Protein Bar Basics for Bodybuilders

With all of these protein options available, how does one go about picking out the best one? The basics are simple: one should get the information about the protein bar first. Most companies include basic information in their labeling. They should give you the protein content, calories, type of fat, and protein additive. Of course, you will also find other information in there that pertains to the product, such as what type of supplements the product is made of, and whether or not it is certified by the FDA.¹

At first glance, most protein bars look like an average snack or a post-workout treat, but there is actually more to them than what meets the eye. It is important to find out exactly what is contained in the protein supplement you plan on purchasing and then make your decision based upon these facts. Finally, you will need to determine what size you want the protein supplement to be. Protein is most effective when it is taken in the right quantity.

What Is Protein?

If you are interested in weight loss or fitness then you probably have heard at least some facts about protein. Protein is needed for many vital body functions and it is recommended that you only eat so much for your daily lifestyle needs.² Some dieters even use protein bars as part of their daily diet, with the hope of losing weight. Some people even have stopped eating red meat and use protein bars to make sure they are receiving their required protein each day. However, you must be careful when defining protein in order to know what it actually is for your purposes.

The body needs three essential building blocks in order to function: protein, fats, and amino acids. These are essential for the proper functioning of all muscles and tissues in the body, as well as the proper growth and repair of tissue that has been damaged by external conditions such as injury. Amino acids are one of the smallest components of proteins and provide a number of essential functions. Some amino acids can be derived from plant sources, while other amino acids are obtained from animal sources. Some of these are considered complete proteins which are necessary for bodily functions; others are considered incomplete proteins which can play an important role but cannot fulfill their own metabolic requirements.³

What Do Our Bodies Use Protein For?

Well, protein has many functions in our body, and one of its primary functions is to build muscle tissue. Muscle tissue is made by protein, and in turn, protein builds up our immune system, strengthens bones and teeth, and even burns fat. Protein is also used as fuel for our metabolism, allowing us to exercise longer and eat more without gaining weight. Many people use protein supplements for protein functions, but not everyone realizes that protein can actually help prevent hair loss from occurring.

Protein can actually come from a number of sources, including soybeans, tofu, nuts (peanuts are good too), and quinoa. Protein bars are packed with protein and fiber while also are rich in beta carotene and other vitamins and minerals. By eating a diet high in protein and fibers, including tofu, nuts, and protein bars, you not only help improve your health, but your hair will stand a fighting chance against loss caused by lifestyle factors, such as poor nutrition, stress, and genetics.

Protein functions in our body in much the same way as it does in our body. When we take protein, our bodies break it down into amino acids and use them as a source of energy.4 These amino acids can then be turned into glucose to help burn fat, and protein is again used as a source of building muscle tissue.⁵ One thing to note is that protein bars do not have to be balanced with sugar. There are protein bars that have no sugar and they are a great snack for anyone on the go, but when you buy protein bars in powdered form, these protein bars have been processed and contain more sugar than you will need for a good snack.

How Much Protein Do I Need?

How much protein does a bodybuilder need? The amount of protein needed varies from person to person because protein synthesis in the body is mostly an aerobic process. During the period of rapid weight gain, bodybuilders often reach their protein requirements by ingesting large amounts of protein-rich foods like meat, cheese, and whey.

Bodybuilders need much more protein to achieve their muscle-building goals, because, in order to build large muscles effectively, a bodybuilder must obtain high levels of skeletal muscles, which include both the muscles in the biceps curl and the triceps dip, as well as the leg muscles, which include squats and deadlifts. In addition to these, bodybuilders need large amounts of essential amino acids, which are found in meats, nuts, eggs, and whole grains, as these foods contain complete protein molecules.

When a bodybuilder ingests enough protein, he will likely use up all the essential amino acids within 24 hours. Therefore, in order to satisfy these needs, bodybuilders must consume very large quantities of protein-rich foods. The right balance of proteins, as well as the correct amount of carbohydrates, fats, and other nutrients, are key in maintaining healthy hair, muscles, and nerves, which are necessary for building lean muscle mass.

A complete protein diet consists of mainly plant-based foods, which supply all essential amino acids while avoiding protein intolerance and allergies.⁶ A typical American diet is generally deficient in proteins, which explains the high prevalence of athletes using protein supplements in order to meet protein needs. A protein-enriched diet will help increase muscle mass and strength, improve immunity and reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases like cancer.

How Much Protein Is Too Much?

The bodybuilder would have his daily protein intake increased to offset the negative effects of too much protein. While this may seem like a logical explanation, the actual effects of too much protein are much more complicated than that.⁷

Let’s first examine the negative effects of too much protein; what are these effects? There have been numerous studies done on the relationship between too many calories and kidney disease. Researchers have found that too many calories consumed by a person will cause that person’s urine concentration to increase significantly. This can be a very dangerous situation because one could suffer from high blood pressure, stroke, or even kidney disease. These are all direct results of too many calories being consumed by a bodybuilder’s kidney and liver.

The fact of the matter is that the only real way to avoid the health risks associated with a high protein diet is to consume a supplement instead of increasing one’s protein intake levels drastically. There are many supplements available that contain high levels of proteins that do not come with the associated health risks. By taking a quality whey protein supplement, you can easily avoid the dangers of too much protein.⁸ This will allow you to enjoy your workout without having to worry about the health risks associated with too many calories.

Protein Bar Basics for Bodybuilders

There are a lot of things to learn when it comes to taking care of one’s body. Protein Bars offer a great way to get the necessary nutrients that one needs without having to spend a ton of money doing so. One of the best things about protein bars is that they are convenient. They do not take up a lot of space, which makes them great for traveling and can be taken anywhere with no problem at all. The following are some basic facts about protein bars that anyone should know in order to help them make the right decision when it comes to buying their own protein supplement bars.

Some of the best products out there contain whey protein isolate, hydrolyzed whey protein concentrate, egg white protein concentrate, soy protein isolate, or casein protein.⁹ Protein is essential for building strong bones and muscles, however, too much protein can lead to muscle cramps, diarrhea, and bloating. Protein bars are a great way to keep your body balanced and healthy while providing one with all of the necessary nutrients they need.

Benefits of Protein Bars for Body Building

There are many benefits of protein bars for bodybuilding. They provide the necessary energy that bodybuilders need to perform their daily routines. Many of these bars also contain whey protein, which is ideal for building muscle mass and keeping the muscles healthy. To get maximum benefits of protein for bodybuilding, you should eat these protein bars after working out as it is most convenient for the body.

Other benefits of protein supplement bars include increased stamina. It helps in recovering from intense physical training sessions.¹⁰ Protein consumption prevents catabolism, a process by which excess water is converted into fat. Thus, it helps to reduce excess body fat. This is one of the best benefits of protein supplements for bodybuilders as excess body fat reduces muscle mass and hinders gains made in muscle strength.

Whey protein helps in improving body composition as it helps in muscle repair and building. This means that when the body repairs muscle tissue, it reduces the fat deposits over that tissue. As a result, the overall body weight comes down.¹¹ Thus, gains in muscular power can be easily seen through consistent and regularly followed exercise routines.

It is advisable to consume protein bars after or before exercising as this helps in improving muscle repair. Furthermore, protein aids in muscle growth and development, and it also helps in burning fats faster. It is an ideal food and supplement for bodybuilding. As protein bars are made of natural ingredients, they do not contain any side effects. They also taste good, which makes them more popular with a lot of people.

The benefits of protein bars for bodybuilding are many. They can be purchased at any sports nutrition store or online. For people on a diet, protein supplements can be taken with fruit juices or a multivitamin. Before buying, check whether the product contains high-quality whey protein, ginseng, calcium, and other essential amino acids

Image Credits

Valins Chiropractor / October 3, 2018

The Muscle Ph.D./ 2018

Bodybuilding.com / November 5, 2018