Is Protein Bar Good for Weight Loss?
Weight loss on your mind but can’t find the right healthy snacking options? Well, protein bars are exactly your answer to the - ‘What to snack for weight loss’ conundrum. However, are all protein bars good for weight loss? The answer is a resounding NO.
Read on to know what you must look out for when it comes to healthy protein bars as weight loss snacks.
How Does a Protein Bar Help in Weight Loss?
In many ways. First things first, the root cause of gaining weight could be frequent hunger pangs and improper meal choices. Good protein bars are usually packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and of course, protein. This potent combination helps in keeping you full for longer, thus preventing those sudden cravings.
In addition to this, the sheer convenience offered by protein bars ensures you have a healthy snack whenever and wherever you go. Most of these bars come in great flavors too, making snacking fun and healthy, for you.
The 6-pointer nutrition list that makes a protein bar healthy
What classifies a protein bar as healthy?
As we mentioned earlier, not all protein bars make the cut to being healthy. Here are some qualities which a healthy protein bar should possess.
1. Zero Added Sugar: This is of prime importance, especially if you are looking at a healthy weight loss protein bar. Most of the times, delicious flavors could also mean added sugars. Check the nutrition and package label carefully and only pick out the ones with ‘zero added sugar’.
Otherwise, sugar could be sneaking into your diet and you may end up gaining weight than losing some.
2. High Amount of Protein: A protein bar should be rich in just that, protein. The bar in question should give you a minimum of 8 grams of protein. Anything above that is considered good. If a bar claims to have less of protein (again the nutrition label will unearth that), then you must start thinking as to what is the bar made of. Our good guess is artificial ingredients and empty calorie providing carbs.
3. Low Carb: Coming to this point, the protein bar should be a low-carb snack. Instead of simple sugars, the bars should provide you with a good amount of fiber. According to several studies, fiber is an indigestible carbohydrate which provides satiety, better glucose and lipid control in the body. A bar that provides 4-5 gram of fiber would be a good choice.
4. Added Minerals and Vitamins: Imagine a snack which is nutritionally complete! The need for macronutrients like protein, fiber, and fat can be met but what about micronutrients like vitamins and minerals? Check the label for added vitamins and minerals which is a sign of a good protein bar for weight loss.
5. Added Advantage: Does your protein bar have added electrolytes? Does it have added antioxidant nutrients (apart from the antioxidant vitamins)? What is that added advantage in your bar? It is always beneficial to know them and their health effects.
Also Read: How to Choose the Right Protein Bar
6. Allergen Information: If you’re allergic to nuts, check the package for the allergen information or the source of proteins in the bar. If you find the ingredient with a personal red flag, for instance peanuts, then it’s time to choose another variant or a different protein bar altogether.
So there you go, our 6 pointer nutrition investigation list to help you identify a good protein bar.
RiteBite Max Protein's protein bars are made in consultation with nutritionists. It makes for a nourishing and fulfilling nutrition snack! Don’t trust us? Try them out for yourself and be the Nutrition Ninja!