I don’t know about you. But sometimes there is no breakfast on the way out of the door in the morning. Or after completing exercise, you need to eat a gym and eat snacks. When this happens, my start to go is a protein that gets a good macro and supplies fuel for a day.
However, like most packaging foods, some protein rods can contain highly processed and/or healthy ingredients. If you often choose convenience, I will not blame you. But you will be wondering if it’s actually healthy to have a protein bar every day. We asked the nutritionist to get an expert’s opinion.
What to find in the protein rod
Not all protein rods are created the same, so it is essential to pay attention to the ingredients. Registered nutritionist nutritionist Keeeran CampbellRDN is recommended to find an option that includes a meaningful amount of protein (10-20 grams per serving) “a minimal sugar and a list of short and recognized ingredients.”
Samantha McKi NiRDN and LD added that it is helpful to avoid bars with sugar, synthetic sweeteners, flavor and color, and high dose sugar alcohol. It is recommended that she chooses a natural source such as Stevia, monk fruit or allulose.
In addition, McKinney does not want to be overloaded with other large amounts of nutrients, carbohydrates and fats, because the purpose of the bar is “convenience protein.” “We usually recommend less than 20 grams of carbohydrates and less than 10 grams per rod, depending on what is generally produced,” she says. Find a bar with at least 5 grams of fiber. MCKINNEY points out that this nutrient is essential in terms of blood sugar. Finally, she suggests to you, “Avoid rods with low -quality protein such as soybean separation.” Instead, find high -quality protein sources such as nuts and eggs. The other sources commonly used range from wipes, milk and peas to crickets and grasshoppers!
When catching a protein bar
MCKINNEY and CAMPBELL agree that it can be a good option for individuals with busy protein rods, people looking for convenience and athletes with high protein requirements. “The protein bar provides a convenient and practical way to increase the protein intake, especially for those who are difficult to meet their needs with all foods.” In a situation where meals such as long work or travel are skipped or delayed, protein bars can be used as a balanced alternative to high -processing or low protein snack foods. ” It is a good convenience option compared to healthy snacks, but emphasizes that it should not be always reached instead of natural protein food sources such as meat, soybeans, nuts and low -fat dairy products.
McKinney agrees that it can be a definite option for those who tend to go too long and need low time appointment options.
CAMPBELL said, “In addition, some individuals, including the elderly, the people who recover from the disease or surgery, or those who have decreased appetite, can help to preserve the lean mass and support healing from supplementary proteins.
How many protein do we need?
“The protein is an important role in maintaining muscle mass, supporting metabolism, supporting the recovery after exercise, and improving satiety.It is a large amount of power plant nutrients that help to supply fuel to the body.” It is generally recommended to target 1 gram of protein per weight pound. “She is recommended to work with nutritionists and medical teams to determine a specific goal.” In general, she is stressed or active as we grow up, so it may be necessary to optimize muscle health. ”
conclusion : Protein rods are a good option for those who struggle to hit protein targets with only food. It should not be used as a crutch to replace the entire food, but if it is strategically consumed, it can support the overall health goals and be used as a great convenience option.