The modern rhythm of life dictates its own conditions: not every athlete will find time to maintain a proper diet. Of course, you can carry a huge amount of containers and a refrigerator bag. You can use a shaker with a pre-mixed protein shake. Or you can combine business with pleasure and use #protein bars as a snack or even a full meal.
A protein bar is an approved dietary supplement confection.
It consists of:
a protein mixture and a thickener for binding the protein into a single structure;
chocolate glaze, less often molasses glaze;
flavors and flavorings;
sweeteners.
Bars are used as a substitute for a full-fledged intake of protein foods when you need to maintain a strict diet to speed up your metabolism. The main advantage of a protein product over a classic chocolate bar is the lower ratio of trans fats to fast carbs.
A protein bar does not outperform a protein shake in composition. It is generally even less useful due to the sugars it contains and the high denaturation of the raw material to keep it intact.
Why do you need protein bars in this case? In fact, they have several advantages over other concentrated protein sources:
Shelf life. The prepared protein shake should be drunk within 3 hours after mixing, and the protein bar can be stored for up to a month in an unpacked state.
Psychological barrier. Many athletes are extremely negative about protein shakes due to myths and propaganda on TV screens. Protein bar is a compromise option that allows you to get the necessary protein and at the same time are not afraid of "for the liver and potency"
Compact form. If it is not always possible to carry a container with food with you, the protein bar can easily fit into a bag or even a pocket, which allows you to always have a supply of necessary proteins with you.
The ability to consume on the go. Especially important for busy people who are constantly on the road or at business meetings.
Protein bars are similar in many ways, but there are a number of significant differences to consider when choosing the right product.
Protein saturation. There are bars with a protein content of 30%, 60% and 75%.
The presence of sugar substitutes. Be especially careful about this point, as chasing extra calories can lead to allergies.
The presence of trans fats. Sometimes confectionery fats are added to protein bars, which are converted to trans fats under the influence of temperature.
The ratio of fast and slow proteins. It depends on the protein sources. There are pure casein or pure milk bars.
Protein source. Divided into soy, dairy, whey and curd.
Amino acid profile. Complete or incomplete.
Manufacturer. There are a number of manufacturers (for example, Herbalife) that indicate incorrect information about the composition of the product on the packaging.
Potential harm
When considering the question of what protein bars are for, do not forget about their potential harm. To do this, you should not treat your protein bar as a snack, but as a source of concentrated protein.
In case of overeating bars:
the load on the kidneys increases;
the load on the digestive tract increases. In rare cases, constipation is possible, since the body is physically unable to digest this amount of protein.
In most cases, excessive consumption of protein simply forces the body to use it not as a building material, but as an energy element, which negates the value of the bar as an analogue of a protein shake.
For women
Protein bars are often used in dietary nutrition. But not everyone knows the rules for their use for weight loss. Is there any difference in how many protein #bars a woman can eat versus a man, and what should be considered when taking?
Oddly enough, women need protein bars even more than men, since much more protein is spent in basal metabolism to maintain the normal functioning of the reproductive system. When it comes to losing weight, there is no difference between taking a protein bar, protein shake, or a full meal.
Outcome
Despite the beneficial qualities of protein bars, the actual value of this product is much lower than a complete protein shake. Among the negative consequences - the emergence of a bad eating habit in the form of a snack and an increase in insulin synthesis, which can provoke an acute feeling of hunger. Protein bars are better than snacking on pies or snickers, but such foods are absolutely not justified in case you can get a full meal.