Are cereal bars and protein bars complementary? Or are they the same food? Those who are new to healthy eating may believe that there is little difference between the two or not understand when each is recommended.
In this article, there will be no doubts about the definition and, most importantly, how they should be consumed for you to have a surreal life.
Cereal or protein bar: what's the difference?
The main difference between a cereal bar and a protein bar is their composition. As the name suggests, a cereal bar is made from cereals (nuts, sunflower seeds, and others). In a protein bar, protein is the main nutrient. It is found in whey in traditional bars and in peas, rice, and others in vegan protein bars.
This difference brings significant changes to the body. However, the two have similarities as well.
What do protein bars and cereal have in common?
The confusion between cereal bars and protein bars is justified, as they are similar in some ways. Both are called energy bars, that boost we sometimes need during the day. Both provide energy to those who consume them. Although they look very similar, they come packaged (as a rule) in the same shape (rectangular), and are practical to consume.
As benefits in common, they have the fact that they are healthier than other quick snacks such as savory snacks, sweets, cookies, among others.
But, to decide which one you will consume, you need to understand the pros and cons of each one, as we will show you now.
Advantages of cereal bars
Cereal bars didn’t become popular for nothing. In addition to sharing many advantages with protein bars, they have some standout benefits.
Nutrient source
Because they are made from cereals, they contain several micronutrients. Vitamins A, D and E are the most common nutrients, and their composition varies according to the ingredients in each cereal bar. Unlike macronutrients, micronutrients are minerals and vitamins. The body needs them in smaller quantities than macronutrients. However, they are also essential for having a body prepared for a surreal life.
Fibers
Fibers are macronutrients that are not absorbed by the body, but they make all the difference for a healthier life. They regulate intestinal functions and make fat and other nutrients absorbed in smaller quantities. In cereal bars, they are present in nuts, sunflower seeds and other ingredients.
Fast absorption energy
Cereal bars are excellent sources of quick energy. Therefore, this snack is an option for times when blood sugar levels drop, long walks (traveling and trekking), trails and other times.
It can also be a good choice before and after training, especially if the exercise is aerobic. However, in this case, consider the advantages of protein bars compared to cereal bars.
Disadvantages
Less satiety
The base of cereal bars is mostly made up of carbohydrates. Therefore, for people who want to feel fuller, they may not be the best option when compared to protein bars. The composition with more protein provides greater satiety.
They tend to have a higher glycemic index than protein bars as well. In other words, glucose is released into the body more quickly, which encourages fat accumulation.
Constipation (when not accompanied by water intake)
Another point to watch out for is constipation. However, this only happens when you consume a quantity of foods rich in fiber without increasing the amount of water you drink daily.
But if you balance this consumption, the effect will be the opposite: your intestines will work better. Your skin and hair will also tend to become healthier.
Advantages of protein bars
They are allies of those who want to maintain or improve their health, as they bring many benefits to those who consume them.
Satiety
Protein bars provide a high level of satiety. Their composition, with a majority of protein, complemented by fiber and carbohydrates in balance, makes them an excellent snack to keep you from feeling hungry as often. Therefore, they are an excellent food to include between meals.
Protein snack
Protein is a macronutrient present in the entire body. It should be consumed in large quantities daily. However, it is not always easy to reach the recommended amounts, 1.5 grams per kilo.
There are bars, like Bold, with 20 grams of protein. This makes it easier to ingest the essential nutrient for perfect health.
There are also vegan options. At Bold, they have 17 grams.
All macronutrients
Protein bars are also sources of all the other macronutrients that humans need: carbohydrates, fat, and fiber. The best protein bars have a balanced composition. After all, no excess is good for your health.
An example of a balanced macronutrient composition is:
- 20 grams of protein
- 19 grams of carbohydrate
- 10 grams of fat
- 5 grams of fiber
This is the composition of traditional Bold bars.
They help build muscles
The composition of protein bars is excellent for those who want to improve the distribution between lean mass and fat in their body. In fact, eating a bar before or after a workout prevents catabolism, a process in which the body takes energy from the muscle to function.
Cereal or protein bar: which one is your choice?
Protein is more cost-effective, as it shares several benefits with cereal bars. However, protein is more filling and can help improve your body composition when combined with a healthy diet and exercise routine.
This doesn't stop you from also consuming cereal bars.
Remember that these foods are not a substitute for your main meals. To be healthy, you must consume them in a balanced way. This article is also not a substitute for a nutritional consultation, in which your individual needs will be analyzed. However, understanding more about nutrition is the first step to having a healthy and surreal life.
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