Why and when eating protein bars?

There is a lot of good reasons to eat protein bars! Let’s see why to incorporate them into your diet and workout, and when to eat them to get a maximum of physical benefits! Have you ever wondered how to use protein bars? Their benefits? Why and how you could incorporate them into your diet? Iron Fit Food tells you more about the value of protein bars, what they can do for your athletic training, and the best times to consume them. Also, many people tend to think that protein bars are just made for increasing muscle mass of athletes, but this is not the only way to use them. Thanks to their satiating effect, protein bars can efficiently reduce appetite and cravings throughout the day. Indeed, among a long list of benefits, did you know they can not only help you build muscle but also help you reach your optimal weight?

Iron Fit Food Made In Thailand Natural Protein Bars
Iron Fit Food Made In Thailand Natural Protein Bars

Why eating protein bars?

First of all, the consumption of protein bars, sometimes generically called energy bars, is interesting as part of a regular to intensive Fitness practice. But also, because they are a convenient snack to get a quick protein intake wherever you are. As a reminder, the function of proteins is very important for the body since they allow to increase and maintain muscle mass, but also to repair tissue. Another good news is that protein contributes to weight control! Indeed, the human body is not adapted to store most of your protein intakes, which are therefore transformed into energy.

What is the recommended daily amount of protein bar that you can eat?

This is a very complex question, as the protein needs just vary from one person to another. Depending on the age, sex, the intensity of the physical activity, the type of training, the frequency of the training and their metabolism. In general, it is recommended to limit your consumption of protein bars to 3 bars per day. You should also take into consideration that you need to eat about 2g of protein per kg of body weight and per day, if you want to gain muscle. Protein bars also provide energy to the body, on the short or long term, through an outstanding supply of complex and simple carbohydrates. They thus help to prevent muscle fatigue after workouts and help to recover.

Is it ok to eat protein bars when you are not doing any sport?

If you are not doing any sport, protein bars are not essential for your nutrition, as long as your diet is well balanced and your protein intake is sufficient. Don’t forget, protein bars are a supplement. And by definition they are here to help your nutrition, not to replace a real meal. However, if your daily protein and energy intake don’t meet your needs, then eating protein bars could be a smart added value to your diet.

When to eat protein bars?

Depending on your sports and your needs, you can consume protein bars before, during or after training. However, be careful, protein bars are not a meal replacement! This is a very common mistake many people are doing. They believe protein bars can replace a complete and balanced meal. It is therefore never recommended to skip a meal just because you have eaten a protein bar! Consuming them should be considered as a snack, this is where they will be most effective and where you will get all their benefits.

Eat protein bars before training

If you eat them before exercise, protein bars allow you to perform better. Indeed, your body will get the most from a “fresh” source of protein and energy to fee your muscles. Ideally, it is recommended to consume the protein bar about 1h to 30 minutes before exercise, in combination with good hydration! However, it is not recommended to take protein bars less than 30 minute before workout. Why? As your body will use energy for the digestion and the assimilation of proteins. You better save this energy for lifting up weights. In addition, during a session of an average duration, let’s say not more than 1h, muscles don’t need protein because they are not in an anabolic phase.

Eat protein bars during exercise

Eating protein bars during exercise is suitable for long and intense sessions which require a lot of energy resources with a strong demand on the muscles. For example, if you are running long distances in preparation for a half marathon or a marathon. Under these circumstances, energy bars allow you to make up for energy losses and prevent a fatigue-related blow. However, for the reason mentioned above, it is not recommended to eat protein bars during a Fitness workout. If your aim is to build muscles, keep in mind that during exercise, your body don’t digest protein. Plus, during a weight lifting session, we do not build muscle. Protein is therefore unnecessary during exercise. Remember, you destroy your muscle at the gym and you build them up by recovering at home.

Eat protein bars in the recovery phase

During the recovery phase after physical activity, protein intake is important to help rebuild muscle fibers destroyed during the workout session, to maintain and build muscle mass. Your muscles need amino acids to urgently rebuild proteins that it will use for muscle building. Plus, protein bars will also help to replenish your body with mineral. As long as your protein bar is of a good quality. What is a good quality protein bar? A protein bar made with natural ingredients, just like the Iron Fit Food Bars. Protein bars can help to gain muscle mass and promote physical recovery when consumed after exercise because they also provide a good intake of essential amino acids.

Conclusion

It is important to eat protein bars at the right time to maximize your chances of building muscles. As a post work out, pre workout or for recovery, this is up to your goal, age, metabolism and training. For example, the metabolic window, between 30 and 45 minutes after your workout, is the best time to consume proteins. Then your body will assimilate them more efficiently than ever. Also, protein bars can clearly provide many health benefits; however, they are not always made with good quality ingredients. A lot of times, especially in Thailand, it’s just a piece of candy disguised as healthy food. So, before consuming any protein bar, we advise you to double check the ingredients and their nutritional values. Besides, protein bars should provide at least 12 to 20 grams of protein per serving. And above all, they should be of a high nutritional value. This is why at Iron Fit Food, we put a lot of effort to provide you high quality protein bars. They are made with natural ingredients that you can name! This way, the amino acids in the proteins coming from a variety of natural ingredient are quickly transported in the blood so that they can be used in the synthesis of new muscle proteins.

Iron Fit Food Natural Protein Bars

Ben – Iron Fit Food
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by Benoit Labrunhie