5 Factors to Consider in Choosing the Best Protein Bars
Consuming protein bars is a convenient way to add carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals to a typical diet. For those trying to lose weight, protein bars can curb appetite, encourage working out, and assist in muscle repair after exercise. However, people who will try eating protein bars for the first time should consider various factors that make them the best choice based on their needs and preferences, and here are some of them.
1. Protein Content
Protein bars get their name due to the number of proteins people can get from them. However, they shouldn’t contain more than the allowed protein content in a protein bar just because they carry the name on their packaging. The ideal range should be between 5 grams to less than 200 grams of protein per bar. Most protein bars in the market contain 20 grams, but variants are packed with more.
On the other hand, the usual protein content needed daily by an average person to stay healthy is 0.8 grams per kilogram (0.36 grams per pound). Therefore, before heading out to the grocery or checking online shops for the best protein bars, at least try to calculate the protein your body needs to ensure that you’re getting the required protein content every day as needed. If not, it would be difficult to choose a protein bar based on what the body currently needs.
2. Artificial Sweeteners
It helps to consume a tasty protein bar. However, artificial sweeteners should not aid in making them taste good. Sugar alone is something people should avoid in choosing the best protein bars for them. On the other hand, artificial sweeteners are chemicals added to the concoction to produce a similar taste to sugar. They contain calories that can add up to your daily calorie intake.
Artificial sweeteners also encourage appetite and promote weight gain, something opposite to the goal of protein bars. Therefore, stay away from protein bars with added artificial sweeteners. Choose a brand that contains sugar instead, as long as it does not exceed the allowed amount, which is 6 to 8 grams per serving.
3. Healthy Fats
People should consider three kinds of fats when choosing the best protein bars—healthy fats, saturated fats, and trans fats. Ideally, avoid protein bars rich in saturated fats and trans fat. Meanwhile, shop for those packed with healthy fats. The protein bars with healthy fats should have coconut oils, nuts, and nut butter or seeds as they are healthier alternatives to other fat types. Always check the ingredients to ensure that the protein bar you choose contains the best fat variety possible.
4. Minimal Ingredients
The best protein bars also encourage people to keep things simple. The fewer ingredients listed on the packet, the better the protein bar is. Therefore, while shopping for a protein bar in the market, always consider the number of ingredients listed on its packaging. It is the quickest way to see if the protein bar is the healthiest possible protein bar you can get.
5. Calories
Lastly, remember that there are calorie limits for both genders. For women, the maximum consumable calorie amount should always be below 2,000 calories daily. Meanwhile, men should consume around 2,500 calories per day. Therefore, knowing how many calories a protein bar can contribute to your daily consumption limit should help you adjust your other meals for the day. The best protein bar should contain around 170 to 250 calories per serving for men and 140 to 200 calories per serving for women.
Conclusion
Choosing the best protein bar for your fitness goals depends on your body’s needs. Opting for a higher protein content should make the process faster for those trying to build a bigger build. Meanwhile, those trying to lose weight should choose the most minimal range possible for protein bars. Understanding your body is the first step in getting the most suitable protein bar for your needs.
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