Best Protein Bars for Weight Loss: How Protein Helps With Weight Loss (And Why It Keeps You Fuller for Longer)

Trying to lose weight without feeling hungry? Protein could be the missing piece.

To some of us, weight loss diets are a tricky subject to manoeuvre. Sometimes they can feel toxic and boring as we may constantly think about things we are restricting ourselves from, but it doesn't need to be this way. One of the main reasons we fall off track is simply because of hunger. Sometimes we assume that eating as little as possible is the best thing to do to lose weight, but this often does more harm than good. Strict restrictions can cause binges and cravings, leading to feelings of guilt and possibly even more weight gain. The answer is balance and more protein! Adding the correct amounts of protein into your diet will ensure you're more satisfied and fuller for longer. Let's dive into the details...

Why Protein Matters When You're Trying to Lose Weight

In short, eating protein for weight loss helps you stay fuller for longer. This is because protein helps to reduce level of ghrelin, know as the hunger hormone, while increasing hormones that signal fullness like cholecystokinin. Protein also takes longer to digest, meaning it remains in your stomach longer and keeps hunger at bay, unlike fast-burning carbohydrates. 

Protein also helps maintain muscle health, which plays an important role in your overall health, not just when trying to lose weight. They retain glucose to balance out blood sugar levels and control inflammation, but even at rest muscles consume energy, therefore contributing to your basal metabolic rate. This means that the more muscle mass you have, the more calories your burn, which is important during a weight loss journey. Your body uses more energy when digesting protein, which again helps when you're trying to maintain a calorie deficit.

Does Protein Reduce Cravings?

Yes, eating protein can reduce cravings. Firstly, let's look at why we get cravings:

Cravings can happen because of our hormones, brain chemistry, environmental influences and blood sugar spikes (particularly sweet cravings) and to reduce them, it's important that we understand our triggers. Protein is a great way to reduce chances of cravings, as well as healthy fats and lifestyle changes like reducing stress and improving sleep. For example, if afternoon cravings are your problem, try adding more protein to your breakfast and lunch. OR use this time to enjoy a protein snack that fits into your diet. Extra points for something that also has high fibre!

How Much Protein Do You Actually Need For Weight Loss?

Your protein intake depends on body weight, activity level, age and health goals. For most adults, the recommended dietary allowance is around 0.8g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. For example, a 80kg adult would need around 64g of protein every day. This however may be too low for those who are more physically active or want to gain muscle. You can check how much protein you might need using a protein calculator like this one. If you're using weight loss injections, it is super important to protect your muscles and meet nutritional needs, so protein becomes even more of a vital part of your diet.

Yes, Calories Matter, But Not All Snacks Are Created Equal

Being in a calorie deficit is paramount when trying to lose weight. Simply put, if you're not in a calorie deficit, you aren't going to see any difference on the scales. However, it's important to ensure you're still hitting the rest of your nutrition goals whilst maintaining your deficit. On your food labels, always check:

- Calories 
- Protein
- Fibre
- Sugar
- Portion Size

Wouldn't it be handy if a snack had low calories, low sugar, high protein and high fibre? 👀 (Over here 👋)

Best High Protein Snacks for Busy Days

Meal prepping really is your friend when trying to lose weight. When the food is already made, you're more likely to eat it. Plus, you're making it all in one go and it's done. Quick, easy, considered and on track! But it can be difficult when it comes to snacks. Some healthy, high protein snacks include:

Protein Bars - Great for helping to reach your protein goals and maybe get some chocolate in there, too. Satisfying your sweet tooth as well as your hunger! Give YuBi a go, here! We could fit perfectly into your weight loss journey. No prep needed! Very convenient and can switch up flavours daily

Greek Yoghurt - Brilliant for breakfast or an evening snack. It's so versatile; sweet or savoury, it can be made into so many things. 

Nuts - Another natural source of protein, but bare portion sizes in mind due to high calorie content. 

Eggs - When left unpeeled and kept in the correct conditions, boiled eggs can last in the fridge for around 5 days, making them perfect for meal prepping. 

Protein Shakes - If you're struggling to meet your protein goals, protein shakes can be a great addition to your diet. They are available in all kinds of flavours, suiting many different dietary requirements. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Protein Bars Good For Weight Loss?

YuBi bars are definitely a good companion to have during a weight loss journey. Here's why:

• 10g Protein
• High Fibre
• Low Sugar
• 99 Calories
• Award Winning Taste
• 14 Delicious Flavours

Can You Eat Protein Bars on Weight Watchers?

You can! Infact, YuBi bars are only 2 Weight Watchers Points!

How Many Calories Should a Protein Have?

The calorie content in a protein bar ranges significantly. They can be around 300 calories, which doesn't always fit into someone's calorie count very easily. However, YuBi bars are only 99 calories per bar!

Are Protein Bars High in Fibre?

The nutritional content on protein bars varies between brands. YuBi bars are all high in fibre.