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When It Comes To Energy Bars

High-protein bars were originally developed for bodybuilders that were in search of an ‘easy-to-eat’ gym food. These bars have recently became a lot more popular as dieters seem to attach to high-protein/low-carbohydrate fare in an attempt to lose weight. You will find that most protein bars contain anywhere from 15 to over 35 grams of protein. While looking at these amounts of protein, the required daily amount is about 50 grams. However, athletes can require more than this in order to perform at their peak levels. The amount depends on their body weight as well as how hard they exercise as well.

Also, it is rather important to check the source of protein on the ingredient label. You should be looking for high-protein items such as egg, whey, soy, and casein. These proteins will provide your body with crucial amino acids that are required to repair about 60 to 100 grams per day. Stay away from the bars containing hydrolyzed proteins. The reason being is that these are poor-quality proteins are made out of animal hooves and connective tissue.

Also, be careful about bars labeled as ‘low carbohydrate.’ These will often contain sugar alcohols such as manitol, and fillers including glycerin, which sweeten up these bars and make them bigger in size. Some manufacturers won’t include these ingredients in the carbohydrate count. However, they should do this as these sugars are processed much like regular carbohydrates. High-protein bars can be helpful for those athletes that don’t get enough protein. For example, vegetarian athletes.

Let’s get into 40-30-30 bars now which contains a 40/30/30 ratio of carbohydrates, fat, and protein. These bars are ideal for weight loss and optimal athletic performance. These types of bars are usually higher in fat in protein as well as lower in fiber and high-carbohydrate counterparts. These bars can taste just like candy bars due to their high fat content. The higher-fat and lower-carbohydrate makes these bars less ideal for use during sport activities/exercises. However when mixed with high-carbohydrate foods such as fresh fruit or whole grain bread, they can make an effective and tasty recovery meal.

Now we will continue on to ‘women-only’ bars. Women have always demanded desperately for energy bars that would fulfill their nutritional needs without all of the calories included in other bars. The manufacturers of these bars have responded with lots of ‘petite’ versions of their bars, that are usually under 200 calories, and are packed with the nutrients that women typically lack. Many bars use heart-healthy soy protein and also come with iron, calcium, and folic acid. Another good thing is they usually contain the same amount of protein as a glass of milk. These bars make a tasty snack when you don’t have fresh fruits or other foods around at the time. If you eat these bars in place of a meal, try to include other foods with it. These can be yogurt, fruit, or a bowl of bean soup.

A growing category of bars are ‘meal-replacement’ bars. A lot of people like the convenience of a prepackaged bar rather than having to make a complete meal. Also, in an effort to lose weight people turn to these bars to assist them in controlling calories as well as portions. Many different bars, especially the high-protein types may be used easily in replacement of a meal. You must remember that bars will not provide the wealth of nutrients and health-boosting substances found in whole foods. Don’t substitute a bar for a meal on a regular basis.