A Protein Bar Each Day Can Result in Shocking Changes

Busy lives call for easy decisions, including what we eat every day. Many people turn to protein bars to provide nutrients and an energy boost while they’re on the go—but as with most processed foods, they aren’t created equally. And while some are full of doctor and nutritionist-approved ingredients, others are packed with so much sugar, they don’t do much for our health. Before you decide to eat a protein bar every day, consider the insight of trusted experts who explain the 101 of these snacks and how they impact our bodies.

Here’s what happens to your body when you eat a protein bar every day.

Protein bars could be a smart choice for fitness lovers

The best candidates for daily protein bar consumption are athletes—or avid fitness-goers. How come? They are a quick and convenient option to take in muscle-building protein after a workout. When you have protein following a sweat-sesh, you help your muscles regrow and meet your physical goals.

Protein bars can help us get the protein we need

There’s a difference between not being deficient in our protein—and getting enough to make day-to-day activities easier. As certified nutritionist and Performix House coach Lance Parker explains, we may need more protein than we realize, especially if we are exercising consistently, on our feet 24/7, or going through hormonal changes, like breastfeeding.

If you wonder about how much you really need, ask your doctor or consider hiring a nutritionist to access your diet. If you’re lacking, whole foods should be your first tactic, but if you don’t find that successful, Parker says protein bars could be an alternative.

Protein bars can fight against “hanger”

We’ve all been there: your meeting ran long, you didn’t have time to eat, and now you’re so hungry you can barely speak. “Hanger” isn’t just a funny meme or joke; it’s a real, biological feeling when our blood sugar levels are running low. That’s why registered dietitian and nutritionist’s says it’s beneficial to keep a protein bar stashed in your backpack or purse, so if you have a hectic, unpredictable day, you have a nutritious and affordable snack on hand. Then, you won’t have to apologize to your co-worker, spouse, or pal for getting snippy or impatient due to hunger.

Protein bars need to have the right vitamin content

With the popularity of protein bars and the plethora of choices on the market today, it is important to read food labels and look at ingredients to compare products.

If you’re not sure what to look for, don’t sweat it. Doctor’s says to focus your attention on protein, fiber, iron, sugar, and calcium, as well as vitamin A and C. Then, answer these questions:

• Does it provide at least 10% of the daily values for these nutrients?
• Does it have less than two grams of saturated fat and under 15 grams of sugar?
• When looking at the ingredients list, do you see whole foods or highly processed ingredients?