Protein Bars That Help You Gain Weight
Whether you're trying to gain weight in the form of muscle mass or just looking to add a few pounds for general health reasons, taking in adequate calories can sometimes be tricky. If you find eating enough food a challenge, one way you can make things easier is to supplement your diet with protein bars.
Whether you're trying to gain weight in the form of muscle mass or just looking to add a few pounds for general health reasons, taking in adequate calories can sometimes be tricky.
If you find eating enough food a challenge, one way you can make things easier is to supplement your diet with protein bars. These high-protein, high-calorie bars are a convenient on-the-go snack that can make following a weight-gain diet much easier.
Nutritional Breakdown of Protein Bars
Depending on which brand of bar you buy, the ingredients and nutritional values will vary.
A typical protein bar will contain around 280 calories — about the same as a turkey sandwich — observes Carol A. DeNysschen, professor of nutrition at SUNY Buffalo State. DeNysschen adds that most people will feel fuller eating a turkey sandwich, but if you struggle to eat enough calories, the less-satiating bar may be the better option.
A protein bar should have at least 15 grams of protein, notes trainer and sports medicine physician Phoenyx Austin. Additionally, it should have at least 6 grams of fiber, no trans fats and less carbohydrate than protein. Another bonus is if the protein comes from whey or casein.
Some of your best bets when it comes to protein bars that help you gain weight are:
- Quest Protein Bars — 21 grams of whey and nut protein, 200 calories, 5 grams of carbs, 10 grams of fat, 15 grams of fiber, gluten-free, 0 trans fat
- Rise Protein Bar — 20 grams of whey and pea protein, 300 calories, 20 grams of carbs, 16 grams of fat, 4 grams of fiber, gluten-free, peanut-free, non-GMO, 0 trans fat
- ProBar Base Protein Bar — 20 grams of soy protein, 280 calories, 15 grams of carbs, 10 grams of fat, 5 grams of fiber, gluten-free, non-GMO, 0 trans fat
*NOTE: These picks are from the top 10 protein bars reviewed in 2018 by a collaborative effort between WorkoutSupplements Reviews and reviews from fitness experts and enthusiasts.
Read more: The 7 Best Protein Bars and 3 to Avoid!
Calories Count
Several different types of bars exist — low-fat protein bars for weight-loss dieting; high-protein high-calorie bars for those with weight gain as a goal; or ones designed as bodybuilding bars. In some cases, medical issues may prompt the use of protein products, such as weight gain bars for anorexics.
When aiming to gain weight, you want a bar that's high in calories. For weight gain, you must consume more calories than you burn, so it's vital that you pick a bar that helps up your daily calorie intake without making you feel overly full.
Read more: The Advantages of Eating Protein Bars
Protein Bars vs. Food
Natural foods are always the best source of nutrition for your body even when trying to gain weight. The calories and protein in a protein bar won't have a significantly different effect on your weight gain than getting the same amount of calories and protein from whole foods.
You can easily get your protein from lean meats, legumes and vegetables. Protein bars can have added sugars in them, though, warns dietitian Kristin Willard. Additionally, you might be missing out on essential nutrients and fiber you'd get in food, and bars can be pricey.
Read the Nutrition Label
When buying protein bars, beware of ones that may say they are sugar-free but contain sugar alcohols. These ingredients may cause gastro problems and bloating. Read the label to make sure there are no unhealthy trans fats in your protein bar.
Always check the sugar content and avoid ingredients like high-fructose corn syrup, fructose, dextrose maltodextrin, sucrose or brown rice syrup that are not only not nutritious but can cause sugar spikes in your blood, warns Workout Supplements. Also, make sure there aren't any synthetic preservatives and additives which you would not need in your body.
Read more: The 7 Best Protein Bars and 3 to Avoid!
Make Your Own Protein Bar
Pre-made protein bars may be convenient every now and then and fit your calorie needs, but to ensure you're getting one that's exactly right for you, a better option could be to make your own.
Dietitian Georgie Fear suggests using a high-quality protein powder, whole grains, nuts, seeds and flax seeds to get a healthier bar. For a high-calorie bar, use oats, dried fruit, peanut or cashew butter and chopped nuts.
Read more: 5 Ways to Make Your Own Energy Bars