Have you ever asked yourself if Nature Valley Protein bars are good for weight Loss?
While Nature Valley Protein Bars are loaded with very healthy ingredients, such as fruits, dark chocolate, and whole grains, making them an excellent choice for on-the-go snacking compared to many other options, they also have some ingredients that may interfere with you losing weight.
So, are Nature Valley protein bars good for weight loss? Nature Valley Protein Bars are a wholesome snack to give you fuel throughout the day, but the high-calorie count per bar and the added sugars make it a dangerous choice when trying to lose weight.
For more information on these bars and their health benefits, read on.
Table of Contents
Are Nature Valley Protein Bars Good For Weight Loss
Nature Valley Protein Bars are packed with 10g of protein per bar, which is 17% of your recommended daily value. The high protein content makes it a good item to grab as you are headed to the gym or looking for a pick-me-up snack during that mid-afternoon crash.
However, because of the added sugars, high calories, and saturated fats, they may be a poor choice for anyone trying to lose weight. While the average of 190 calories per bar doesn’t seem too high, it can defiantly add up, especially because the bars are so small that many people tend to go for seconds.
These protein bars may not be our first choice for weight loss snacks, but they do provide some important health benefits we shouldn’t overlook.
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Nature Valley Protein Bar Nutritional Facts
Before we get into the pros and cons of Nature Valley Protein Bars, let’s take a quick look at the nutritional facts that make up each bar.
Nutritional Facts per NatureValley.com
| Per Serving (1 bar) |
|---|
| Calories 190 |
| Fat 12g (15%) |
| Trans Fat 0g |
| Saturated Fat Total 3.5g (17%) |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1g |
| Monounsaturated Fat 7g |
| Cholesterol <5mg (1%) |
| Sodium 160mg (7%) |
| Total Carbohydrate 15g (5%) |
| Dietary Fiber 6g (21%) |
| Total Sugars 7g |
| Added Sugars 5g Total Sugars 11g (11%) |
| Protein 10g (17%) |
| Vit D 0% |
| Calcium 30mg (2%) |
| Iron Amount 1.3mg (6%) |
| Potassium 130mg (2%) |
The information above is specific to the Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Protein Chewy Bars but is similar to the other Protine Bars offered by Nature Valley.
Pros and Cons of Nature Valley Protein Bars for Losing Weight
With the nutritional facts listed above, we can walk you through the pros and cons of eating these protein bars for the purpose of weight loss, giving you the information required to make your own educated decision.
Pros of Nature Valley Protein Bars for Losing Weight
Before discussing the reasons we don’t believe these bars are ideal for someone looking to lose weight, we wanted to point out the benefits they offer.
- High in Protein- The most obvious benefit of these Nature Valley Bars is the high protein content. Protein is actually a significant factor in weight loss when you get the right amount of quality products. Protein is the organic compound for building muscles, post-workout recovery and building a strong immune system. Protein is also known for making you feel fuller longer, reducing the need to eat as often, which can, in turn, help you lose weight.
- High in Fibers- In the chart above, you will notice that each protein bar has 6g of fiber, more than 20% of the recommended daily intake. Fiber is a great resource for the body, aiding in digestion, keeping you feeling fuller longer, and could reduce your risk of chronic disease.
- Free From Additives and Harsh Ingredients- Aside from the benefits listed above, Nature Valley Protein Bars are Gluten-free and do not contain artificial flavors, colors, or high fructose corn syrup.
Cons of Nature Valley Protein Bars for Losing Weight
Although we can’t deny that these protein bars have some excellent benefits and are definitely a much better option than other protein bars on the market today, they do have their fair share of negative checkmarks, putting them low on the list of weight-loss approved options.
- High in Sugar- Although 11g of sugar may not seem like a lot, the amount suggested for maintaining weight is 25g per day, which means even less is recommended to lose weight. These bars contain about half of your allotted sugar intake in just one serving.
- High in Calories- There are just under 200 calories in one Protein Bar, which can be very dangerous, especially when eating them on a diet. Many people deal with increased hunger when first implementing a plan or restricting food intake, meaning a small protein bar may not be satisfying, and 200 calories in each can quickly ruin any diet.
- Low in Healthy Ingredients and Nutrients- Although this bar provides a few good quality ingredients, it also lacks many essential vitamins and nutrients. The only vitamins found in this product are calcium, iron, and potassium, and there aren’t many of them in there.
- Lack of Protein- Yes, this contradicts our article’s “pro” section, but this can go two ways. While there is more protein in each Nature Valley Protein bar than almost any other snack on the market, not health food-related, most quality protein bars used by athletes or those looking to get in shape should contain between 15-20g per serving.
Read Also: Are High Protein Bars Good For Weight Loss (Secrets Revealed!)
The Verdict
This Protein bar is good for what it was made for, providing consumers a significant serving of protein in a tiny bar (compared to non-healthy options), but they are not designed to provide you with essential nutrients and vitamins to keep you feeling your best and keeping your body in tip-top shape.
These bars also have a lot more sugar and calories in one serving than a lot of the competition out there, making them less productive on your weight loss journey.
While the Nature Valley Protein Bars are a healthier option than snacking on baked goods or candy, they are not the best product on the market for a weight-loss snack.
Summing Things Up
If you are looking for a sugary treat to curb your sweet tooth without indulging in a Snickers bar or cupcake, then a Nature Valley Protein Bar is fabulous. If you are trying hard to kick some stubborn belly fat and lose a bit of excess weight, then you might want to consider finding a better option.
References
https://www.naturevalley.com/product/peanut-butter-dark-chocolate-protein-chewy-bars/
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