Whether you eat animal protein, plant based protein, or enjoy a combination of both, protein is vital to any diet. And when life gets busy, it’s easy to look for a convenient protein-filled snack on the go. Maybe you’ve even tried protein bars! But did you know that whole-food protein snacks are more beneficial? 

It’s true! There’s no denying that protein bars are convenient. However, you can eat a wide variety of protein-packed foods on the fly that don’t include excess junk. In fact, unprocessed, whole proteins will actually provide a cleaner nutrient source for your daily protein intake. Let’s discuss the facts.

Are Protein Bars Good For You?

While you’re navigating a healthy lifestyle, you may be trying to optimize your protein intake. And you might also be asking yourself, are protein bars good for you? The answer is tricky. But whole nutrient-dense foods are usually a better choice, and here’s why. 

Protein bars can provide a convenient protein serving. However, there are a host of reasons why they may not be ideal for health-conscious living. In addition to protein, many bars are filled with a high sugar content and are heavily processed. Though this may not be true for every protein bar, many include excess ingredients and fillers that are not necessarily good to your health. 

To make the most of your journey toward health, try sticking to natural, fresh, and non-processed servings of protein. This will help you avoid extra calories and unwanted ingredients along the way. All in all, a nutrient-dense, whole-food diet is the healthiest and best option to help you reach your goals. 

Swap Your Protein Bar For These Protein Snacks

It’s undeniable that protein adds value to our diet. Protein repairs muscles, supports recovery, and even satiates appetite. But the way we’re consuming protein matters just as much. For a healthier option, try these protein-packed snacks the next time you reach for your protein bar. 

• Edamame: Edamame is an easy-to-prepare plant-based option that’s high in protein. Edamame has over 18 grams of protein in a one-cup serving!
• Lentils: Lentils are a quick and easy legume you can add to your meals or eat alone. One cup of lentils has about 17.86 grams of protein. Boil your lentils in a soup or cook them to eat alone.
• Chickpeas: Chickpeas are a highly versatile food that can be enjoyed in many ways. They’re also protein-rich, with about 15 grams per cup when cooked. Try toasting them with a spicy seasoning blend for a great on-the-go protein snack.
• Green Peas: Green peas are another legume to add to your repertoire of high-protein snacks. Green peas are a healthy, plant-based protein that contains just under 9 grams of protein in a cup. 

You can’t go wrong with these snack options when looking for a healthy protein serving. And you’ll reap the benefits of non-processed, nutrient dense protein. Prepare these snacks ahead of time to enjoy them on the go! 

Zero Effort Nutrition, Supporting Your Health Journey

Are you seeking support to jumpstart your journey to healthy living? At Z.E.N. Foods, we offer support to your health-conscious eating with all things food and nutrition. Let one of Z.E.N. consultants curate a healthy meal plan, personalized just for you. 

Z.E.N. will handle all of the work for you, including menu planning, shopping and cooking. All you have to do is sitting back and enjoying the healthy meals that are delivered straight to your doorstep. Eating clean foods is really that easy! Take a look at our sample menu or call (310) 205-9368 to set up a plan with one of our consultants today.