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Protein Bars For Weight Loss

The idea of using protein bars to lose weight is a sound one. Protein has amazing effects on the human body and the concentrated protein you can get from protein bars is useful in helping you build muscle. Not only that, but protein bars can serve as meal replacements, and protein tends to curb your appetite. Add up all of these factors and you'll realize that protein bars, or shakes, can come in handy.

Of course for you to benefit from the extra protein, you'll need to exercise. Although protein bars are a good source of protein, they also can be high in sugar and calories. Even though you want to introduce protein into your diet, you don't want to do it at the expense of consuming too many calories. Protein bars or shakes which are high in protein and low in calories are your best bet.

A diet that's low in calorie and high in protein can help you gain muscle mass more quickly. A study by the University of Illinois conducted in 2005 shows the link is hard to beat when it comes to weight loss, according to Donald Layman, a University of Illinois professor of food science and human nutrition.

"There's an additive, interactive effect when a protein-rich diet is combined with exercise. The two work together to correct body composition; dieters lose more weight, and they lose fat, not muscle," he said.

"The diet works because the extra protein reduces muscle loss while the low-carbohydrate component gives you low insulin, allowing you to burn fat," says Layman. "Some people refer to this as the metabolic advantage of a protein-rich diet."

Without exercise, all bets appear to be off. But if you plan on making serious changes to your body composition, lowering the carbs, raising the protein, and reducing the calories all while increasing energy expenditure certainly looks like the closest you'll find to a sure thing.

Don't forget to drink more water if you increase your protein intake through the consumption of protein bars and shakes. If you don't, you'll end up dehydrated. This is probably the single greatest threat to you when you increase your protein consumption.

Strictly regulate your caloric intake and drink a lot of water in addition to embarking on strength training and cardio workouts. This method will help you lose fat but gain lean muscle mass all the while increasing your BMR. Plus, increased protein consumption makes you feel less hungry. With a holistic approach like this towards fat burning, your job of changing your body composition from fat to lean will be much easier.