What to Look for in a Protein Bar
Protein bars make excellent snacks and meal replacements. They offer a convenient way to increase your daily protein intake and enjoy the benefits of reduced hunger, fat loss, and better health that come with a high-protein diet. However, some whey protein bars are better than others. Here are the things you should look for when choosing a protein bar:
Quality Proteins
The best protein bars contain a blend of whey, milk and soy proteins. The reason these bars are better than those containing just one type of protein is that different types of protein have different benefits. Whey protein is proven to reduce appetite, lower blood pressure, and improve glucose regulation. Milk protein has been shown to reduce body fat and increase lean muscle mass. And soy protein is known to lower bad cholesterol and triglycerides, reducing the risk of heart disease.
Low Sugar and Low Fat
No protein bar is pure protein. All of them contain some carbs and fats. Watch out for protein bars that are high in sugar (more than 5 grams per serving). In addition, avoid whey protein bars with a lot of saturated fat. There are plenty of bars with fewer than 5 grams of saturated fat, and Permalean protein bars have just 2 grams of saturated fat.
Not too Many Calories
Also be aware of the total number of calories in protein bars. Many protein bars are marketed to male bodybuilders who weigh a lot and are not terribly concerned about counting calories. Some protein bars contain nearly 500 calories, which is more than you need from any snack if your goal is to lose weight. The lighter protein bars contain fewer than 200 calories and still provide 15 grams of protein; stick with these brands.
Permalean protein bars provide 21 grams of protein with just 190 calories. No other protein bar provides so much protein with so few total calories.
Natural Ingredients
Too many protein bars are loaded with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. While a small amount of such ingredients won’t harm you, the problem is that they’re everywhere in food these days, so it’s best to avoid them whenever possible. And with protein bars, it’s possible. Permalean bars contain no artificial sweeteners, no preservatives, and no trans fatty acids.
