They Say I Say

                Chase Baker

They say I say protein bars

                They say that protein bars are only for the bodybuilders among us. They say that only people obsessed with their bodies use them. They say that they taste like chalk. They also they that they are unreasonably priced and not worth it. Also look out for excessive calories, protein bars may contribute to a high caloric intake, which can lead to weight gain. Protein bars if eaten in place of whole foods, can make your body not get the vitamins and minerals it needs because they fill you up without eating a full meal.  That’s what the general population says. In contrast, health advocates say that can help you live a healthy life. That the bars can fill excess calories and give a boost of protein in the day when you need it to fill you up or help your muscles recover after a workout.

               

From an article on Black Doctor.org, the author leans towards that protein bars are not good, saying that they are not necessary at all. He offers better alternatives in their eyes to protein bars like fresh fruits such as apples, oranges, pears, plums, grapes, bananas, yogurt or string cheese, and bagels and muffins. He also says that the bars can give you excessive calorie counts. Regarding fitness and pre/post workout, he says: “Energy bars are usually too high in protein, fat, fiber, and possibly sugar alcohols to be used for pre-exercise nourishment.” And also: “After your exercise session, your body needs mostly carbohydrates (to replenish glycogen stores in the muscles), some protein (to help repair damaged muscle tissue), and a little fat (for cellular repair). Eating a “real” and complete meal is your best bet.” He only really gives the green light on protein bars when they are used as a post workout and you have no other alternatives available. He strongly is against them as an afternoon snack, saying that they are like candy bars. He finishes by saying that the price of protein bars is way too high, mentioning that protein bars can cost up to three times more than whole foods containing an equivalent amount of protein.

               

I say that they can include ingredients that offer carbohydrates, fats, vitamins or minerals to bolster your intake of these nutrients, and come in a variety of flavors for improved taste. They contribute essential amino acids (amino acids that our body doesn’t make on its own) to your diet to help you build and maintain muscle mass, repair wounds or damaged tissues and manufacture both hormones and enzymes. They can also supply energy in the form of carbohydrates or fats, as well as vitamins or minerals for supporting your overall health. Because protein bars need no refrigeration or preparation, they make a convenient on-the-go snack, small meal replacement, or as a post workout snack. Depending on your fitness goals, they can offer a boost of protein for relatively few calories when you are trying to lose weight, or additional nutrients to augment your regular meal plan when you are adding to your body mass. As long as you are healthy and your diet is well balanced and not trying to lose weight or gain mass, I think protein bars are not a necessary component of your nutrition. I like them for their portability and ease of use after my workouts so I can get some quick, high quality protein. I would use protein powder over protein bars if I had to buy them from a retail store because the price per scoop is much lower than the price per bar, but since I am making them myself I can make them much cheaper, much healthier, and in less time than going to the store. I also feel better eating them because I know all the ingredients being put in so there is no added sugars or preservatives.