as well. Maybe it's the lack of time, maybe it's the dietary choices, but for some reason you don’t get them enough.
That’s where the protein bar comes in handy. With a little over 100 calories, you get yourself enough fiber and protein for the time being. The best is yet to be told- you choose what kind of bar you want- they come sugar-free, high-fat percentage, and tons of different flavours.
Another thing that is perfect for weight loss is snacking. Snacking throughout the day will keep you full, with a little amount of food, which means you won’t be getting tons of extra calories, and you won’t feel like you’re starving the whole day.
One brilliant thing- you can combine snacking and protein bars. That way, you will feel full, and you will get the daily dose of fiber and protein at the same time!
Best time to eat protein bars
There is no perfect time to consume the protein bar. Just toss it in your bag on your way to work and snack on it later. We do not recommend replacing a full meal with the protein bar, simply because the bar is too low in calories.
If you skip a meal and you replace it with a protein bar, you will feel hungry later on, and most likely you will overeat. That is something that won't help you in the weight loss journey. But, you can have the protein bar as part of your meal. For example, you can have a protein bar for breakfast with some fresh juice or even milk if you’d like. For lunch, you can combine it with salad and other food. As long as you’re eating enough calories, you don’t have to worry about the time that you consume the protein bar.
Protein bar DIY
This is for the ones that have some extra time on their hands throughout the day. With just 5 simple ingredients, you can get the perfect snack made at home. Get yourself some oats, your favourite fruit, some peanut butter, maple syrup and protein powder. Mix them all up, shape them in a pan and cut them to your liking. In just 15 minutes, you will be left with the most delicious protein bar, and what’s best- you’re the master behind it!
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Summary
Protein bars can be a great snack when you’re trying to lose weight or trying to maintain a healthier diet. It’s a better alternative to chips or other unhealthy snacks, and of course it’s better to munch on a protein bar, rather than a chocolate bar. It will keep you full for a while, it will help you reach your weight goal, and it will give you the energy to pull through your busy work days. A small step to a healthier you!
I didn't know they were good for weight loss. I have protein shakes often for lunch.
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