Ditching protein bars?

[benjaminsweet]

I've tried quite a few protein bars, and I'm starting to come to the conclusion that I'm just eating them for the sake of eating them. They're not that satisfying and usually full of sugar.

I normally eat one before or after a workout, and I'm thinking of just ditching them altogether and replacing them with real, whole foods.

These are the ones I've been eating lately... what does everyone think, health wise?

http://www.clifbar.com/products/clif/whey-protein/peanut-butter-and-chocolate

And what are your favorite portable, post workout snacks that are high in protein and low in calories?

[MagsOnTheBeach]

I told my daughter two weeks ago that I was no longer buying them.  She now takes a banana and/or some sort of mixed nuts and dried fruit combo from the bulk bins at the store and/or light string cheese. She has even brought a peanut butter sandwich.  She is a track athlete and needs the boost between events, sometimes the day is 6 hours long.  I snack on the same items, but eating less since I am working on losing weight.

[Dominique]

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@benjaminsweet wrote:

And what are your favorite portable, post workout snacks that are high in protein and low in calories?

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If you are worried about missing the "anabolic window", the good news is muscle protein synthesis (MPS) lasts far longer than previously believed: it stays elevated for up to 24-36 hours. This means you don’t have to rush and get your protein immediately after your workout, if the time is not convenient for you. As long as your protein needs are covered at the daily level, you should be OK.

[benjaminsweet]

Good answers, thanks.

[WavyDavey]

Clif bars and a lot of other protein bars are basically protein-infused snickers bars. My friend eats one that has 30 grams of sugar per bar! There are healthier bars out there--the ones I eat have 0g sugar and 20g protein. They are very convenient when on the go.

[emili]

I agree with you about ditching unless you go the route Dave suggested. They are loaded with sugar and carbs and have very little healthy return. You can do oatmeal and save yourself a ton of sugar and get a whole host of healthy nutrients.

[benjaminsweet]

@WavyDaveyThey don't happen to be ThinkThin bars though, correct? In which case they'd be quite bad...

[WavyDavey]

@benjaminsweet, no, I have problem with the protein sources for those. For now I make my own. That Clif bar you linked looks decent, though I'd want a little more protein for that many calories. Quest Nutrition has a whey bar with 190 calories, 20 grams of protein, 3 grams of sugar (and the label says 14 grams fiber!)

.They're obviously not optimal compared to real food, but for a busy lifestyle or while traveling, they have their use.

[baitedbadger]

I've been using them for a protein boost whilst mantaining a 1000 cal deficit. There are protein bars available that are low sugar, ~22g protein, ~200 calories.

I'm ditching them on cost basis though, at £2 a pop the cost adds up. Instead I am switching to protien shakes, if you buy the powder online, they work out ~60p per shake, ~115 Cals for 24g protien assuming you mix with water rather than milk.

But watch the sugar levels, some products have way more calories than others.

[glitterNfunk]

The only time I eat a protein bar is when I'm having a chocolate craving.  Then I grab a snack sized fitcrunch bar.  Its better than the three candy bars I want.....lol

Otherwise, I like banana & peanutbutter or apple and peanut butter.  I like cottage cheese....a lot....so I'll have a cup with some sort of fruit added.  I'm not a greek yogurt fan but if you are, you can do the same.....a cup with some fruit.

I have a chicken/avocado/salsa quesadilla I make for dinner a lot.....something like that in smaller portions would have a protein punch.

That's what springs to mind!  : )

[SunsetRunner]

I enjoy the classic Apple with peanut butter. If i weight lifted, I'll go for an omelette made with 1 whole egg and 4 egg whites. If the workout was particularly hard then I'll add about 1-2 oz of whatever leftover meat I have from dinner for an extra punch of protein.

[jschro15]

There was a brand that my grocery store had that I bought all the time. Thinking " oh it is such a good protein source and there isn't that much sugar in it, it's all good". When I cut them out, I noticed a huge difference in my fat lose results. Now I make my own protein bars usually using oatmeal, almonds, peanut butter, honey and whey protein. 

After a workout, I usually eat a lean dinner. To tide me over, I'll just have protein with water.