When you are setting out on your weight loss journey, the ultimate goal in every aspect of your plan is to affect your metabolism so you burn more fat. That is true with the exercises you choose as well as the food and snacks you look to incorporate into that fitness plan.
Exercise is important, but food plays an even more vital part in the process in some ways. In particular, your protein intake can affect your metabolism quite a lot. To elevate protein intake, many people look to protein bars.
Many people look to add this bar into their routine before bed. But is that good? It can be a great way to get your protein in for the day without affecting your calorie goals too much.
But there is more to it than that, and in this quick article, we are going to take an in-depth look at the protein bar, and how, when you eat, it can impact your weight loss journey.
What Does a Protein Bar Before Sleep Do?
One of the biggest hurdles to weight loss is those cravings and hunger. This is exactly where eating a protein bar before bed comes into play. Protein naturally takes longer for your body to break down and digest.
That means protein can help you feel satiated longer, and that means that you will inevitably eat less. This is because there is a higher thermic effect, which leads your body to burn more calories during digestion.
Along with that, a protein bar before ed could potentially help prevent muscle loss. Though that may not help with weight loss, it could be a key factor in helping you find yourself a happier and healthier life.
How Many Calories Does an Average Protein Bar Have?
When looking at weight loss, you are probably watching those categories. So the amount of calories in each protein bar is important for you to know so you can keep track of your calories. It will depend on what is included in that protein bar.
Typically though, you will find that protein bars range from 150 to 400 calories. Additionally, in these bars, you will find that the protein count usually lands between 10 and 30 grams.
Does Eating a Protein Bar Before Bed Help Boost Metabolism?
Protein, as we have already said, helps boost your body’s metabolism. This is because of many different reasons but primarily due to its muscle repair and building capacities. The more lean muscle you have, the more calories you will burn when working out.
That means that eating protein before bed will help you have healthier muscle growth. Along with that, studies have shown eating protein before bed helps increase resting energy use. That means while you are sleeping, your body is burning calories while you sleep.
Will Your Muscles Grow?
Protein is a key component in muscle repair and growth, so you can count on including heightened levels of protein in your diet to help you grow muscles.
You may be wondering, though, if eating a bunch of protein before you go to sleep will have the same effects. The answer, according to many studies is, yes!
Several studies have shown eating a high-protein snack before bed could help your body benefit from your body’s elevated reduction of growth hormone during your sleep cycle. This spike occurs because your body is repairing itself from the rigors of the day.
By providing your body with more protein, your body will have more fuel for repair, and you will see some marked improvement in your muscle mass. But, of course, you have to work out too!
Will You Have Problems Sleeping If You Eat Before Bed?
Many people think that eating right before bed can affect their sleep. In some ways, they may be right. After all, if you eat a ton of sugar right before bed, you might find it hard to get to sleep. But when it comes to protein, you won’t have to worry about that.
The truth is that unless you are shoveling sugar or other foods that might irritate your stomach, eating right before bed will not affect anything. So don’t worry about snacking on that protein bar, it won’t stop you from falling asleep.
Final Thoughts on Protein Bar Before Bed Weight Loss
So if you are looking to lose some weight, you may find eating a protein bar before bed could be a helpful tool. It will help your body repair itself and satiate you, protecting you from those midnight cravings, which is always good.