Are Protein Bars Good for Diabetes?

Protein bars come in variety. They are easy to eat and they provide energy for you body with all the convenience. However, as diabetics are watching the food that they take, it comes up to our thoughts, are protein bars good for diabetes?

Protein bars

Protein bars are convenient snack bars that can help someone, even without diabetes to satisfy his hunger. Protein bars are said to contain small carbohydrates and calories, and as the name implies, contains more protein for healthy eating.

Protein bars come in many forms…and many brands. Some are chocolate-coated, some contain peanut butter or marsh mallows and many more. Most of the protein bars are expensive though. They are usually found in healthy stores.

The quantity of protein bars to take should depend on your dietary protein requirements and this is what should be looked for in a protein bar. Ideally, you can aim for 1-2 g per kg of body weight everyday. Protein bars have an average of 20g protein though some have 30 g.

Protein bars for diabetics

Some people with diabetes do like the taste and convenience of protein bars, despite its cost, and find them beneficial mainly because their blood sugar levels remain in the safe range. They just have to look at the flavor and brand that fits them.

Some patients with diabetes found out that their blood sugar levels are affected every time they take protein bars and pointed that the culprit are the protein bars.

Aside from protein, carbohydrates in protein bars are important since they are a source of energy especially if you are at workouts. Simple carbs however like sugar can give initial burst of energy, makes you feel tired afterwards and can lead to diabetes. Make sure to look for protein bars containing less sugar especially if you have diabetes and which sources of carbs are oats, oatmeal and sweet potatoes. Do not go for bars which carb sources are dextrose, sugar or corn syrup.

Healthy fats are needed by the body. However, saturated and trans fat increase the risk for heart disease and increase bad cholesterol levels. As much as possible, look for protein bars containing essentially fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and medium-chain triglycerides (MCT). CLA and MCT can help improve body composition by helping burn fats.

Calories in protein bars vary. Choose one that jibes with your dieting goals. If you are in a diet program, go for low-calorie bars like 200 calories or less.

Protein bars can be good even for people with diabetes but a good healthy meal cannot be substituted by protein bars. They should be taken only at times when taking regular meals is not possible.