Are Protein Bars Good For Me?
If you’re on a fitness journey and you want to gain muscle, you have probably looked into buying protein bars.
There seems to be a new brand of protein bars available every month. It can easily get confusing trying to figure out which ones are the best for you or if you even need to eat them in the first place.
Are protein bars necessary for muscle growth? If you have them, what should you look out for in a protein bar?
Are Protein Bars Necessary?
Protein bars are not necessary in your diet. You can still gain muscle without supplementing with protein bars. However, they are a convenient, portable way to boost your protein intake when you are on the go.
What Should You Look Out For in a Protein Bar?
When searching for a protein bar, look for the amount of protein it contains. Most bars have between 15-20 grams, and this is an ideal amount. Be careful not to buy any expensive bars that only contain a few grams of protein, as this will be a waste of your money!
You should also look out for any artificial sweeteners and flavors. Artificial sweeteners have been linked to poor health or increased risk of certain health conditions. Instead, find a protein bar that contains natural ingredients.
If you are vegetarian or vegan, watch out for hidden animal-based ingredients, such as bovine collagen or beef gelatin. These ingredients are sometimes used to increase the protein content or to gel the other ingredients together in the bar.
How Can You Make Your Own Protein Bars?
There are lots of great recipes online showing how you can make your own healthy protein bars. The key ingredients to include in your home-made protein bars include:
- Oats or bran to provide complex carbohydrates
- Protein powder to add extra protein
- Honey or agave to bind the ingredients
- Additional flavors, such as dried fruit, chocolate chips, or cinnamon