Protein Bars are Evil!

w8lifter · 03-04-2002, 09:06 AM

Many protein bars are high in sugar. So you know to avoid sugar and get the low sugar bars....those are good right? Well if there's no sugar in them, how come they're still sweet and taste good?

Sugar alcohols are used in protein bars...sorbitol, glycerol, maltitol, etc...you'll actually probably find these in quite a few low-sugar "treats" in the grocery store. They have calories but aren't required to be listed as carbs on labels....sorry to quote, but it's easier than typing the same damn thing, lol:

Originally posted by Fat Cell

Quote:

Maltitol, Mannitol, Maltitol Syrup, glycerol, xlylitol, etc. Some are sweeter than others, and some have side effects like bad gas and loose stools.
These have calories, but do not have to be listed as a carbohydrate, protein or fat on labels. The thought is that they do not affect serum glucose levels (blood sugar) and thereby do not create an insulin spike or surge. Reality is that they can just by their sweetness do that, and in enough quanity can be converted to fat, skipping trigylceride formation from glucose or some other sugar (because they are not true sugars).

These are common in bars and sugar free products. What we see empirically on those cutting, GIVE UP BARS- GET LEANER! Eat bars, LOSE DEFINITION! Fastest way back to fat after a cut, EAT BARS!

So what this means is that if you add up all the fat, protein & carb counts on the label of your protein bar, you'll find some unexplained calories....these are all from glycerine.

Originally posted by Fat Cell

Quote:

Most of the low carb bars have about 40-70 unexplained calories of glycerine (glycerol), This is a sugar alcohol and does not have to appear in the carb count, it both moistens and sweetens the bar at 4.3 calories per gram. The trouble is, when you store fat. the body converts triglycerides to glycerol to fat. Could this be why glycerol doesn't raise insulin levels? So why give your body something that is one metabolyte away from fat? Everyone I know gets immediately leaner when they give up bars! Additionally, usually the second ingredient is hydrolized geletan, this is garbage protein!

Side Effects of sugar alcohols....They can cause abdominal discomfort and bloating and they also have a laxative effect. Consumption of 30 to 50 grams of sorbitol or xylitol, or 20 grams of mannitol, causes diarrhea in most people.

Quote:

OK, when you store fat, your body converts glucose, to triglyceride, to glycerol, to FAT! Glycerol and glycerine are interchangable words, they are a sugar alcohol and don't raise insulin level, but are one metabolite away from fat. Glycerine is used to sweeten and moisten bars, and does not have to be included in the carb count, but it does have to be in the calorie count!

So take your bar, (the new WWS Lemon is really bad, so are Biochem bars!) add up the P, C, And F at 4, 4, and 9 calories respectively. You will be left with 40-75 calories of glycerine. Divide that by 4.3 and you get grams of glycerine, usually 10-18!

Anyone on a cut will become leaner within days of giving up bars! I have done and seen this many times, especially watching guys "BLOW UP" post contest!

More later.....thanks Doc

gopro · 03-04-2002, 09:18 AM

Two things...
- the laws have been changed, and now it is required to list alcohol sugars as carbs
- glycerine, maltitol, and sorbitol do not cause the same insulin response as most sugars...so in that way, they are not so bad

Oh, one more thing...
- hey w8tlifter..." How you doin..."

w8lifter · 03-04-2002, 11:32 AM

Thanks Gopro.....and I'm doin' just fine babe

More Info

Dr. Pain · 03-04-2002, 11:35 AM

w8 you give damn good quote! You can quote me anytime!

Gopro, I had heard that too, last October (about labeling legislation), but there is some grey area, and they still try to hide and discredit the SAs on the labels when they can, most are not complying! BTW, maybe no insulin response, but when you store fat, the process is, triglyceride to glycerol (glycerine and glycerol are the same) to fat, why give your body something one metabolite away from fat? EVERYONE who gives up bars, gets leaner! EVERYONE!

DP

w8lifter · 03-04-2002, 11:38 AM

Quote:

If your calculation falls more than ten or fifteen calories shy of the total caloric content as listed on the bar, chances are good that sugar alcohols make up the difference. A prime example of nutritional content manipulation is the Bio Protein 32 bar, which boasts "32 grams of protein and only 12 grams of carbohydrate." However, if you do the math, you'll discover that the Bio Protein 32 bar contains 427 calories, of which only 248 can be accounted for by adding protein (32g = 128 cal.), carbohydrate (12g = 48 cal.), and fat (8g = 72 cal.) content. The bar owes the remaining 179 calories to an enormous amount of glycerine, on the order of 45 grams! That's a lot of sugar alcohol; more than enough to push the glycemic index of the bar through the stratosphere.

....taken from the article above by Christine Lydon....so do they raise insulin levels or not????

Dr. Pain · 03-04-2002, 11:43 AM

That's like eating a GLYCERINE sandwich!

Biochem bars are high too!

It varies with the individual, almost always yes, some only slightly, but you would need a glucometer to tell! If you're near ketosis, kiss it goodbye! I honestly could not tell you the GI of a bar, maybe at Mendosa,

http://www.mendosa.com/gilists.htm (I'll learn how to link here soon)

DP

w8lifter · 03-04-2002, 12:19 PM

More info here...excellent article!

....my personal opinion on protein bars is that they are a cheat or a treat. Are they better than fast food? Yes. Are they better than protein powders & MRP's? No. Are they better than real food? Not even close.

Part of dieting (and by "dieting" I mean eating healthy all the time to reach your goals) is mental...just the fact that you can't have something makes you want it. A protein bar could be a good alternative to blowing your diet w/ desserts and other sh*t...but by no means should it be a regular & relied upon source of food.

JMO!

Jenny · 03-04-2002, 12:46 PM

Great stuff here!

I gave up bars a few weeks ago and I can notice a difference in "lean-ness" already... I save them for cheat-treats..

SteveDeBeave · 03-04-2002, 05:20 PM

Hey Princess of the Iron, can I still eat my homemade whey bars??

w8lifter · 03-04-2002, 07:16 PM

If you make 'em yourself and don't add any sugar....eat up

gopro · 03-04-2002, 07:56 PM

Protein bars are fine when used properly. I have kept them in my diet up to a week before a show, and still have managed 3% bodyfat. Will you get leaner if you drop them from your diet as fatcell suggests? Sure, if you replace them with something better. Many of my clients hate MRPs, and because of very busy schedules, are eating up to 3 glycerin filled bars per day. They all manage to stay lean and build muscle. For many, these bars are "godsends" as they replace real junk food, and add needed protein, vitamins, minerals, without crazy amounts of carbs. Just try not to make bars, or drinks for that matter the "cornerstone" of your diet, and you will be just fine.

appjax · 03-04-2002, 09:26 PM

I usually eat 1/2 of a high protien, low carb, 190 calorie power bar after both lunch and dinner to satisfy my craving for sweets right after meal. Would it be better if I ate 1/2 TBS Soy Nut Butter instead? I would much rather have the Soy Nut Butter but assumed I wasn't getting as much protien in the SNB as I was in the power bar.

**Prince** · 03-04-2002, 09:57 PM

I eat one EAS Low Carb bar per day.

SteveDeBeave · 03-04-2002, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by w8lifter
If you make 'em yourself and don't add any sugar....eat up

I just use honey to make it sweat......that sugar gets in everywhere.

Thomas · 03-04-2002, 10:45 PM

Any reaon why I shouldn't eat the Met-Rx Protein plus bars?

w8lifter · 03-05-2002, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Thomas
Any reaon why I shouldn't eat the Met-Rx Protein plus bars?

I just listed a whole bunch of information....read it and decide for yourself

Welcome to IM

jbp2k · 03-06-2002, 10:16 AM

good info. I have been protein bars every day. maybe its time to cut back.

BigB · 03-07-2002, 07:27 PM

Thanks for the info, I used to eat these things all the time.

jman69bug · 03-08-2002, 03:07 PM

good info, I used to eat them all the time, not as much anymore

gopro · 03-09-2002, 04:46 PM

You can eat them. Just remember to add the protein, fat, and carb calories to your overall count, just as you would with a steak and a potato.

butterfly · 03-18-2002, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by w8lifter
Side Effects of sugar alcohols....They can cause abdominal discomfort and bloating and they also have a laxative effect. Consumption of 30 to 50 grams of sorbitol or xylitol, or 20 grams of mannitol, causes diarrhea in most people.

That's why they make my tummy gurgle!!!

Thanks for posting this W8!

stephen71 · 03-18-2002, 01:20 PM

I think most protein bars are totally disgusting in taste.

w8lifter · 03-18-2002, 01:51 PM

Hi butterfly!!!! good to see you here

Welcome to IM stephen71

mmafiter · 03-18-2002, 02:35 PM

Promax bars RULE! The caramel sundae ones are my favourite.

And before w8 starts flaming me; BITE ME!

Scorpio Gurl · 03-19-2002, 01:25 PM

What do you think about homemade protein cookies?
I made some today, and really just took a norm. recipe and altered it a bit, added protein powder, used sugar twin instead of white sugar, and egg whites instead of eggs, really just made them more healthy as apposed to the greasy ones my gramms makes....
they are really light and fluffy, only took less than 10 min. to bake, and still taste good... a little bit drier than normal ones, but better "i think"....

w8lifter · 03-19-2002, 01:54 PM

Anything homemade is gonna be better than store-bought!

**Prince** · 03-19-2002, 02:57 PM

I eat a protein bar every day at 10am.

stephen71 · 03-19-2002, 08:21 PM

I use protein bars but there are very few I like.

gopro · 03-20-2002, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by w8lifter
Anything homemade is gonna be better than store-bought!

Does that go for BOOBS too?

Tank316 · 03-20-2002, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gopro

Does that go for BOOBS too?

only a true boob man would think of that,,good one..

03-04-2002, 09:18 AM	#2
gopro NGA/IFPA Pro Bodybuilder Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: GLOBAL! Posts: 10,893	Two things... - the laws have been changed, and now it is required to list alcohol sugars as carbs - glycerine, maltitol, and sorbitol do not cause the same insulin response as most sugars...so in that way, they are not so bad Oh, one more thing... - hey w8tlifter..." How you doin..." All American EFX Sponsored Pro Bodybuilder/Internet Marketing Manager P/RR/S DVD and E-Book now available! P/RR/S DVD http://www.home-gym.com/erbrporepras.html P/RR/S E-BOOK html www.X-traordinaryWorkouts.com Monthly columnist for Muscular Development and Ironman magazines. www.prrstraining.com Time to GROW Without Plateau! Personal Training Gopro is available for online personal training, dietary guidance, and contest prep coaching. Send me a PM or e-mail if interested. Thank you.

03-04-2002, 11:35 AM	#4
Dr. Pain Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Get the Duct Tape...I'm Ripped Again! Posts: 11,239	w8 you give damn good quote! You can quote me anytime! Gopro, I had heard that too, last October (about labeling legislation), but there is some grey area, and they still try to hide and discredit the SAs on the labels when they can, most are not complying! BTW, maybe no insulin response, but when you store fat, the process is, triglyceride to glycerol (glycerine and glycerol are the same) to fat, why give your body something one metabolite away from fat? EVERYONE who gives up bars, gets leaner! EVERYONE! DP Last edited by Dr. Pain : 03-04-2002 at 11:40 AM.

03-04-2002, 11:43 AM	#6
Dr. Pain Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Get the Duct Tape...I'm Ripped Again! Posts: 11,239	That's like eating a GLYCERINE sandwich! Biochem bars are high too! It varies with the individual, almost always yes, some only slightly, but you would need a glucometer to tell! If you're near ketosis, kiss it goodbye! I honestly could not tell you the GI of a bar, maybe at Mendosa, http://www.mendosa.com/gilists.htm (I'll learn how to link here soon) DP Last edited by Dr. Pain : 03-04-2002 at 11:48 AM.

03-04-2002, 05:20 PM	#9
SteveDeBeave I forgot my wallet! Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 130	Hey Princess of the Iron, can I still eat my homemade whey bars?? PAIN IS WEAKNESS LEAVING THE BODY

03-04-2002, 07:56 PM	#11
gopro NGA/IFPA Pro Bodybuilder Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: GLOBAL! Posts: 10,893	Protein bars are fine when used properly. I have kept them in my diet up to a week before a show, and still have managed 3% bodyfat. Will you get leaner if you drop them from your diet as fatcell suggests? Sure, if you replace them with something better. Many of my clients hate MRPs, and because of very busy schedules, are eating up to 3 glycerin filled bars per day. They all manage to stay lean and build muscle. For many, these bars are "godsends" as they replace real junk food, and add needed protein, vitamins, minerals, without crazy amounts of carbs. Just try not to make bars, or drinks for that matter the "cornerstone" of your diet, and you will be just fine. All American EFX Sponsored Pro Bodybuilder/Internet Marketing Manager P/RR/S DVD and E-Book now available! P/RR/S DVD http://www.home-gym.com/erbrporepras.html P/RR/S E-BOOK html www.X-traordinaryWorkouts.com Monthly columnist for Muscular Development and Ironman magazines. www.prrstraining.com Time to GROW Without Plateau! Personal Training Gopro is available for online personal training, dietary guidance, and contest prep coaching. Send me a PM or e-mail if interested. Thank you.

03-04-2002, 11:32 AM	#3
w8lifter Join Date: May 2001 Location: Around..... Posts: 14,964	Thanks Gopro.....and I'm doin' just fine babe More Info

03-04-2002, 12:19 PM	#7
w8lifter Join Date: May 2001 Location: Around..... Posts: 14,964	More info here...excellent article! ....my personal opinion on protein bars is that they are a cheat or a treat. Are they better than fast food? Yes. Are they better than protein powders & MRP's? No. Are they better than real food? Not even close. Part of dieting (and by "dieting" I mean eating healthy all the time to reach your goals) is mental...just the fact that you can't have something makes you want it. A protein bar could be a good alternative to blowing your diet w/ desserts and other sh*t...but by no means should it be a regular & relied upon source of food. JMO!

03-04-2002, 12:46 PM	#8
Jenny Senior Member Elite Member Join Date: May 2001 Posts: 6,728	Great stuff here! I gave up bars a few weeks ago and I can notice a difference in "lean-ness" already... I save them for cheat-treats..

03-04-2002, 07:16 PM	#10
w8lifter Join Date: May 2001 Location: Around..... Posts: 14,964	If you make 'em yourself and don't add any sugar....eat up

03-04-2002, 09:26 PM	#12
appjax Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: USA Posts: 8	I usually eat 1/2 of a high protien, low carb, 190 calorie power bar after both lunch and dinner to satisfy my craving for sweets right after meal. Would it be better if I ate 1/2 TBS Soy Nut Butter instead? I would much rather have the Soy Nut Butter but assumed I wasn't getting as much protien in the SNB as I was in the power bar.

03-04-2002, 09:57 PM	#13
Prince IronMagLabs Owner Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 37,396 Photos: 356	I eat one EAS Low Carb bar per day. BOARD SPONSORS: MassNutrition.com - Discount Supplement Superstore IronMagLabs.com - Bodybuilding Nutrition AlltheWhey.com - Bulk Protein Powders & Supplements CEMProducts.com - Research Chemicals & Supplements MusclesProd.com - Steroids, Bodybuilding & Training Blog Maximizer.com - Maximum Strength for Maximum Performance MikeGetsRipped.com - The Original 'Get Ripped' Blog ProteinRoutine.com - Experiments in Healthy Living Follow on Twitter Join Facebook Group Befriend on Myspace

03-04-2002, 10:45 PM	#15
Thomas Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Central Oregon Posts: 13	Any reaon why I shouldn't eat the Met-Rx Protein plus bars?

03-06-2002, 10:16 AM	#17
jbp2k Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: oregon Posts: 7	good info. I have been protein bars every day. maybe its time to cut back.

03-07-2002, 07:27 PM	#18
BigB Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: USA Posts: 25	Thanks for the info, I used to eat these things all the time.

03-08-2002, 03:07 PM	#19
jman69bug Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Canada Posts: 12	good info, I used to eat them all the time, not as much anymore

03-09-2002, 04:46 PM	#20
gopro NGA/IFPA Pro Bodybuilder Elite Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: GLOBAL! Posts: 10,893	You can eat them. Just remember to add the protein, fat, and carb calories to your overall count, just as you would with a steak and a potato. All American EFX Sponsored Pro Bodybuilder/Internet Marketing Manager P/RR/S DVD and E-Book now available! P/RR/S DVD http://www.home-gym.com/erbrporepras.html P/RR/S E-BOOK html www.X-traordinaryWorkouts.com Monthly columnist for Muscular Development and Ironman magazines. www.prrstraining.com Time to GROW Without Plateau! Personal Training Gopro is available for online personal training, dietary guidance, and contest prep coaching. Send me a PM or e-mail if interested. Thank you.

03-18-2002, 01:20 PM	#22
stephen71 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: texas Posts: 14	I think most protein bars are totally disgusting in taste.

03-18-2002, 01:51 PM	#23
w8lifter Join Date: May 2001 Location: Around..... Posts: 14,964	Hi butterfly!!!! good to see you here Welcome to IM stephen71

03-18-2002, 02:35 PM	#24
mmafiter Red Rocket! Red Rocket! Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Do you EVEN FUQQING care? Posts: 2,020	Promax bars RULE! The caramel sundae ones are my favourite. And before w8 starts flaming me; BITE ME!

03-19-2002, 01:25 PM	#25
Scorpio Gurl Ohhhhh yeah, baby!! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Canada, Ontario Posts: 177	What do you think about homemade protein cookies? I made some today, and really just took a norm. recipe and altered it a bit, added protein powder, used sugar twin instead of white sugar, and egg whites instead of eggs, really just made them more healthy as apposed to the greasy ones my gramms makes.... they are really light and fluffy, only took less than 10 min. to bake, and still taste good... a little bit drier than normal ones, but better "i think".... Shake Ya A$$!!!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Check out musclem.com !!

03-19-2002, 01:54 PM	#26
w8lifter Join Date: May 2001 Location: Around..... Posts: 14,964	Anything homemade is gonna be better than store-bought!

03-19-2002, 02:57 PM	#27
Prince IronMagLabs Owner Administrator Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Colorado Posts: 37,396 Photos: 356	I eat a protein bar every day at 10am. BOARD SPONSORS: MassNutrition.com - Discount Supplement Superstore IronMagLabs.com - Bodybuilding Nutrition AlltheWhey.com - Bulk Protein Powders & Supplements CEMProducts.com - Research Chemicals & Supplements MusclesProd.com - Steroids, Bodybuilding & Training Blog Maximizer.com - Maximum Strength for Maximum Performance MikeGetsRipped.com - The Original 'Get Ripped' Blog ProteinRoutine.com - Experiments in Healthy Living Follow on Twitter Join Facebook Group Befriend on Myspace

03-19-2002, 08:21 PM	#28
stephen71 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: texas Posts: 14	I use protein bars but there are very few I like.

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