Protein Bars

LisaMC1R
LisaMC1R Posts: 36 Member
in Food and Nutrition

Do you think protein bars are worth the calories if your trying to stay at 1400 cals a day?

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Answers

  • AnnPT77
    AnnPT77 Posts: 39,357 Community Helper

    Getting adequate protein is important at any calorie level, and it may be more difficult at lower calories. Whether protein bars are right for you as an individual is a question only you can answer. It depends on whether you can get enough protein from other sources, whether you find the bars tasty/satisfying, and things of that nature.

    Personally, I prefer to get my protein as much as possible from regular food rather than from supplements like powders, bars or protein drinks. That's not because there's anything wrong with supplements, it's just because I find regular food more tasty and satisfying, and have worked out how to get enough protein that way.

    If you're looking for calorie-efficient sources of protein, you might find the thread below helpful. (I did.)

    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10247171/carbs-and-fats-are-cheap-heres-a-guide-to-getting-your-proteins-worth-fiber-also

    That thread links to a spreadsheet that lists many, many foods in order by most protein for fewest calories.

    Best wishes!

  • kanavharwani1
    kanavharwani1 Posts: 3 Member

    1400 CALORIES is too less please calculate your maintainence calories again before proceeding

  • Strudders67
    Strudders67 Posts: 1,100 Member
    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/48789786#Comment_48789786

    I'm 5'1, got down to my target of 54kg and have been in Maintenance for 5 years. My Maintenance cals are 1320 a day. If I was eating 1400, a day without exercising, I'd be slowly putting weight on.

    Lisa, I sometimes eat protein bars (or a small bag of mixed nuts) if I'm going on a long walk (I rarely eat breakfast) or after a strenuous gym session. However, if I wasn't exercising, I'd be reaching for something else. The 'Eat Natural' ones that I have in my cupboard are around 200 cals each which, if I'm having a non-exercising day, is a large chunk of my calories; I'd rather have a plate of veg to fill me up than a cereal bar that won't. But, if you can fit a protein bar into your daily plan and it works for you, then that's all that matters. I did a fair amount of research to find the bar that has the highest protein and lowest carbs (I'm T2D), but the calories mean they're strictly for exercise days when I'll have more cals to eat.

  • BermsRecovery
    BermsRecovery Posts: 21 Member

    Getting enough protein is essential. However, all processed protein bars contain sweeteners and additives to make them more addicting. Depending on what you're goals are, I wouldn't suggest if cutting as those additives and sweeteners can make you crave more. Instead, I would go for a whole food lean protein option like lean beef, chicken, animal organs, or anything else you can think of that don't have those sweeteners.

  • yirara
    yirara Posts: 10,833 Member

    That's something you need to figure out. Some bars have very high calories. Depending on your bodies preferences they might keep you full and happy for a while or not. If not then you need to find other food that does. Make sure you do get enough protein. But obviously it doesn't need to be a protein bar.

  • Athijade
    Athijade Posts: 3,499 Member

    I have them every so often, especially if my calories and protein are a bit lower then I would like. I'm on a GLP-1 though so some days I really struggle with intake. So while most days I get my calories and protein in with whole foods (about 5 days of 7), there are just days I need the added help.

  • J72FIT
    J72FIT Posts: 6,131 Member

    At 1400 calories per day a protein bar will not give you enough protein to make it worth the calories. Having said that, are you certain your TDEE is 1400?

  • J72FIT
    J72FIT Posts: 6,131 Member

    A great protein option is 1Up clear whey. 20 grams of protein for only 80 calories and you hydrate at the same time.

  • samgettingfit25
    samgettingfit25 Posts: 149 Member

    I aim for around 1400 when cutting weight/fat (it's a little lower than my estimated sedentary TDEE). Are protein bars worth it? Well, it depends on your preferences. I have some I eat, though not every day since I prefer actual meals. I mainly keep them handy when I am out, busy, and active but may not have time to stop for a meal. I probably eat a bar 0-2 times a week, it tends to be days when I am active, like back-to-back dance classes or workshops, a hike, going straight from a meeting. or an appointment to a workout, sightseeing, etc. I have a history of occasionally getting low blood sugar with long-duration activity and low carbs, so I try to keep shelf-stable food handy just in case.

  • dancingmom77
    dancingmom77 Posts: 71 Member

    I think they’re worth it- I usually have one as a snack between lunch and dinner when I’m working. I choose one that’s high protein and low calorie.

  • J72FIT
    J72FIT Posts: 6,131 Member
    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/comment/48870269#Comment_48870269

    Which brands do you like?

  • williamsons2
    williamsons2 Posts: 11 Member

    I like Pure Protein

  • nossmf
    nossmf Posts: 16,712 Member

    Some mornings I grab a Special K protein bar for breakfast, 12g protein and 5g fiber for 170 calories. Sure, not as much protein/calorie as eating meat, but it's portable, has fiber and has the taste/texture of a granola bar, where a lot of protein bars are super chalky or bland flavor. I prefer the chocolate peanut butter version.

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  • I2k4
    I2k4 Posts: 260 Member

    Never tried them before bringing a box for a cross country airplane trip last summer, and will never fly without them again. Finished another box back home usually as a late snack with a cup or two of 1% milk, that adds a good whack of protein, calcium and other nutrients, helping the chewy bar go down. These were "Pure Proein" bars at 20 gr protein, and not bad tasting. Not planning on them as a regular "thing".

  • westrich20940
    westrich20940 Posts: 961 Member

    I think it's useful to use a protein supplement….protein powder tends to have a lower calorie bang for buck though compared to protein bars (some of which have quite a lot of calories).

    If it's like…. 200 cal or lower, I'd say it's worth it to make sure that you prioritize protein while losing weight….

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  • dancingmom77
    dancingmom77 Posts: 71 Member

    I like Atlas and David bars. The Atlas has slightly less protein and more calories, but it doesn’t have any weird ingredients.

  • wainsweb1
    wainsweb1 Posts: 22 Member

    I find protein bars are a tasty quick fix when I'm too busy for lunch. But just beware...they are an ultra processed food

  • ehju0901
    ehju0901 Posts: 400 Member

    Built Puffs are my usual go to, mainly because I like the texture (they are more marshmallow-y than chewy like some other protein bars). They also taste great, IMO.

    I also enjoyed the Barebells bars, but the calorie count is higher on those.

  • danrdavidson
    danrdavidson Posts: 18 Member

    If the bars help, go for it. I think real food is better, but if that’s not always feasible, processed works too. At least with bars, you know exactly what you’re getting calorie-wise.


    1400 calories is tough. I’d lean on egg whites with a whole egg or two, chicken breast, or tofu to hit that range. Maybe add a low-cal, high-protein smoothie once per day. Tuna works if you can handle it, and plain yogurt too—all solid options for a low-calorie diet.

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