Thoughts on protein bars?

[DHB]

I'm beginning to travel again and need some portable protein. Protein bars are an obvious choice but I'm a little nervous about re-activating my sweet tooth. I know many protein bars have a low sugar count but they use artificial sweeteners that might still activate my sugar desire. Any thoughts from you more experienced folks about the pros & cons of protein bars?

[Dutchie]

I don't consider myself experienced on the subject, but I share your fear.
But I must say, that I take a proteïn bar from time to time and so far I have no troubles in that area.
I do like the sweetness though, but I don't crave more.
Just that one thing.
So I'm not worried.
For what it's worth...

[Dutchie]

For some reason I caní edit my last post, but I want to add that eating the bar doesn't seem to trigger anything.
So I think that it may not be the sweet taste, but actual sugar that triggers the cravings.
In my bar is just Stevia sweetener.

[sraebaer]

I was eating at least 1 or 2 a day and not losing weight. I joined Weight Watchers just for some accountability and to learn how to track, and found them all very high in points. For example, I get 23 points a day, and the bars all ranged from 5 to 10. So they must be high in something else other than than protein. In contrast, my Premier Protein shakes are only 2 points, so a much better choice.

So I'd say skip them, from someone who has eaten them for many years. Just my opinion.

[Stacey03]

It's really hard with the protein stuff isn't it Dale... I have one or 2 protein shakes a day as I need to still at the moment but the one I have is quite high in carbohydrates i think, I need to have a good look at the label. Its been the one I can tolerate so I've stuck with it but I wonder if I should look for one with less of it. So tricky when you can't get enough food down. For myself I would avoid protein bars generally but if it's just here and ther it might be okay. What about jerky? I'm not sure but I'm keen to hear ideas too as it's tricky when travelling

[DHB]

It's really hard with the protein stuff isn't it Dale... I have one or 2 protein shakes a day as I need to still at the moment but the one I have is quite high in carbohydrates i think, I need to have a good look at the label. Its been the one I can tolerate so I've stuck with it but I wonder if I should look for one with less of it. So tricky when you can't get enough food down. For myself I would avoid protein bars generally but if it's just here and ther it might be okay. What about jerky? I'm not sure but I'm keen to hear ideas too as it's tricky when travelling

I have used jerky in the past but it's so high in sodium typically and this whole "can't drink for an hour after eating" thing is one of my greatest challenges. I've also used cheese sticks in the past but I'm trying not to clog the system with cheese these days. I guess it's all part of the trade off/learning stage.

[Ann2]

Go to My Fitness Pal and use the database there to understand better what ALL foods contain. It's a wonderful resource. Don't wonder ... find out.

My personal experience with protein bars (mostly with the Quest bars) was that they didn't trigger anything for me. Frankly, I didn't like any of the Quest bars very much. I did use them during the weight-loss days when I was traveling and stuck on planes for long flights and felt like I couldn't eat any edibles for sale onboard for coach passengers.

However, I've read a lot online about VSG patients who REALLY over-ate them and complained about feeling like they were addicted to them. So they definitely became an issue for some people.

That's my experience and what I've read that others have dealt with regarding the Quest bars.

BTW, there are a lot of "protein bars" out there that are FAR from "protein bars" -- just crap carbs bound together with "PROTEIN!" on the wrapper.

Be careful out there, folks. Read those labels very, very carefully.

[Christie13]

Atkins Lift Low Carb Chocolate Peanut Butter bars aren't bad. I will use them in a pinch. As for portable proteins...have you tried the tuna and salmon in the envelope. There are no liquids to squeeze out. Also, any premade shakes. Nuts and seeds, peanut butter (they have prepackaged single servings) When you say travel do you mean by air or car? Is taking a lunch bag an option? If so there are endless options such as high protein yogurts, mozzarella cheese sticks, edamame beans, etc. I always bring my lunch to work because it is easier to know I am in control of my food options. Good luck Dale!

[DHB]

Atkins Lift Low Carb Chocolate Peanut Butter bars aren't bad. I will use them in a pinch. As for portable proteins...have you tried the tuna and salmon in the envelope. There are no liquids to squeeze out. Also, any premade shakes. Nuts and seeds, peanut butter (they have prepackaged single servings) When you say travel do you mean by air or car? Is taking a lunch bag an option? If so there are endless options such as high protein yogurts, mozzarella cheese sticks, edamame beans, etc. I always bring my lunch to work because it is easier to know I am in control of my food options. Good luck Dale!

Thanks, Christie. I'm talking about flying. Tomorrow coast to coast but soon overseas so I need things that last without refrigeration. Yes, I love the tuna & salmon packets and have some high protein soup packets that I can mix w hot water on planes. But when I'm on the run and working it would be great to throw a protein bar in my purse so I'm not fussing with prep while working.

I'll keep researching. I always make sure the sugar content is low but I'm mostly concerned with the effects of the sugar substitutes on my currently under control sweet tooth. (I don't quite trust myself yet!)

[Christie13]

When traveling overseas in the hotels they usually will have boiled eggs on the continental breakfast. Pack Ziploc bags and take some from the breakfast bar.

[Stacey03]

I was just looking at the carb count for my protein shake as Ann said something sensible about not wondering and having a look. I log everything on MFP but I've only really been looking at the protein count and calories. Anyway the carbs are 29 grams and the sugar 29 grams!!!! For one blinking shake!!!! Lordy! Thats high right????? Pahhhh I need to sort that. Good tip Ann!!!!!!!!!! I appear to have been drinking my weight in sugar!
Sometimes I am soooooo green!!!! GAWD!

[Stacey03]

I'm totes still in trauma about that discovery :-0

[DHB]

I was just looking at the carb count for my protein shake as Ann said something sensible about not wondering and having a look. I log everything on MFP but I've only really been looking at the protein count and calories. Anyway the carbs are 29 grams and the sugar 29 grams!!!! For one blinking shake!!!! Lordy! Thats high right????? Pahhhh I need to sort that. Good tip Ann!!!!!!!!!! I appear to have been drinking my weight in sugar!
Sometimes I am soooooo green!!!! GAWD!

I have used MFP for some time and at the end of the day I pull up the nutrition profile to check sugar, sodium & carbs in addition to my calories & protein. Also, under "goals" you can set a min & max for carbs, sugar, etc. I've changed mine since surgery to up the protein & lower carbs & sugar. Even with all of that I'm often surprised to find "hidden" sugar or sodium in certain foods that seemed so healthy.

[Dutchie]

That still leaves the question: what exactly triggers the sweet tooth?
Is it the sweet taste or is it actual sugars?
Any thoughts on that?

[Stacey03]

I have used MFP for some time and at the end of the day I pull up the nutrition profile to check sugar, sodium & carbs in addition to my calories & protein. Also, under "goals" you can set a min & max for carbs, sugar, etc. I've changed mine since surgery to up the protein & lower carbs & sugar. Even with all of that I'm often surprised to find "hidden" sugar or sodium in certain foods that seemed so healthy.

I am going to check more carefully from now on!!! I'm such a numpty LOL X