Who would actually say that avoiding junk and switching to a healthy diet is easy? Saying no to junk food, chocolates, and candies are so difficult. So what do we do? Give up? No, we choose the best alternatives that pacify our craving and also keeps us healthy.
Protein Bars have emerged as a favourable alternative to sugary chocolates and candies. These bars are usually made with natural ingredients such as fruits, cereal, oatmeal, dry fruits, etc. which are a rich source of protein and fibre for the body.
Protein Bars are Healthy: Truth or Hype
Ingredients
Protein Bars differ not just in terms of ingredients but also in nutrient composition- additives, calories, sugar, fats, etc. Nevertheless, some protein bars contain a high level of sugar and unhealthy sweeteners such as corn syrup which can lead to fatty liver, diabetes, and obesity. Consequently, it becomes very important to check the label of the bar to make sure it has the right amount of nutrients that your body needs.
The goodness of nutrients present in a protein bar activates amino acid availability in the muscles and boosts the energy level of the body.
Protein Content
Protein and Energy Bars can be added to diet routine after meals as a dessert or even as a quick option for a full meal. As far as protein content is concerned, some bars have 10-20g of proteins while there are some which offer around 30g of protein each.
Source of Proteins
Some popularly used ingredients which are also the primary source of protein in a Protein Bar is-
- Whey Protein powders, Yoghurt Powder, Milk.
- Brown Rice, Soy, Cereals, Multi-grains.
- Egg Whites, Dry Fruits, Nuts, Seeds.
Also Read: 6 Benefits of Protein Bars
An idea which appeals
There is no doubt that a good, protein-rich, well-prepared meal is what takes us straight to a healthy lifestyle. But, for individuals who have a busy and active schedule, it becomes difficult to prepare an entire meal, carry it, and heat it again. And now, we have protein bars that are compact, convenient, and a snack that is made of everything nutritious that your body needs. Who wouldn’t find it appealing?
Protein bars can be carried in a pocket, requires no preparation, no refrigeration. You can simply grab a bite and you are good to go.
A 100% vegetarian food item with exact nutrition
Meat, Poultry, Fish, etc. are known as the primary sources of dietary proteins. But, not everybody eats non-vegetarian food. So, what about vegetarians?
Of course, there are plant protein food items such as nuts, seeds, legumes, whole grains, and more. Nonetheless, there are numerous protein bars made of 100% vegetarian ingredients which are definitely a good source of protein.
You might like: 10 Best Protein Bars in India
Tips to choose Protein Bars
Here are some tips which you may consider while choosing the perfect protein bar for your body’s requirement:
According to Your objective
Why/How are you planning to add protein bars in your routine? As a source of protein or a pre/post-workout snack?
- As a Source of Protein: In case you are having it as a source of protein, you must go for a bar that has at least 10 to 20 grams of protein.
- Pre-Sleep Dessert: If you are seeking a pre-sleep dessert, choose a protein bar that has no or very less sugar.
- Pre/Post-Play Snack: If it is going to be your pre/post-play snack, try to consume the bars with fruits in it to make sure the body is getting enough natural sugar content.
- Pre/Post-Workout Snack: In case you want a pre/post-workout snack, go for a bar with about 30 grams of carbohydrates and between 3 and 5 grams of fibre.
Check Ingredients
The primary objectives of consuming protein bars are to feed the body with enough protein and eliminate sugar intake in the form of chocolates, candies, and desserts. This implies that you must always check all the ingredients at the label of the package to make sure that the bar has no extra/high sugar or any ingredient which you may not want to consume. Go for protein bars that are transparent when it comes to the constituents, have no trans fat, and no additives.
Customise a Bar
At times, you may not be able to find the Protein Bar which fulfils all the requirements. What is better than a homemade, customised protein bar in which you have added everything that your body needs, keeping a certain objective in mind. You can use oatmeal, grains, or muesli as the base of your bar and add interesting toppings such as peanut butter, dry fruits, berries, nuts, etc. You can also add some jaggery or honey to balance the sugar level. Natural oils such as coconut oil can be used to make these bars.
You might like: Homemade & Easy Protein Bar Recipes
Therefore, whether a protein bar is good for you or not is dependent on which bar you are choosing. Understanding what your body requires and what your objective is very important. One must not pick any protein bar without checking the ingredients because there are some bars that have a low level of proteins and a high level of sugar. Also, homemade protein bar recipes can be used to mix-and-match the ingredients according to your requirements and customising the right bar.
