Scrolling through your social media feed, you are bound to hear health and fitness influencers sing the praises of protein while sharing tips and tricks on how to pack more into each meal. But why is protein so important, and what are some ways that you can easily up your daily intake?
One convenient way to sneak in more grams of protein is with protein bars. If you're wondering: what do protein bars do, really? We've got you covered. Let’s take a look at what this powerful macronutrient does to support your overall health.
Table of Contents
- How Protein Bars Support Muscle Growth and Recovery
- What Role Do Protein Bars Play in Energy and Performance?
- Can Protein Bars Help with Weight Management?
- How Do Quality Protein Bars Support Overall Nutrition?
How Protein Bars Support Muscle Growth and Recovery
When you work out, your muscles actually tear — this is a part of the muscle-building process. Protein is a macronutrient responsible for providing your body with amino acids, the building blocks that repair muscles after exercise and help them grow. Protein also helps your body recover faster so that you can keep training safely.
Not all protein bars can stand up to the job, though. A good protein bar should have at least 15 to 20 grams of protein, a perfect amount for your post-workout snack. To kick-start muscle recovery, you should eat a high-protein snack, such as a protein bar, within two hours of exercising, but ideally 30 to 60 minutes after your workout.
Be sure to check the label of your protein bar to see what type of protein it contains. Whole sources, like casein and whey, contain all the essential amino acids that are necessary for optimal muscle repair and growth. Most protein bars use whey protein.
What Role Do Protein Bars Play in Energy and Performance?
A good protein bar has balanced macronutrients that help you sustain energy throughout the day. This means that they have a mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats that will keep you satiated without causing blood sugar spikes and crashes that can affect your energy levels shortly after you eat them.
Contrary to what you may have heard, our bodies need carbs. This macronutrient is the body’s preferred source of fuel to burn during exercise. Eating a protein bar before a workout can help give you the energy from carbs that you need to power through, while the protein in the bar helps to prevent muscle breakdown. Aim to eat your bar 30 to 60 minutes before your workout so that your body has a steady supply of energy when you’re ready to begin training.
Thanks to its blend of macronutrients, a protein bar is also a great choice for preventing mid-afternoon energy slumps. Unlike coffee, a protein bar has the nutrition you need to help you get through the afternoon with steady, sustained energy.
Can Protein Bars Help With Weight Management?
The right protein bar can help with weight management. A high daily intake of protein can keep you satiated, helping you decrease your calorie intake and avoid overeating and unnecessary snacking throughout the day. Protein requires more energy to digest when compared to carbs and fats. Your body works harder to process protein, which burns more calories. This is called the Thermic Effect of Food (TEF).
So, how much protein should you eat in a day? A general rule is to eat 0.8 grams of protein per day per kilogram of body weight. If you want to lose weight, this number should go up to at least 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram. This is also the approximate amount you need to increase muscle mass if you’re consistently weight training.
Of course, each body is different, so it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor to talk more about your personal weight and fitness goals and the best way to safely and healthily achieve them.
Many protein bars are portioned for snacking, which can help you stay on track with your daily calorie and macronutrient goals. When hunger calls, having a nutrient-dense, portion-controlled protein bar on hand can help you resist the urge to reach for something higher in sugar, fat, or calories.
How Do Quality Protein Bars Support Overall Nutrition?
Protein bars aren’t just for athletes. In fact, they can be a key nutritional tool for anyone who wants to increase their daily protein intake without tacking on too many extra calories. While there are many whole-food sources of protein to include in your meals throughout the day — such as eggs, lean meats, beans, and nuts and seeds — sometimes you need an extra boost to match your workouts, personal fitness goals, or energy levels.
Along with protein, these bars provide other essential nutrients, such as fiber, a key component in healthy digestion that keeps you feeling full and satisfied for longer. Many bars also include healthy fats, which aid in satiety and are shown to help with regular hormone production.
Besides having several health benefits, one of the best things about protein bars is that they are easy and convenient. You can stash a few in your gym bag for before or after a workout, or store them in your bag for a convenient snack while traveling or working. Protein bars leave behind no mess and little trash, making them ideal for when you're busy and on-the-go.
BUILT Bars are the perfect bar to take with you wherever you need to go. Each bar delivers complete nutrition with balanced macronutrients to crush your hunger, maintain your energy, and build and support those muscles. Best of all, BUILT Bars contain only the good stuff — no extra sugars, empty calories, or artificial ingredients.
BUILT Bars Are Not Your Average Protein Bar
BUILT Bars stand above the competition when it comes to nutrition. Each Bar (or Puff) packs in 15 to 17 grams of protein to help you stay energized, satisfied, and on track with your weight and fitness goals. With just 4 to 6 grams of sugar per bar and clean ingredients that you can feel good about, choosing BUILT as your go-to snack bar is a no-brainer.
With just a few simple clicks, you can pick out your favorite flavor or create your own variety pack and get ready to power up your next workout or training session.
FAQs
When is the best time to eat protein bars?
One of the best things about protein bars is that they are convenient and easy to carry, so you can eat them anytime, anywhere. Some of the best times to eat a protein bar include post-workout for recovery or between meals to crush hunger and curb cravings. Once in a while, protein bars can be eaten as a meal replacement when you’re in a pinch and whole foods aren’t immediately available.
Can protein bars be used as meal replacement bars?
Consuming protein bars as a meal should only happen occasionally. Protein bars can’t replace full meals made up of whole foods that are rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals and have a nice balance of macronutrients. Protein bars are best when used as a supplement to whole-food nutrition.
Will protein bars make me gain weight?
Eating protein bars will only cause weight gain if they contribute to a calorie surplus, just like any other food in your balanced diet. When you replace higher-calorie snacks with protein bars, they can help support weight loss or management by making you feel fuller longer and providing the right nutrients to enhance your health.
Do I need protein bars if I don't work out?
You don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy protein bars and their benefits. Protein bars can be good for anyone looking for quick, convenient nutrition, satiety support, or a boost in their daily protein — no matter your exercise or fitness level.
What makes BUILT Bars effective for reaching body composition goals?
Each BUILT Bar contains between 17 and 19 grams of protein and only 4 to 6 grams of sugar. These numbers support muscle gain and recovery and keep you full without excessive calories, added sugars, or artificial ingredients.
