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Protein bars: when and for whom are they needed?

Author: Timko Ilya - master of the whole project and fitness trainer.
2016-07-16

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So, I think almost everyone knows what they are, and many have already eaten them. Moreover, not just once. Now I will tell you some features of this type of sports nutrition and explain when and for whom they are more suitable.

Features of Protein Bars

Protein bars are, roughly speaking, confectionery products with added protein. Simply put, they are compressed protein with carbohydrates and flavor additives coated in chocolate. Here are the main differences of protein bars:

The size of the bars ranges from 50 to 100 grams.
The protein percentage varies from 15% to 50%.
They also have a relatively low fat percentage: 5% - 15%.

As you can see, most bars contain less than 50% protein. In fact, almost all bars do. Only a few have around 50% protein. Therefore, calling them protein bars is not entirely accurate.

The cheapest bars have 15% - 20% protein. I recommend buying bars that have at least 40% protein. They are expensive, but in that case, you will get maximum protein and minimal fat and carbohydrates. And if someone claims that this isn't important to them, then just buy a Snickers and don’t worry about it.

When and for Whom to Consume Them

1. If you are training for mass, then it's simple: eat them at any time, and it’s not necessary to choose only those with high protein content. Affordable ones will do as well. For example, after a workout, you can eat one 100-gram bar. You can also snack on them between meals. Basically, you can eat any bars and in large quantities.

2. But if you are trying to lose weight, it’s not so simple. First, you need to buy only bars with at least 40% protein. And it's better that they contain no more than 10% fat. Second, you can't eat them all the time and everywhere. Specifically:

Immediately after workouts
And that’s it))

The thing is that such bars are very high in calories. In 100 grams, there are approximately 350 kcal. For weight loss, you need to consume a lot of low-calorie foods to feel as full as possible. 100 grams will digest quickly, and you'll be hungry again. Therefore, if you are losing weight, consume them only after workouts and not otherwise.

Conclusions

1. Protein bars are, first and foremost, tasty. But they are not the same as protein. Cheap bars often contain a lot of fat and carbohydrates, and they don't differ much from a Snickers.

2. Bars with a protein content close to 50% will be more expensive. But you will know that you spent money on real protein, with minimal amounts of everything else.

3. For mass gain, even affordable products will do, and you can consume them at any time of day and in any quantities. For cutting and weight loss – only high-protein bars and only after workouts. No more than 100 grams at a time for men. For women of small and medium weight, 50 – 70 grams at a time will be sufficient.

4. At the end of the article, I suggest you a selection of good and tasty bars with high protein content: