While some people love a good workout followed by a hearty meal, most of us would rather avoid getting fat in the first place. Luckily, there are alternatives to the traditional protein bar that can help with weight loss, while still providing necessary fuel for the body after a strenuous workout. Here are some of the best protein bar substitutes you can try.
Beans And Lentils
Instead of consuming the usual pre-made bars, which are often loaded with synthetic sugars and unhealthy preservatives, try making your own at home with simple ingredients such as beans and lentils. These are excellent sources of fibre, which fill you up more slowly than other foods, meaning you’ll be less likely to reach for extra calories. One cup of cooked lentils contains 4.3g of fibre and 8.6g of protein – not to mention that they’re usually pretty low in salt, too. To make the perfect protein bar, use one of these two ingredients as the base for your recipe instead of chocolate or another, more traditional, bar constituent.
Chia Seeds
This year, chia seeds are being hailed as the superfood of the future. With health benefits that range from weight loss to enhanced mental function, chia seeds are becoming popular as the most eco-friendly and nutrient-rich snack you can buy. One major benefit of chia seeds is that, unlike other snacks, these snacks don’t easily become a fast food item. You’ll often find that people who include chia seeds in their diet eat them as a healthy alternative to protein bars, especially after a hard day of working out. If you’re unfamiliar, chia seeds are actually a legume and behave like mini marshmallows when hydrated, keeping things light and fluffy. The best part is that you can easily incorporate them into your diet without going overboard, which is great for weight loss since many people struggle with eating healthy while trying to reduce their waistlines. You’ll find many places that sell chia seeds these days, so get some for yourself, or give them as a gift to someone you know could use a bit of help with their weight loss journey.
Almond Butter
If you’re really searching for a healthier option than your average protein bar, you might want to try almond butter. This natural, plant-based spread is an excellent alternative to butter, due to its high content of healthy fats and protein. In one study, participants who ate almond butter lost more weight than those who ate butter, regardless of whether they had previously given up on weight loss due to previous failures. If you like the taste of almonds, you’ll love almonds butter. However, if you’re not a fan of almonds, you might want to try another type of nut butter instead.
Peanut Butter
Like almond butter, peanut butter is another great option for those seeking a healthier alternative to chocolate or other bar snacks. Peanut butter is relatively high in sugar, with one tablespoon containing 4.3g of sugar, so beware of overindulging. However, its thick, creamy texture more than makes up for it. One thing to keep in mind is that if you’re going to consume peanuts, you might want to limit your intake to avoid allergic reactions. People who are allergic to peanuts can have severe consequences if they consume it, so make sure you’re not one of them before trying this out as a snack option. Peanut butter has become a popular choice among those seeking weight loss alternatives as well, and for good reason – it’s high in fibre and protein, and also contains the important nutrient vitamin E. Vitamin E can help improve the body’s natural defences against the aging process, as well as reduce the damage done by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can lead to cell damage and premature aging. Free radicals are typically created by toxins such as tobacco, alcohol, or radiated drinking water, but they can also be generated by cooking oils or heat from the sun.
Cashew Butter
Cashew butter is sweet, and it has a rich, creamy texture similar to peanut butter, however, it has a distinct flavour that some people find unpleasant. Despite this, others say they can actually taste hints of chocolate and coffee in the spread. Like peanut butter, cashew butter is high in fibre and protein, with one tablespoon containing 4.1g of protein. This makes it a great choice for anyone seeking a healthier option, especially athletes who are seeking to build up their muscle mass. If you’re vegan and/or looking for a protein bar that doesn’t contain animal products, cashew butter is the perfect alternative. In fact, it’s often used as a replacement for dairy products in recipes due to its excellent flavour and texture.
Raspberry Ketone Powder
If you’re a fan of raspberry flavouring, you might want to try incorporating it into your diet in the form of raspberry ketone powder. This is a natural extract that is derived from raspberries and has a tangy, sweet flavour that some people describe as almost like a cross between fruit and artificial fruit flavourings. One significant benefit of raspberry ketone powder is that it doesn’t just enhance the flavour of food – it enhances the nutritional value as well. This is because raspberries are high in antioxidants and other nutrients that contribute to cell health and reproduction. This powder can be used in place of cocoa powder or brown sugar in recipes, and it also works well mixed with coffee or tea for an additional burst of flavour. One of the primary reasons why so many people are trying to lose weight these days is because of the negative impact that regular eating habits have on the environment. Many people realise that consuming too much fast food leads to a greater risk of diabetes and heart disease, which are both caused by a sedentary lifestyle and excess consumption of unhealthy food items. By trying out these alternatives, people are looking to reduce their impact on the environment by eating healthier while still satisfying their appetite.