Nowadays, consuming protein bars is one of the most preferred ways of reducing body weight. Higher-protein diets have been linked to weight management, appetite regularity, and a decreased risk of health problems like cardiovascular disease. In other words, making sure we get enough protein is crucial to our health goals, for all ages and genders.
If you are in the midst of a hectic schedule, and unable to keep track of your protein intake in your daily diet, protein bars can be a great addition to your pantry. They are not only affordable, easy, and great to take with you, but they can also provide you with an additional dose of energy to survive the day.
The above-mentioned is the extent to which most people know about protein bars. Due to this limitation of knowledge on the topic, they tend to randomly pick up a protein bar off the shelves, not knowing about all the options available today, and/or the protein bars that might be the most beneficial for their body. Moreover, regularly, we find consumers making wrong choices by picking up such bars that are actually loaded with sugar alcohols or saturated fat and lack fiber. So, it is essential to know about the right protein bars, before filling your body with them.
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Choosing the ideal protein bar for weight loss
If you are looking to further your body goals, you may consider eating high protein bars. The key in selecting a clean and healthy protein bar is to “look for a nice balance of healthy fat, protein, and fiber to help keep you satisfied”. It is advisable to choose a protein bar with between 200 to 400 calories and up to 20g of protein per serving.
However, it is not just macronutrients that matter when it comes to determining the best protein bar. You should remember to look at the ingredient list, as mentioned on the packet, and identify transparent foods like nuts, whole grains, and fruit. Whey protein isolate, pea protein, brown rice protein, and eggs, are some of the most essential ingredients in a good protein bar that helps you lose weight.
Moreover, the best protein bars for weight loss will help you feel full for longer, will aid in calorie burning, and help you maintain lean muscle.
Here, we list down some of the most essential factors that you must check while buying a protein bar, be it in quantity or quality of an ingredient.
- 8 grams protein (minimum): To qualify as a protein bar, each bar has to have no less than 8 grams of protein. It is recommended to aim for 15-20 g of protein if one wants to gain muscle and 7-12g of protein for a satiating snack.
- 13 grams sugar (maximum): The protein bars, with a higher sugar proportion, do not help you lose weight, though they might make a tasty snack.
- 3 grams fiber (minimum): A good protein bar should have 3 or more grams of fiber. However, caution should be taken because some bars that display more than 10g of fiber are usually filled with isolated fibers, which is said to cause stomach problems.
- High-quality protein sources: Protein bars with protein from high-quality isolates and concentrates (such as grass-fed whey protein) as well as whole food ingredients (like nuts or antibiotic-free meat) should be preferred.
- Natural sweeteners: You should opt for protein bars with natural sources of sugar like cane sugar or fruit. Whole fruit (in comparison to fruit juice and fruit concentrate) is not considered an added sugar either.
- Whole-food ingredients: The best protein bars only use whole food or natural ingredients for both flavoring and sweetening, without adding any artificial ingredients
- Healthy fats: It is advisable to choose protein bars that contain healthy fats from nuts and seeds rather than those that use vegetable oils as fillers and binders. Fats are essential for the body, so the bars that do not specify them should not be chosen.
- Low to no synthetic or isolated fiber: Artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, and large amounts of synthetic fibers like soluble corn fiber or chicory root, can cause bloating, abdominal pain, etc., and should be avoided at all costs.
Benefits of choosing a protein bar for weight loss
Protein bars are great for traveling, pre-or post-workout snacks, and as a snack to keep blood sugar balanced during busy days. They also make great weight loss snacks (around 150 calories) and meal replacements (250-300 calories), especially if you want a quick on-the-go fix. Because of protein’s role in carbohydrate metabolism, these bars are actually said to help promote satiety (the sense of fullness that we get when we have had enough to eat), which curbs unnecessary eating, and helps stabilize blood sugar response, which decreases inflammation and reduces excess body fat storage. One protein bar per day is said to be a great meal replacement or snack when trying to maintain or lose weight.
Using a protein bar in the right way for weight loss
Knowing the benefits of a protein bar is not enough. You should know the right manner of consuming them, such that they actually help you in your journey of weight loss.
- The best way of consuming these bars is to eat them as meal replacements when you are on the go or use them between meals as snacks. Protein bars containing 150-250 calories as snacks or 250-300 calories for meal replacements are the right choices for most consumers. This decreases the quantity of food that you would otherwise intake on a regular day and provides your body with the required nutrients and energy at the same time.
- These are also said to work well as post-workout nourishment when you want to build or maintain lean muscles.
- Protein bars, when consumed with the right balanced diet, with consumption of 1,200-1,500 calories daily (up to 1,800 calories per day if you’re very active) daily, can help you towards your goal of weight loss easily and conveniently. To achieve the best fat-burning results, protein bars containing at least 10 g of protein, 3 g of fiber, 5g of sugar, or less, is more than adequate for any average person.
- For best weight loss results, consumers are recommended to combine their intake of protein bars with regular, complete fat-burning exercises.
Best protein bars available today
Now, we list some protein bars, available today, for weight loss for all diets and personal preferences. The list has been curated after collecting data from a large number of sources. Furthermore, amazon links to purchase these products have been attached, for convenience.
RXBar Protein Bars
These are the go-to bars for a large number of customers for weight loss. RXBar Protein Bars are all-natural, gluten-free bars that come in many different flavors, and are almost present at all stores. With 12g of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and natural, minimal ingredients, these healthy snack bars, have no added sugar, as well as no fillers, and are filling and wholesome. Furthermore, they are also very straightforward on their packaging and tell you that each bar contains Medjool dates (as a natural sweetener), nuts, egg whites, etc. The chocolate sea salt RXBar Protein Bars is the perfect choice for all looking for tasty and healthy food in the same place.
Quest Protein Bar
These Whey protein bars are the perfect, healthy solution, for whenever you are craving desserts, for it satisfies your sweet tooth and hunger, without a crazy amount of added sugar and chalky aftertaste. These are available in a wide range of your childhood favorite flavors like birthday cake, chocolate chip cookie dough, and cookies & cream, with 21g of protein, around 5g net carbs, and only 1-2 g of sugar. Quest protein bars are packed with the right quantities of calories, fats, carbohydrates, etc, along with corn fiber and almonds that will help you have a smooth ride towards your fitness goal. These are the right protein bars to choose from after your next fat-burning workout to maintain or build muscle. These low-carb and high-protein bars are perfect for a snack or an after-dinner treat.
Kind Protein Bar
The Kind breakfast protein bars are made with 5 healthy whole grains, and make for a great meal replacement protein bar, especially if you are looking for something tasty as well as healthy. The Kind protein bars have a great texture since they are mostly made with nuts and seeds, and are available in lots of unique sweet and savory flavors, Each bar is completely natural, gluten-free, non-GMO, with 0g Trans Fat and Kosher, and is filled with 8-12 g of muscle-maintaining, plant-based protein, less than 10 grams of sugar along with the optimum amount of digestion-aiding fiber and protein. Furthermore, with 240-250 calories and 6 grams of fiber, these bars are tasty, satisfying, and filling healthy snacks. They are a great “in-between” meal snack, which ultimately will help you be less hungry at the next meal. These protein bars are available in several different flavors, and these healthy protein bars are said to be one of the best protein bars for weight loss. They are the go-to choice for consumers who are traveling and want to avoid junk food. The Creamy Nut Butter and Crunchy Peanuts, along with the White Chocolate Cinnamon Almond flavor of this particular protein bar is loved by many.
Clif Protein Bar
These Whey Protein Bars are said to be perfect for your body on a long hike or a bike rise. With 7 grams of plant-based protein along with 3 grams of fiber, these are delicious bars that provide your body with a protein boost, without sugar alcohols or artificial sweeteners. Other ingredients common in these protein bars include pea protein, peanuts, peanut butter, chicory fiber, sunflower oil, rolled oats, and rice flour. The salted caramel cashew flavor of this protein bar is quite famous in the market these days. Furthermore, these protein bars are also said to be good options for weight loss in women, when used as meal replacements. However, not all Clif bars are created equal, and a large number of knock-offs are present in the market now as well, so you should always check the nutrition facts mentioned on the packet, before purchasing.
Health Warrior Protein Bar
These gluten-free, non-GMO bars are made entirely with plant-based ingredients with only 100 calories per protein bar, making them great low-calorie protein bars for weight loss. Furthermore, they come in many delicious flavors and are also low-sugar protein bars. Each bar is packed with 5g of fiber and 1000mg of omega, as well. The ones with organic pumpkin seeds are especially recommended for women since it makes a great source of plant-based protein, essential fatty acids, and minerals like zinc, iron, and magnesium, which are all essentially important for women’s health, and hormone balance. The Chia bars of the company are quite preferred in the market as well. Moreover, the Health Warrior Protein Bars are the best choice for when you have been unable to grab a proper breakfast at home.
One Protein Bar
These are the most preferred choice by consumers when they are starving after strength training, for it consists of a large dose of muscle-building macronutrients, and is gluten-free. With 20 g of protein, 8g of fiber, and just 1 g of sugar per serving, combined with the adequate quantities of carbohydrates, fats, and calories you require in your daily diet, these protein bars are packed with mouthwatering flavors like a maple-glazed doughnut and birthday cake, that increase your fullness levels. They are perfect as snacks or meal replacements to get excess weight off quickly. The most preferred One Protein Bars are those that are made of milk and whey proteins.
Rise Protein Bar
Consisting of 20g of protein per bar, and only 280 calories, these healthy protein bars come in several flavors, like caramel, maple, matcha, and smores, and are made with just 3 all-natural ingredients. With only 5 core ingredients in these protein bars, these bars are ideal for a pre-workout energy boost, post-workout performance recovery, afternoon snack, or a meal replacement when you’re on the go. Moreover, these protein bars make a very well-balanced macro snack of high protein, natural fats, and clean carbs. Customers tend to prefer these bars since they make a great breakfast or meal replacement high protein bar for on the go.
Perfect Protein Bar
Made of organic superfoods and loaded with plant-based protein, these contain no preservatives and are a convenient food to sneak in some protein mid-day, while also satisfying your sweet tooth. Superfoods like fruits, vegetables, seeds & oils are found in each of these bars that provide a convenient source of vitamins & minerals. Additionally, these bars are made of almost 17g of whole food protein, instead of the typical ones available in the market that rely on whey or soy. These nutritious bars are said to be particularly great for an active lifestyle. Moreover, these bars are low glycemic to help keep you fuller, and longer, and are certified non-GMO to avoid the use of synthetic pesticides or herbicides.
Some weight loss tips to help you along
Eating protein bars day and night will not help you achieve your fitness goal. You need to keep in mind many other factors, which will help you in this journey, without having to compromise much. Just remember to decrease your total calorie intake (beyond the minimum calories that your body requires to function), and you are good to go!
- Space out your meals: Everybody is different and no one in the world can create a diet plan that suits everyone. So, finding the right plan is your main key to success. You should not starve yourself to shed weight, but create a plan with a balanced, nutritional diet, that keeps your body full and satisfied. You can aim to drop about 1-2 pounds weekly, with a plan and some protein bars.
- Get adequate and proper sleep: Studies have shown that sleep deprivation is linked with higher body weights. A regular sleep schedule, with optimum hours of sleep, can boost your fitness journey manifold.
- Increase water intake: Keeping your body hydrated is the hidden secret of any healthy being. Drinking water throughout the day, especially before meals, makes dropping weight much easier. Liquids like unsweetened tea should be consumed as well, but sugary drinks should be avoided as much as possible.
- Boost protein, fiber, and non-starchy veggies in your diet: Protein and fiber enhance weight loss by boosting satiety without the extra calories. Non-starchy vegetables are high in water and fiber content but low in calories. Consuming enough of these, be it in the form of protein bars, or otherwise, can help you lose weight easily.
- Increase body movement: Burning more calories throughout the day involves more than working out. At least 30-60 minutes of exercise daily should be aimed for, and you should ensure you get some of the other forms of muscle movement throughout the day. People who sit in a chair, without giving their body any form of motion, and work continuously the whole day, are most likely to be obese! Something as simple as walking your dog often can help your body muscles stretch and feel satisfied.
We all want a fitter, leaner body. But you should always keep in mind that each body type is different, and unique in its own way. A protein bar that might have made your friend slimmer in a month, might not help you achieve the same results. It is always advisable to consult a professional before making such health-related decisions.
Moreover, consuming protein bars is only one way to reduce weight. There are many options available today if you do not feel inclined to consume such nutrient bars. At the end of the day, you must make the right choice for your body, and not force it to do anything it might not feel completely comfortable with. You should not put too much pressure on your body, no matter the goal you might have in mind. Give your body sufficient time to get used to any technique that you might follow to help you lose weight, and it will undoubtedly comply.
We wish you all the best in this journey, and hope that you reach the fitness goal that you dream of, soon!
