My diet changes and advice on selecting protein bars as a snack food

[aja8888]

I have been active all my life and as an 80 year old, I am trying to stay that way and try to eat healthy, low carb foods. Currently, I have no significant health issues such as high cholesterol, diabetes, kidney problems, heart problems, etc, and actually feel pretty good most of the time. I have had both hips replaced within the last 15 years (retired long distance runner here) and that’s worked very well. I take only one med, and that’s for BHP which is pretty common with older men. For exercise, I walk 10,000+ steps per day and play golf about once per week, weather permitting. I consider myself a pretty lucky guy given my age and what many of my friends my age are dealing with, health wise.

My life evolved into a rather unconventional diet since DW passed a little over a year ago. Keeping weight off and maintaining energy has been a priority as I was a bit heavy a few years ago (not obese, but slightly overweight). I’m now at 180 pounds, 5’ 11” tall. I have never been one to cook much (don’t care for the task) and over the years, DW handled that quite well. I eat out most of the time and limit what I eat to low carb selections, mainly eggs and sausage (breakfast) and a grilled burger or chicken without bread and a small salad (dinner). I don't eat any lunch. Pretty bland, I know.

At home, if not going out, I eat apples daily (Cosmic Crisp variety) and nuts (mixed Costco bag source). My only cooking here is when I fire up the smoker and smoke a beef brisket (roughly monthly). I invite my DD and her husband over when I cook that brisket and we have a sit down dinner. Then they take the remaining 6 - 8 pounds of brisket back home. I aso fry an egg or two once in a while and make an egg burrito with a low carb tortilla. On occasion, I make a protein shake with protein powder, low calorie yogurt and some fruit (mostly blueberries). I also buy pre-made grilled chicken salads and have those occasionally. Oh, and I snack on pork skins and diet coke occasionally.

So my diet is a mess. LOL! I try to limit my carb intake to 50 grams a day max, but I don’t keep close score.

I’m now looking into protein bars as a snack food. There are hundreds of varieties and mostly sugar (carb) laden and full of unrecognizable chemical additives (some with nuts too). I recently came across protein bars by Robert Irvine called Fit Crunch and those are pretty good. They contain 14 grams of carbs, 16 grams of protein, a good bit of whey protein and 190 calories (chocolate peanut butter variety). Cost is not too bad at Walmart where I can get 5 bars for under $7.

Opinions on protein bars or other snack foods that would be a substitute for a snack food would be appreciated. Thanks!​

 

[bmcgonig]

Try to get over 100g protein every day. As we age we lose the ability to process it as well as the ability to consume like we were younger. Need that for muscle retention.

I found that the snack bars seemed to contain too many weird ingredients so I switched to protein powder mostly. The cleanest one I found is just pure whey protein by Promix. Plus you can always mix in good stuff like blueberries.

Another good way is to mix Greek yogurt and the Promix. Really tastes like desert!

 

[aja8888]

Try to get over 100g protein every day. As we age we lose the ability to process it as well as the ability to consume like we were younger. Need that for muscle retention.

I found that the snack bars seemed to contain too many weird ingredients so I switched to protein powder mostly. The cleanest one I found is just pure whey protein by Promix. Plus you can always mix in good stuff like blueberries.

Another good way is to mix Greek yogurt and the Promix. Really tastes like desert!

I do have a cup of Greek yogurt nightly so maybe it would make sense to mix in a spoonful of protein powder.

 

[bmcgonig]

I do have a cup of Greek yogurt nightly so maybe it would make sense to mix in a spoonful of protein powder.

Great idea. You might be surprised how good it tastes

 

[Sunset]

We eat the Costco brand protein bar and 1/2 each of a protein drink (from costco) called "premier protein"
That is 25 grams of protein for morning, not counting the milk in coffee.

Other times we have eggs, but don't want to eat eggs every day..

 

[imjustawarrior]

I use Optimum Nutrition double chocolate protein powder. One scoop of powder in 8 oz of Fairlife fat-free milk gives me 36 grams of protein for under 200 calories if I remember correctly. I have shaker cups that makes the whole process quick and easy. When I travel, I rely on nuts and pumpkin seeds for snacks. I also may take along bananas and blueberries.

You could also keep grilled chicken tenderloins available. They are almost pure protein.

I have given up on the bars because they are too high calorie for the protein. 1 gram of protein is 4 calories. I try to keep my protein sources at or below 5 calories per gram of protein. My protein powder Fairlife is above that, but it tastes so good.

 

[Chuckanut]

I drink milk to make sure I get plenty of quality protein and calcium.

I tried protein bars and they are OK on hikes or trips when bringing perishable foods is a problem. Canned and boxed protein shakes do not float my boat. From what I can see there is too much junk in the bars and the shakes. 2% milk just works for me on a daily basis.

Several times a week, usually when my diet is low on protein for the day, I also make my own protein shake from cherries, cashews, banana, milk, protein powder and coco powder. Yummy and very filling.

I use whey protein powder as it is a more complete protein source. In some studies the plant protein powders have been found lacking.

 

[skyking1]

I use Optimum Nutrition double chocolate protein powder. One scoop of powder in 8 oz of Fairlife fat-free milk gives me 36 grams of protein for under 200 calories if I remember correctly. I have shaker cups that makes the whole process quick and easy. When I travel, I rely on nuts and pumpkin seeds for snacks. I also may take along bananas and blueberries.

You could also keep grilled chicken tenderloins available. They are almost pure protein.

I have given up on the bars because they are too high calorie for the protein. 1 gram of protein is 4 calories. I try to keep my protein sources at or below 5 calories per gram of protein. My protein powder Fairlife is above that, but it tastes so good.

Agreed.
The bars have too much sugar for me, and often it is high fructose corn syrup. This offsets the benefit of the protein at least for me.
I like the premier drink pictured above. I have both the coffee one and just chocolate. They are quick easy portable, they work nicely to space out your proteins over the day.
I put one in the gap between meals.

 

[aja8888]

I'll have to look into the Premier Protein drinks.

Although the Fit Crunch bars are really good. Maybe they can be a once in a while treat!

I'm not a cow's milk drinker. I have made my protein shakes using almond milk.

 

[Mark1]

DW and I sometimes eat RX bars when we hike,/bike/golf/etc. They are tasty and the ingredients are just real food (no BS as they say). Some sugar due to the dates, but no added sugar.

 

[Aerides]

Overnight oats with anywhere from a half to a whole scoope of protein powder, in greek yogurt, is a good way to start the day with a good 40+ grams. Plenty of ways to customize with fruit and flavors too for variety.

100gms of protein might be ok for women, but for men looking to keep muscle mass (and you keep it more from weight bearing activities, you won't keep is just from food), aim for a gm per pound of body weight, per day.

The premiere protein drinks from costco are good, 30 gms each and the case is a good price.

Food, exercise, rest - you need all three to make it work.

 

[Focus]

DW and I sometimes eat RX bars when we hike,/bike/golf/etc. They are tasty and the ingredients are just real food (no BS as they say). Some sugar due to the dates, but no added sugar.

Coincidentally, I'm eating an RX bar for the first time right now! I've been trying a lot of protein bars, and these are the healthiest ones I've found. I wish the protein (12 grams) was a bit higher for the calories (200), but otherwise they're great.

Some protein bars are little better than candy bars, with very high saturated fat from palm or palm kernel oil (e.g., the tasty Think! Boston Creme Pie bar has 8 grams).

The other issue is the sweetener. If they use sugar or equivalents (e.g., corn syrup), the calories tend to be high. Many years ago, when there were fewer protein bars, I used to eat Clif Bars, but they have only 10 grams of protein and a whopping four teaspoons of sugar (16 grams) in each bar, shooting the calories up to 250; I'll never go back to those. Several manufacturers use erythritol, which was thought to be harmless, but a recent study called that into question. I'm OK with stevia and/or monk fruit, two alternative sweeteners that (so far) have been found to be fine, but these are more prevalent in protein powders than protein bars.

I look forward to seeing more recommendations here...

 

[Joseph]

I have been active all my life and as an 80 year old, I am trying to stay that way and try to eat healthy, low carb foods. Currently, I have no significant health issues such as high cholesterol, diabetes, kidney problems, heart problems, etc, and actually feel pretty good most of the time. I have had both hips replaced within the last 15 years (retired long distance runner here) and that’s worked very well. I take only one med, and that’s for BHP which is pretty common with older men. For exercise, I walk 10,000+ steps per day and play golf about once per week, weather permitting. I consider myself a pretty lucky guy given my age and what many of my friends my age are dealing with, health wise.

My life evolved into a rather unconventional diet since DW passed a little over a year ago. Keeping weight off and maintaining energy has been a priority as I was a bit heavy a few years ago (not obese, but slightly overweight). I’m now at 180 pounds, 5’ 11” tall. I have never been one to cook much (don’t care for the task) and over the years, DW handled that quite well. I eat out most of the time and limit what I eat to low carb selections, mainly eggs and sausage (breakfast) and a grilled burger or chicken without bread and a small salad (dinner). I don't eat any lunch. Pretty bland, I know.

At home, if not going out, I eat apples daily (Cosmic Crisp variety) and nuts (mixed Costco bag source). My only cooking here is when I fire up the smoker and smoke a beef brisket (roughly monthly). I invite my DD and her husband over when I cook that brisket and we have a sit down dinner. Then they take the remaining 6 - 8 pounds of brisket back home. I aso fry an egg or two once in a while and make an egg burrito with a low carb tortilla. On occasion, I make a protein shake with protein powder, low calorie yogurt and some fruit (mostly blueberries). I also buy pre-made grilled chicken salads and have those occasionally. Oh, and I snack on pork skins and diet coke occasionally.

So my diet is a mess. LOL! I try to limit my carb intake to 50 grams a day max, but I don’t keep close score.

I’m now looking into protein bars as a snack food. There are hundreds of varieties and mostly sugar (carb) laden and full of unrecognizable chemical additives (some with nuts too). I recently came across protein bars by Robert Irvine called Fit Crunch and those are pretty good. They contain 14 grams of carbs, 16 grams of protein, a good bit of whey protein and 190 calories (chocolate peanut butter variety). Cost is not too bad at Walmart where I can get 5 bars for under $7.

Opinions on protein bars or other snack foods that would be a substitute for a snack food would be appreciated. Thanks!​

 

[Joseph]

I would consider getting a tasty protein powder and making shakes in a blender. I do a banana/ peanut butter with some milk , water and or almond milk.throw some benefiber in too. U can also just use some seasonal fruits and blend it with a vanilla protein. U can get 40 grams of high quality protein per shake. One a day goes a long way to meeting your protein macros. I buy my protein wholesale ( use use dps nutrition online). Beverly is a great brand, not cheap though. $40 container will get you 15-20 servings. Protein bars are ok but homemade shakes better for you.

 

[Joseph]

Coincidentally, I'm eating an RX bar for the first time right now! I've been trying a lot of protein bars, and these are the healthiest ones I've found. I wish the protein (12 grams) was a bit higher for the calories (200), but otherwise they're great.

View attachment 51255
Some protein bars are little better than candy bars, with very high saturated fat from palm or palm kernel oil (e.g., the tasty Think! Boston Creme Pie bar has 8 grams).

The other issue is the sweetener. If they use sugar or equivalents (e.g., corn syrup), the calories tend to be high. Many years ago, when there were fewer protein bars, I used to eat Clif Bars, but they have only 10 grams of protein and a whopping four teaspoons of sugar (16 grams) in each bar, shooting the calories up to 250; I'll never go back to those. Several manufacturers use erythritol, which was thought to be harmless, but a recent study called that into question. I'm OK with stevia and/or monk fruit, two alternative sweeteners that (so far) have been found to be fine, but these are more prevalent in protein powders than protein bars.

I look forward to seeing more recommendations here...

 

[Joseph]

Rx bars are solid to have around too. Lotsa variety to keep things fresh.

 

[audreyh1]

Ribeye steak is probably my favorite protein .

But chicken and fish/seafood are very high in protein too.

Greek yogurt good source.

Protein bars are generally ultra processed foods, often high in sugar/carbs. I don’t think I would turn to them for nutrition. Sardines/tuna/shrimp great sources.

 

[aja8888]

Ribeye steak is probably my favorite protein .

But chicken and fish/seafood are very high in protein too.

Greek yogurt good source.

Protein bars are generally ultra processed foods, often high in sugar/carbs. I don’t think I would turn to them for nutrition. Sardines/tuna/shrimp great sources.

My original post says I am only looking into protein bars as a snack food. The ones I am looking at are not too high in carbs or sugar. I'm looking for other suggestions for protein bars.

Since I don't eat ice cream or other sugarly products, the protein bar may be a fairly good treat on occasion.

 

[Yoheadden]

I’ve used different protein bars for years and agree about the Fit Cruch bars being one of the better ones. It’s a shame so many bars need to be “candied” up for people to eat them.
I also use protein powder as a supplement to my diet. I would look into isolate protein powder for a cleaner protein with less additives.

 

[pacergal]

My between meal or meal replacements are:
Orgain plant protein shake, claims to have 50 superfood blend 20 g protein, veggie and fruit blend and best of all for me is no milk.
Costco brand protein bars
A handful of unsalted nuts is often a between meal snack.

Have tried the RX bars, Cliff bars, and others. But my main go to are the first two listed.
Agree they all have more sugar than needed.
I do have a recipe for homemade bars that I make occasionally as a meal substitute

 

[Trooper]

Costco brand protein bars

I really like Costco/Kirkland brand protein bars, but after reading this thread I took a look at the label and they don't seem very healthy. Now debating whether to keep eating them.

 

[aja8888]

My between meal or meal replacements are:
Orgain plant protein shake, claims to have 50 superfood blend 20 g protein, veggie and fruit blend and best of all for me is no milk.
Costco brand protein bars
A handful of unsalted nuts is often a between meal snack.

Have tried the RX bars, Cliff bars, and others. But my main go to are the first two listed.
Agree they all have more sugar than needed.
I do have a recipe for homemade bars that I make occasionally as a meal substitute

What are you using in the shake instead of milk?

 

[PlayinwithFIRE]

You're already used to bland food ... these aren't too bad..i get them for free at work.

KIND | Healthy Snacks | Wholesome Granola Bars & Clusters | KIND Snacks

KIND makes wholesome, delicious, healthy snacks with ingredients you will recognize like whole nuts, whole grains, and a variety of fruits and spices.

www.kindsnacks.com

I used to use the Orgain protein mixes, but have switched to MuscleMilk which has zero added sugars. Orgain has a little added sugar I think. Its the sugars I have issues with..so zeroing that out.

2 meals per day i make protein shakes..for 2 meals I use this.

2 apples
1 avocado
1 banana
1 or 2 carrots
1 or 2 celery stalks
2-3 scoops of the protein powder (less than they recommend..it gets too sweet for me)
half a blender full of water
1 or 2 cups frozen spinach

IIR- this is about 250 calories per meal


PWF

 

[aja8888]

You're already used to bland food ... these aren't too bad..i get them for free at work.

KIND | Healthy Snacks | Wholesome Granola Bars & Clusters | KIND Snacks

KIND makes wholesome, delicious, healthy snacks with ingredients you will recognize like whole nuts, whole grains, and a variety of fruits and spices.

www.kindsnacks.com

I used to use the Orgain protein mixes, but have switched to MuscleMilk which has zero added sugars. Orgain has a little added sugar I think. Its the sugars I have issues with..so zeroing that out.

2 meals per day i make protein shakes..for 2 meals I use this.

2 apples
1 avocado
1 banana
1 or 2 carrots
1 or 2 celery stalks
2-3 scoops of the protein powder (less than they recommend..it gets too sweet for me)
half a blender full of water
1 or 2 cups frozen spinach

IIR- this is about 250 calories per meal


PWF

Those Kind bars look pretty good, a little high in calories, but not bad. I'll have to give those a try. I've had the Muscle Milk before and bought it at Costco. Thanks for reminding me of that.

 

[Focus]

I really like Costco/Kirkland brand protein bars, but after reading this thread I took a look at the label and they don't seem very healthy. Now debating whether to keep eating them.

Other than the fact the Kirkland bars contain the questionable sweetener erythritol (as do many others), the ingredients look OK to me. Per Health.com: "While erythritol has generally been considered safe for human consumption, recent research has linked long-term erythritol intake to an increased risk of heart attack and stroke....However, more research is needed to assess the safety and long-term health effects of this popular sugar alternative."

I'll add one note here. A lot of bars use whey or another milk-derived protein. I have no problem with milk, but I tend to look for protein bars/powders that have pea or soy protein, and I make my shakes with soy milk. The reason: Pea/soy protein supposedly helps with cholesterol.