I admit it, I LOVE protein bars. As a plant based eater, it can become a bit more challenging to get enough protein in my daily diet, so it is beneficial to have some of these delicious bars handy. And I am quite picky sometimes with which ones I (personally) choose. Stick around with me to find out why.

But first…

What is protein?

Proteins are large, complex molecules that play many critical roles in the body. They do most of the work in cells and are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the body’s tissues and organs. Proteins are made up of hundreds or thousands of smaller units called amino acids, attached to one another in longer chains. There are 20 different types of amino acids that can formulate to make a protein. Our bodies can produce most of those amino acids itself, however there are nine in which we cannot produce and therefore must consume through our diet. These nine amino acids are known as “essential amino acids.”

Protein is one of three primary macronutrients (next to carbohydrates and fat). Macronutrients are chemical compounds that humans ingest the most of, and provide us with energy. 

Why is protein important?

What you’ve probably seen or heard about protein…

• It reduces appetite & cravings 
• Increases satiety and keeps you full longer
• Boosts your metabolism and decreases fat
• Helps you lose weight
• Increases my muscles 

Bla bla bla …..  While some of this “may ” be true, can we stop demonizing food and making its’ sole purpose in life to alter our outward appearance. 

What protein REALLY does…. 

• Strengthens our bones and tissues 
• Forms blood cells
• Assists in lower blood pressure
• Increases strength 
• Helps our body repair itself after injuries 
• Increases our immune response 
• Provides us a source of energy

Now that we’ve got this basics down, back to protein bars. This can become a controversial subject. Some love ‘em, some hate ‘em. My purpose in eating them is to help assist in getting protein, plus, I actually like their taste and a good yogurt bowl is a quick way to my heart. 

When looking for a protein bar I look for just a couple main things

•  Plant based

• Low sugar content  (sugar gives me terrible migraines)
• Ingredients i can pronounce (I like to know exactly what i am putting in my body)
• Texture 
• Taste (this will vary depending on everyone’s taste buds)

Pictured below is a handful of my go to bars. I like them all and will buy them at different times for different reasons!

Real Food Bar: These guys are absolutely DELICIOUS! It even has VEGGIES in it, WHAT! They are truly made from real foods. The texture isn’t chalky like some protein bars, it has chocolate chips in it (yum), and fills you up in the best way. The con of these guys is they are harder to find. I got lucky at whole foods but they are hit or miss at HEB. They taste so amazing chopped up and baked at 350* for 6 min! It tastes like a cookie! You can find them online here.

THINK Bar: Think plant based bars are my absolute go to. They taste like a candy bar, are easy to find, and fill me up. They taste amazing broken up and put into a yogurt bowl, too. I think they taste best when they are chilled. They have a smoother texture than most protein bars and if you aren’t plant based they have a TON of options to choose from. They do have some sugar alcohol, which does not personally bother me but it does make some feel bloated and gassy! This is where being mindful and intuitively listening to your body comes in place. You can typically find THINK bars everywhere, even gas stations. They are also gluten free.

NuGo Slim Bar: These have a hard chocolate shell and taste similar to a crunch chocolate bar on the inside texture wise. They are not waxy and the chocolate melts in your mouth. They are low in sugar and no artificial sweeteners added (so no bloat or gas worries)! They do have some chicory root to naturally sweeten it so it could leave a bitter aftertaste. Overall, these bars are one of the first ones I will grab if they have the vegan ones available. I find these often at Central Market and HEB! 

No Cow Bar: No cow bars are actually the first plant based bar I ever had and at first I could not get on board with the taste and or texture. They’ve since grown on me because they were a quick and easy grab to have before clients and after workouts. They do have more of a traditional protein bar chalky texture and aftertaste. In my personal opinion the peanut butter ones are more smooth and provide a nice satisfying taste. They offer a lot of variety and are dairy free, sweetened with stevia and monk fruit. I am a chocolate lover, so my personal favorite is the chocolate brownie and chocolate coconut, but you have ended options here. 

Are protein bars for me?

Long story short, protein bars are not for everyone for various reasons (taste, flavor, texture, ingredients, price, etc). I personally really enjoy adding them into my diet as a little spice up and a quick easy way to grab and go after a workout or get some more protein in. 

The important thing to remember is to listen to your body. If you feel crummy after eating one, maybe it’s not the bar for you! My parents used to tell me this all the time, but you never know till you try. 

Lemme know below which bars are your favorites or what you think about some of these guys after you’ve tried them.

Love you, mean it!

XO, Trainer Jen