A protein bar is a small, convenient snack that can boost your protein intake throughout the day. They are most commonly made from whey, casein, or soy, which are high-quality protein sources. Some protein bars also contain oats or quinoa as secondary sources of protein.
Generally, a typical bar has between 20 and 30 grams of protein—about half of your daily target—and 20 to 40 grams of carbohydrates. Many also have less than 10 grams of fat and around 200 calories.
That said, there are many benefits to eating a protein bar every once in a while. They’re convenient and easy to carry with you wherever you go, so you can get in that extra bit of protein whenever you need it most, like after a workout.
Here are six detailed reasons why you should incorporate them into your diet:
1. They’re Designed To Help You Meet Your Daily Protein Goals
There are many different types of protein bars on the market, and each type has an additional protein content. You can use these bars to help you meet your daily protein goals, whether an extra 10 to 20 grams or something like 30 to 50 grams.
For example, if you’re trying to meet a daily protein intake of 100 grams, a diet with three meals and two snacks would require you to eat a total of 1,300 calories. In this instance, you could have a snack with a protein bar (or a protein shake) at each meal to get your total daily protein intake to 100 grams.
2. They’re a Convenient Way To Increase Your Protein Intake
Protein bars can be an excellent way to boost your protein intake without changing how you eat your meals. Whether you’re on the go and pressed for time or simply trying to eat less at each meal, protein bars can help you quickly and easily get that added protein.
3. They Can Be Used as a Meal Replacement
Protein bars can be used as a meal replacement if you want to lose weight.
Simply cutting out one of your daily meals and replacing it with a protein bar can help you lose weight quickly and easily. It would help if you combined a protein bar with exercise to shed weight even faster.
4. They Can Help You Feel Fuller Longer
Protein bars can be an excellent way to help you feel more satisfied after eating a meal. A study published in Appetite found that consuming a meal replacement bar can help you feel fuller for longer than consuming a normal meal.
5. They Can Be Used as a Recovery Aid After Exercise
Exercise puts a lot of stress on your body, so it’s essential to take advantage of the time after you finish exercising and use it to your advantage. This is especially important if you’re trying to build muscle.
After you exercise, your body is in a primed state to build muscle and repair itself, so you should take advantage of this time. Protein bars are an excellent way to do this, as they’re a fast source of protein.
6. They Can Help Build and Maintain Muscle Mass
When trying to build muscle, you want to ensure you’re getting enough protein. Many people trying to build muscle often get frustrated because they don’t see results as quickly as they’d like. This is because they aren’t getting enough protein in their diets.
Protein bars can be a quick, easy and convenient way to ensure you get enough protein in your diet to build and maintain muscle.
In Conclusion
As you can see, protein bars can be a great way to help you meet your daily protein goals, increase your protein intake and meet your muscle-building needs. Not all protein bars are created equal, so it’s essential to do your research before purchasing one.