Protein Bars: Good or Bad?

Protein Bars: Good or Bad? 

Protein bars are included in many people’s diets. Most bars claim to be nutritious and high in protein however there are some things to watch out for. The benefits of protein bars are that they are convenient. Bars require no refrigeration, no heating up and no utensils. You can just grab it and go. 

                        

Now we are all human and many of us, including myself, get chocolate cravings. Protein bars are a good alternative to candy bars. They contain more protein and usually less fat and carbs than let's say a snickers bar or reeses. The cons of protein bars are that most do not contain important vitamins so should not be used as a meal replacement. Many bars claim to be nutritious but they are high in fats and sugar. Another con is that they are usually expensive. 

If you do feel the need to grab a protein bar make sure to check the nutrition label. Find something high in protein and low in bad fats and carbohydrates. 

Good fats that you may find in protein bars are monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats which lower LDL cholesterol such as peanuts, almonds, walnuts and sunflower oils. 

Bad fats would include saturated and trans fat which raise LDL cholesterol. Avoid bars that have “hydrogenate” oils in them. 

You want to also find a bar low in sugar but you also want to avoid excessive amounts of sugar alcohols. Sugar alcohols are lower in calories than regular sugar. They are not absorbed by the body in the same way that sugar is. Sugar is absorbed quickly and spikes insulin. Sugar alcohols normally pass through but because they are not absorbed completely they can cause gas bloating and diarrhea. Some examples of sugar alcohols are erythritol, lactitol, and sorbitol. I recommend looking for something that contains Stevia which is a natural sugar substitute. Stevia does not contain carbs or calories and is not a sugar alcohol. 

Protein bars have their good sides and bad but it is still always better to get your nutrients through whole foods. 

If you have any questions feel free to stop by the store and see me! 

Have a Healthy Day!

Seth Cairns