Question: Do you incorporate a lot of protein bars and shakes into your diet? (2024)

Question: Do you incorporate a lot of protein bars and shakes into your diet?

posted on November 17, 2020

The simple answer, yes. The long answer, you’ll find below.

Let’s define the term “a lot” because if you’re eating 3 protein bars a day and drinking 1-3 protein shakes, most if not all of your protein intake is coming from supplementation which ideally is not the route we want to take in regards to our nutrition. What we want to do is focus on whole and nutrient-dense foods then use supplementation to make up for the spaces in which we desire a protein bar or need that post-workout shake.

Breaking it down further, focusing on eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner is a good start and then from there add in your snacks and your post-workout shakes. If you follow a structure as similar to this you’re more than likely eating at around your body weight in protein without realizing it and without actually tracking your food (which is a tool that works for some but not all individuals).

When we under-eat in regards to our protein intake we lose lean muscle mass, can experience chronic fatigue, and experience other health-related issues. This is why getting in an adequate amount of protein is important to our overall health and wellness.

Everyone’s goals are different which is why my diet wouldn’t work for someone else, therefor my easiest piece of advice would be to eat your body weight in protein or around there (being mindful of not under-eating) and not overdoing it on the bars/protein shakes. Choose whole and nutrient-dense options first then fill in the spaces with mindful choices.

This is a perfect moment to plug my favorite protein bar and small-business, whom I wrote about back in quarantine, Nash Nutrition. These bars are made with clean and nutrient-dense ingredients, soy-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free, as well as naturally sweetened with honey and dates. If you’re looking for a solid, trustworthy protein bar, Nash Nutrition is my recommendation.

Purchasing from them is also a purchase towards supporting a small business, something we are proud to do here at Union Fitness. As the holiday seasons are approaching I encourage you to shop locally and shop small.

If you have any nutrition questions please message us on Instagram, Facebook, or Jocelyn specifically on her Instagram to get your questions answered in a blog post.

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Question: Do you incorporate a lot of protein bars and shakes into your diet? (2024)

FAQs

How do you incorporate protein bars into your diet? ›

Eating a protein bar within 30 minutes of exercising can help your body repair the muscles and promote recovery. If you get hungry while exercising, you can also snack on half a bar every 40 minutes or so to maintain energy levels. Alternatively, you can simply enjoy the bars as a snack between meals.

How should I incorporate protein shakes into my diet? ›

You can drink protein shakes as a meal replacement or snack to support weight loss. You can drink them in the morning as a quick and convenient breakfast, as a post-workout snack to aid muscle recovery, or as a replacement for a higher-calorie meal to help reduce your calorie intake.

Are protein bars and shakes good for weight loss? ›

The answer is yes if you choose a protein bar with an optimal nutritional value that will help you achieve your goals. So, it's important to understand how much protein you should be looking for, the number of calories and fibre and how much sugar that won't be harmful to your goal.

Is it OK to have a protein shake and protein bar everyday? ›

While protein bars can be enjoyed regularly, consuming them as meal replacements or as your primary protein source isn't recommended. Pay close attention to nutrition labels, as many protein bars contain added sugars, saturated fats and other low-nutrient ingredients.

What are the benefits of protein bars and shakes? ›

Protein bars provide a quick and convenient source of protein and calories and can help increase your intake of essential nutrients. They can be a more filling alternative to less nutritious snack foods. Protein bars might also help support health goals and improve nutrient intake.

When should I eat protein bars and shakes? ›

While many people eat them throughout the day, there are specific times of the day when they should be eaten. Protein bars are best consumed before workouts, after workouts, and during long runs or hikes. It is recommended that the best time to eat protein bars is pre & post-workout.

Are protein shakes bad for losing belly fat? ›

Getting enough protein may support a healthy metabolism and reduce your appetite. It may also help you lose body fat without losing muscle. Protein shakes are a convenient way to add more protein to your diet. They've even been shown to aid weight loss.

Is protein bar good for belly fat? ›

Protein bars can aid in weight loss as they are convenient, high in protein, and can help control cravings. However, it's essential to choose bars with low sugar and carb content. Moderation is key and consuming them as part of a balanced diet may support fat loss.

Is it OK to just drink protein shakes to lose weight? ›

Replacing meals with protein shakes may help you lower your daily calories, which can help you lose weight. But in time you'll need to start eating solid food again.

How many protein bars should I eat a day to lose weight? ›

The amount of protein bars you should eat a day depends on your activity level and desired rate of weight loss or muscle gain. Generally speaking, it is recommended that an individual consumes one to two protein bars a day to meet their nutritional goals.

Is 3 protein bars a day too much? ›

One or two protein bars per day is the recommended limit for most individuals. Generally speaking, there is no need to have more than 1-2 protein bars a day. Protein bars are not meal replacements and shouldn't be used instead of healthy, balanced meals.

Is 2 protein shakes a day too many? ›

There are no negative effects on the kidneys with high-protein diets providing up to 3.3 grams of protein per day in healthy people without renal disease. One or two protein shakes a day should be enough to help you meet your protein goals without taking the place of food in a healthy diet.

How many protein bars should you eat a day? ›

The amount of protein bars you should eat a day depends on your activity level and desired rate of weight loss or muscle gain. Generally speaking, it is recommended that an individual consumes one to two protein bars a day to meet their nutritional goals.

Will I gain weight if I eat a protein bar everyday? ›

While protein bars are usually healthy, they're also high in calories. This means that eating high-calorie protein bars can lead to weight gain if you don't properly include them in your diet.

What should you eat with a protein bar? ›

To add even more of a protein punch to your snack, pair it with Greek yogurt, cottage cheese or a hard-boiled egg.

Can I eat a protein bar instead of a meal? ›

A protein bar may replace one meal or serve as dessert after your dinner meal; however, it's important that you eat other foods throughout the day as well so that you get adequate nutrients and calories for energy.

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