Question:
Are protein bars a good food (protein) source?
I've read on the Q & A Boards a number of opinions about eating Detour, U-Turn, and other protein bars. Help me sort this out, OK? Some say they are good for those of us who are struggling to get in our protein; others say they have too many carbohydrates, which offsets the positive provided by the protein. Please share your thoughts, research and experiences -- positive and negative -- to help me make an informed choice. Thanks! (By the way, I'm 4 weeks post-op today.) — Biking O. (posted on October 2, 2003)
October 2, 2003
I am two months post-op, and I talked to my dietrician yesterday about this
subject. She told me that I could now have some bites of protein bar as a
snack or just work in through out my day to help with the protein. If I
have to, I could probley use it inplace of a meal once in a while, but the
first choice would be to eat a meal. I use Carb solutions and they are low
in carbs and sugar, and have a great choice in flavors. Just read the
labels, when you buy protein bars and you can find what you need.
— cindy
October 2, 2003
I can speak only for myself. I do occasionally use protein bars. But, I
select them carefully, choosing ones that have a much higher protein than
carbohydrate count. I use them only when it is impractical for me to have
real food. For example, I teach classes one or two nights a week, and do
not have time to go home between work and class. Most days, I will bring
something with me for a quick dinner, but that's not always practical, so I
will have a protein bar instead. I also will ocassionally use them on the
weekends when I'm on the go, and it's a protein bar or nothing. For me,
it's dangerous to eat protein bars that are too much like candy (the Detour
and U-Turn for example), because I know the leap from "tastes like a
Snickers" to a Snickers is too easy for me. I also know that if I
used the bars frequently, I would likely be creating poor future eating
habits that will cause problems for me down the road. This may or may not
be true for you. I think they have a place, but can be dangerous if not
used sparingly and wisely. Others will disagree.
— Vespa R.
October 2, 2003
I use protein bars on the weekend (especially Detours) for a treat. My
surgeon says that the carbs are ok and not to worry about them. I have a
friend who eats two Detours a day (she has trouble with most protein foods)
and has lost to 5 pounds below her ideal weight. When I have a Detour, I
try to avoid eating bread or starchy foods that day since they have a
little more carbs than most of my protein sources. Remember, protein is
important for more than weight loss - our muscles build from protein and if
we don't get enough then the muscles deteriorate and the heart is a muscle.
— Patty_Butler
October 2, 2003
I do use protein bars occasionally and have off and on throughout my WLS
journey. But I have come to the conclusion that a lot of them are just
about as bad as candy bars. As I get further out it is more of a struggle
to maintain my weight and I can't afford the extra carbs. (I guess the
honeymoon is over!) So I stick with the Atkins-type low-carb/high-protein
bars. They are at least nutritionally in-line with my overall diet. If I
want a treat, I try to make it a REAL treat and not a protein bar! :) I
have tried the Detour and U-turn bars. They are OK but they are not THAT
good that I would spend my precious carbs on them. I'd rather eat Atkins
bars and have something I REALLY want when I get to have a treat! That's
just my two cents and it is from the place I am NOW (at 2 1/2 years out)
and not at the place where YOU are (4 weeks out). It's all relative and
you'll have to find what works for you. And BELIEVE ME it will change over
time. LOL Best of luck to you and happy losing!
— ctyst
October 2, 2003
I LOVE the Detour bars. I buy them by the case and have one almost every
morning for breakfast. I usually only eat them for breakfast, because I
never have time or the desire to fix any real food. BUT, I workout 4-5
times a doing at least an hour of straight cardio. My trainer warned me
about the carbs, but he also said that due to the intense workouts the
extra carbs wouldn't hurt me.
Kimberley
256/164/145
— Kimberley D.
October 2, 2003
I have to totally agree with Vespa Rider. Choose your protein bars wisely.
Yes, the Detour and U-turn's taste good, but, heck, they better for all
those carbs and calories. I, too, think they are just a step away from
eating candy. If you really look around and sample different bars, I
guarantee you'll find better choices. I supplement with protein
bars/drinks, but I also eat plenty of "real food" protein. Just
learn to read your labels and be wise with your choices.
— Kathy S.
October 2, 2003
I hear loud and clear that I should use the protein bars sparingly and
choose wisely. Anyone want to suggest protein bars that they prefer for
lower carbs/higher protein -- with relatively good taste? I don't want them
for everyday, but they're likely to be useful SOMETIMES....
— Biking O.
October 2, 2003
There is a new bar out called CARBWIZE- it is very good, kind of a rice
krispy type- but not overly sweet. They have choc raspberry, lemon yogurt,
choc peanut butter (my fav) and Smores- I found them at WALMART for $1.49.
For the PB it is 240 calories 10gr of fat,21 grams of protein, 1 gram of
sugar and 3 NET carbs (total carbs for those that count is 23 gram)bar size
is 2.12.oz-
— ~~Stacie~~
October 2, 2003
I eat a protein bar almost every day. I switch around but love the Uturn
and Detour. I also like one of the lower carb ones but can't remember the
name right now. I have never hit a plateau and have always lost very
regularly. I do watch my carb intake very closely and it is not what is in
one bar but what is in your entire day or better yet your week. If my bar
has 16 carbs then I am half way to my daily limit. It is all in how you
choose to use them. As far as Detour being high in calories, the small ones
are the same as any other and I have not found any bar that is low in
calories that has a useful amount of protein.
— Carol S.
October 2, 2003
Oh yeah, I agree....CARBWISE!! Find em at Wal-Mart..... they are wonderful.
At least the Smores and Peanut Butter are. I can live without the raspberry
or lemon but they do in a pinch. They have a very different texture that as
one poster below mentioned is similar to a ricke krispy treat. Really good
stuff........ very tasty and filling. Great source of protein too.
— Ted D.
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