Protein bars have become a new favorite snack for many people, especially those who hit the gym regularly. However, is it good to eat them daily?
When to eat protein bars daily
Eating a protein bar occasionally is okay, but eating it daily might not be as good for your health. The most important thing to do when choosing a protein bar is to determine how beneficial it will be to your health. Some are highly processed and contain a lot of calories.
However, you can find natural protein bars from brands like Legion Athletics, which contain natural ingredients, making them okay to eat regularly. Some reasons you should add a protein bar to your daily diet include:
Having a busy schedule
If you don’t have time to make a snack or a full meal, a protein bar is an excellent protein and energy source. While this is okay to do occasionally, you should make a habit of it. Since protein bars will not make you as full as a regular snack or meal, you will reach for more, increasing your calorie intake.
According to Legion Athletics, even if you do not eat many protein bars, your hunger will increase, making you eat more food than you would have later. Both occurrences lead to unhealthy dietary habits that could cause unhealthy weight gain.
You want to increase your calorie intake
If you struggle to reach your daily calorie intake, adding a protein bar to your meal could be the solution. Some protein bars have calories as high as 300, making it easy and fast to reach your goal. This is suitable for someone looking to gain muscle mass.
Since protein bars are easily digested, you will reach your calorie goal without feeling too full, which is a significant issue for people who are bulking.
Difficulty reaching your protein intake
Many people struggle to reach their daily protein intake, especially those on plant-based diets. While a protein shake is a common solution, many people get bored of it fast. Protein bars are one of the best ways to switch up your diet and achieve your daily protein intake without feeling too full.
Protein bars contain an average of 20-25 grams of protein, which is the same as 3-4 oz. of chicken. If you are a vegetarian seeking to reduce the number of eggs you eat, protein bars are a good alternative.
Looking for a post-workout snack
Having proteins after a workout helps repair damaged tissue and replenish your energy. Again, many people reach for protein shakes, but a protein bar is a good substitute. The main benefit is that it is easy to carry around in your gym bag and saves you the time you would have used to make a protein shake.
Pros
- It helps you reach your daily protein intake
- Easy and accessible
- Natural protein bars contain fewer calories
- It helps you build muscle and lose weight if you choose low-calorie bars
Cons
- Don’t make you as full as real meals
- Sometimes, high sugar intake
When looking for a good protein bar, look at the calories, ingredients, protein level, fiber, sugar, and fats to ensure maximum benefits without worrying about unhealthy weight gain. You should also try a variety to determine the best one for you.