How To Choose The Best Protein Bars For Weight Loss

When it comes to losing weight, the equation is simple - eat less than your total daily caloric expenditure. But the reality is that sometimes hunger pangs can get in the way of our weight loss goals - we all love to indulge.

 

That's where high-protein snacks and, more specifically, healthy protein bars come in handy. With their supercharged protein content, protein bars can help keep hunger at bay as with high protein content foods, you feel more satiated. On top of this, they provide sustained energy and support muscle growth all at the same time.

 

However, with so many options on the market, finding the best protein bars for weight loss can be overwhelming. Fear not, because we've done the research for you. In this post, we'll tell you everything you need to know about weight loss protein bars and how to pick them exactly.

 

As you'll find out, not all bars are made equal. We'll teach you the signs to look out for. Let's dive in.

 

The Benefits of High Protein Snacks

 

 

Protein is an essential nutrient that helps build and repair tissues in our bodies. It plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood. Not only that, but it also keeps our immune system strong, helps regulate our hormones and enzymes. This, however, does not mean you don't want carbs or fats! Carbs are your energy source and fats allow your body to run. You need a good amount of all 3 in your diet overall, but in a protein bar, you may not want all 3 in huge volumes at that point (apart from the protein of course)

 

 

But despite its importance, many people still have misconceptions about protein, thinking that it's only for bodybuilders or athletes. This couldn't be further from the truth! Everyone, regardless of their fitness level and activity level, needs protein in their diet and Nutritionists all over the world are in no doubt about this.

 

 

The exact amount of protein you need will vary depending on your age, sex, activity level and other factors. In general, though, most people need around 45 to 100 grams of protein per day, or around 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.

 

 

Note that this is the bare minimum you need to eat - not necessarily the amount for ideal muscle growth.

 

 

If you are a lifter are constantly tearing those muscles down, you need at least 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight (most bodybuilders go over this, though).

 

 

One of the best ways to incorporate protein into your daily routine is through high-protein foods, but who wants to carry around a lunch box filled with chicken breasts all day (that, quite frankly, might annoy people with the smell alone!)? The reality is that high-protein snacks need to be easily accessible and highly portable (and they should actually be high in protein if you’re a lifter! And a busy one at that).

 

 

Healthy protein bars are a great way to get a quick and satisfying fix of protein so you can hit your macros.

 

 

And if you're looking to shed some body fat, using protein bars to aid your weight-loss is an excellent option. These bars not only provide a healthy dose of protein per serving, but they're also low in calories (some of them are anyway, as you'll see) and packed with nutrients. They can help you stay on track with your weight loss goals without sacrificing taste.

 

 

What Are "Healthy" Protein Bars?

 

 

 

So are protein bars healthy - and if so, what makes a protein bar "healthy"?

 

 

Protein bars have become increasingly popular as a convenient and quick snack option for people with busy lifestyles, fitness enthusiasts and athletes. But with so many options on the market, it's easy to find yourself lost in the weeds and not really sure what to buy that will align with your goals. So what should you be on the lookout for?

 

 

First and foremost, the best protein bars for weight loss will contain (you guessed it) a high amount of protein and a low caloric content. Not only does protein help to keep you feeling full and satisfied, but it also plays a crucial role in building and repairing muscles. Aim for a bar that has at least 20 grams of protein per serving, if not more.

 

 

But don't stop there - take a closer look at the ingredients an nutritional list. Watch out for sugar, since too much sugar in a protein bar can counteract your weight loss efforts and leave you feeling hungrier. If you can, find a protein bar with no more than five or six grams of sugar.

 

 

How to read nutritional labels

 

Understanding the caloric and macronutrient breakdown of what you are consuming is the most important thing when it comes to your weight loss goals.

 

Below is our nutritional information label for our protein bar that contains 50g of protein. I will break down each label below and explain why each part is important to understand and know what to read. 

 

Reading and understanding nutritional information isn't just important for protein bars. Every single food item has this information. If there ever was a secret to weight loss, this is it (this isn't really a secret though - it's science).

 

 

Note: Calories per bar have been lowered to 375 per bar

  

Label 1

Highlighted in the first box, labelled "1" is the serving size. This is really important to look at as some companies will misdirect consumers and state that the nutritional information refers to 1/4 of a packet. See below a perfect example of this.

 

 

In some cases, companies make nutritional information very hard to read and do not format it in a table. Usually this means, from what I have seen in my experience experience, that the caloric content isn't so favourable and this is an easier way to hide that fact. See an example below of this:

 

 

Label 2

 

Now that you know the quantity of what exactly you are looking at, the next thing to look at would be the calories of each item.

 

Please scroll back up and look at the Gainz Nutritional Information again and look at the label "2". Here you will see the total amount of calories in the detailed amount that we can see that is stated from label "1".

 

This will be labelled like "kcal", "calories" or something similar to that. You could also measure in "kJ" if you'd like, but the standard for most products are in calories and most bodybuilders refer to calories, so I'd suggest making that your main metric of use.

 

In the case of our 50g protein bars, there is 396 calories. In the image just below that, we can see that 1/4 of a back is 135 calories. In the second example, we can see there is 486 calories per 100g of this product.

 

Label 3

 

Label 3 details the part of a nutritional label that a seasoned lifters eyes go to first. These detail the "macronutrients" or "macros" of the product.

 

The sum of these 3 macros added up, makes up the caloric total.

 

In short:

1g of Carbohydrates = 4 calories
1g of Protein = 4 calories
1g of Fat = 9 Calories

 

Now, on first look, this makes it seem like fat is the enemy. Fat is not the enemy, you need a balance of all 3 macronutrients in order for your body to function. On a really really basic level:

 

Carbs = Gives your body energy
Protein = Repairs the body
Fats = Allow your organs to function

 

All of these contribute to a healthy diet. Don't try to avoid any of them.

 

Saying this, there are different types of carbs and fats that are better and worse for you, but that is a different blog in it's entirety. If you are not sure what to do, please send us across an email and our nutritionists will be happy to advise where they can.

 

In terms of what to look for in protein bars, of course we want to see "high protein". It is shocking the amount of products that are labeled "high protein" but they actually are not. This blog will arm you with the information you need in order to not be fooled by this marketing.

 

Next time you are out, take a look at the back of a food item that is labeled "high protein" and look at how much protein you actually see in there. You will be surprised.

 

As we said above, the most important thing if you are looking to lose weight (i.e. body fat) is that you are in a caloric deficit so, keep an eye on the calories. A protein bar shouldn't be a meal's worth of calories - it should be a snack. The best protein bars for weight loss should have 500 calories or less and have enough protein, again, to make up for those calories. Protein should by FAR be the highest macronutrient there.

 

The Best Protein Bars for Weight Loss

 

 

If you are looking for the best protein bars for weight loss while cutting body fat we truly believe our bars enable you to hit your protein targets while being busy and still have plenty of calories to play around with. Our bars contain over 50g of protein!

 

 

By comparison, other brands - like Optimum Nutrition, Bulk and Grenade - only have around 20 grams of protein (and often more sugar and calories, too).

 

 

For us, it's not just about the quantity of protein - it's about the quality too. Our recipe includes a mix of slow-releasing and fast-releasing proteins to ensure none of it goes to waste.

 

 

The whey protein is quickly absorbed in the first 25g, while the casein (the slow-releasing protein) enables your body to absorb the rest over the next few hours.

 

 

Not only do our bars help you hit your protein goals, but they can aid in weight loss too as explained above. They are a snack that can keep you fuller for longer, preventing unnecessary snacking and overeating to make sure you stay on track and hit your bodybuilding goals.

 

 

See the difference for yourself.

 

Are Protein Bars Good for Weight Loss?

 

If you are looking for a snack that not only tastes great but also helps you lose weight? Try out GAINZ.

 

 

Whether you're looking for a post-workout refuel, a midday pick-me-up or a satisfying snack before bed, GAINZ 50g protein bars have got you covered.

 

 

Shop today and start snacking your way to a healthier (and more satisfied & satiated) you.