Are the ingredients mostly whole food based?.Do the ingredients fit your dietary needs and preferences?.Does it have less than 5 grams of added sugar per bar?.Does it have no more than 20 grams of total carbohydrates and at least 3 grams of fiber?.Does the protein bar contain 15 grams of protein or more?.If your bar doesn’t contain much fiber, pair it with some fresh fruit or fresh vegetables, advises Margulies, as adults need at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day to support overall health and to keep your digestion rolling smoothly. “As life gets busy sometimes, they can be a healthy grab-and-go to get you through your day, or a convenient post-workout snack,” she says. Margulies also says protein bars can be a daily part of your diet, as long as you enjoy the taste of a high-quality bar that fills the nutritional needs of your body. “I look at protein bars as a great supplement to a healthful diet and an easy and tasty way to get in extra protein throughout the day.” “If you are already eating a nutritious and balanced diet rich with ample amounts of vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, whole grains, and lean protein sources, there's no reason to completely remove your daily protein bar,” says Kitchens. Is It Okay to Eat Protein Bars Every Day? “Ideally, protein bars should contain a balance of nutrients including healthy proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Protein bars can be a convenient snack option, but it's important to consider the ingredients and nutritional content before deciding if they are a healthy choice,” she says.
“I often recommend food first but protein bars can be part of a healthful lifestyle. One more rule of thumb to consider from Kitchens: When in doubt eat real, whole food instead of a protein bar. “When selecting a protein bar, it’s important to read the nutrition label and make sure it fits your dietary needs and preferences,” she continues, adding that a high quality protein bar should contain quality sources of protein-ideally from organic, plant-based sources like nuts, seeds, and grains. “Overall, protein bars can be a convenient and nutritious way to meet nutritional needs and fuel your active lifestyle,” says Kitchens, who urges individuals to look for a protein bar that contains at least 15 grams of protein. “High-quality protein sources include whey, rice, peas, hemp, and egg whites.” In general, Margulies says protein bars can add value to your diet so long as they provide protein, fiber, whole grains, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, with as little processing as possible. Protein has very little impact on your blood sugar,” says Margulies. “Protein helps build and keep muscle and helps you feel full. Are Protein Bars Healthy?įirst things first, protein is a macronutrient, meaning that your body needs it for energy and to maintain its biological processes. Still, Kitchens cautions, protein bars often contain high amounts of sugar.Īhead, the scoop about protein bars nutritional profile, guidelines for buying healthy protein bars and our top picks for healthy protein bar choices. “They are also an ideal choice for those on the go who don't have time to prepare a nutritious meal or snack,” she says. You just need to know what to look for and what to avoid,” she says.Īshley Kitchens, M.P.H., R.D.N., owner of Plant Centered Nutrition echoes Margulies: “not all protein bars are crafted equally.” Still, when you know what to look for, you can find nutrient-dense “protein bars are typically fortified with vitamins and minerals, as well as other nutrients such as fiber and healthy fats,” a win for convenience and for maintaining an overall healthy eating plan.Īnd while protein bars are often marketed to athletes, bodybuilders, and other people who need to meet high levels of physical performance, Kitchens says protein bars can be beneficial for anyone. “The good news is there are many better-for-you protein bars available. Some bars are more like candy bars than nutritious snacks.”Īs Margulies points out-with seemingly hundreds of different brands, flavors, and nutrition offerings-it can be hard to know which bar to choose. “Protein bars can be a convenient, balanced choice, but that’s not always the case.
However, not all protein bars are built the same,” says Amy S. But if you’re busy or on the go, protein bars can be a quick, simple, and nutrition-wise option.
“When it comes to getting enough protein, eating whole foods is your best bet. It’s not meal time, but that apple or handful of nuts isn’t going to tide you over either.
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