Protein bars have become a popular way to incorporate more protein into your diet. The convenience of having it on the go, as well as the ability to track the nutritional value, have made it a great source of nutrients.
Protein helps you build muscle and have energy throughout the day, especially during workouts.
But are protein bars a good source of protein if you are trying to lose weight? Certain protein bars have been found to be effective in those trying to lose weight.
However, protein bars that are high in calories or added sugar can have the opposite effect. So finding protein bars that have high nutritional value and no additives can help you lose weight and build muscle mass.
Can You Lose Weight by Only Eating Protein Bars?
It is possible to lose weight by only eating protein bars if you are following your protein intake guide based on your weight.
However, protein bars are meant to be a supplemental form of protein if you are unable to naturally hit your daily protein goals. It is recommended that for every 20 pounds of weight, you eat 7 grams of protein.
So if you are 160 pounds, you are supposed to eat 56 grams of protein. High protein foods, in comparison to foods with high carbohydrates, have been found to be more filling and, as a result, make you hungry less often.
So incorporating a protein bar as a snack can help you get through the day with fewer cravings, but it shouldn’t be used as your sole source of protein.
For How Long Can You Eat Protein Bars Only?
We recommend strictly eating protein bars for 2-3 days max. Protein bars are meant to supplement meals. If you are only eating protein bars, the added sugars and fiber can affect your body negatively in the long term.
Although protein bars can be very filling, they can cause bloating and feelings of discomfort. Whey protein is the main ingredient in most protein bars, and this kind of protein takes the longest to digest.
This longer digestive period could be affecting your weight loss and causing you to gain weight and feel bloated.
Is It a Good Idea to Lose Weight by Only Eating Protein Bars?
Many believe that protein bars can help you meet your protein goals and lose weight which is true. However, this is only the case if you are eating a protein bar a couple of times a week and not eating it for all three meals in the day.
Eating too many protein bars can also affect your metabolic rate due to the excess amount of sugars.
Eating these protein bars every day could cause you to unintentionally gain weight. In addition, these added sugars can lead to other major health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and others.
Why is Eating only Protein Bars for Weight Loss not Recommended?
Protein bars are a great source of protein and a filling snack, especially if you don’t have time to always cook.
However, you shouldn’t use them as your sole source of protein when trying to lose weight since many protein bars can contain high amounts of fat and sugar. Even bars with natural sugars can still hinder your progress in your weight loss journey.
Try to stick to natural forms of protein sources that are full of nutrients but lower in calories. Foods like chicken, seafood, eggs, and nuts are all great sources of protein that should be your main protein source, with protein bars as an addition.
How Many Protein Bars Can You Eat Per Day if You Want to Lose Weight?
Including protein bars in your diet can help you reach your protein goals, but it’s best not to eat too many within the day. We recommend eating only one a day as a meal replacement on a busy day or a snack to get enough protein in.
Protein bars are full of fiber, vitamins, and nutrients, but like all things, eating too much of them can be bad for your health.
Even protein bars that have natural sugars, if eaten too much, can still make it harder to lose weight. So pay attention to nutrition labels and try to find protein bars with low calories, fat, and sugar.