Are Fit Crunch Bars Good for Weight Loss?
“Are Fit Crunch bars good for weight loss?” Yes, Fit Crunch bars can be eaten in a weight loss diet as long it’s eaten in moderation and within the right time frame.
For example, replacing it for breakfast or as a pre-post workout snack.
Even though they are low in sugar, they are sweetened with artificial ingredients which can make you crave more.
In this article, I will be covering the benefits, downsides, and other healthier alternatives you can eat instead of fit crunch bars while still crushing your weight loss goals.
Nutrition Facts of Fit Crunch Bars
As per Fit Crunch’s official website, 1 bar of chocolate peanut butter flavor provides the following nutrients:
Serving Size: 1 bar (46g)
Calories: 100
Protein: 16 g
Carbs: 24 g
Sugar: 3 g
Fiber: 0 g
Fat: 0 g
Potential Benefits of Fit Crunch Bars for Weight Loss
It’s Rich in Protein
The biggest pro of the Fit Crunch bar is its protein content. How is this useful for weight loss?
A region in your brain called the hypothalamus is responsible for regulating your hunger and satiety hormones.
Studies show when you eat a sufficient amount of protein in your diet, it triggers the release of hormones such as peptide yy and cholecystokinin all of which are known to make you feel full while also suppressing the release of hunger hormone ghrelin.
Protein also has a high thermic effect, ranging from 20-30%, which means your body uses more energy to digest it compared to carbs (5-10%) and fats (0-3%).
So technically when you eat high protein foods, this can lead to a higher calorie burn throughout the day, including during sleep, by approximately 80 to 100 calories daily.
All of which is beneficial for weight loss.
You Can Use it As a “Meal Replacement”
Let’s say you are swamped with work, on the move, or simply not in the mood to prepare a full meal. T
This is where Fit Crunch Bars can really come to the rescue. But how exactly does swapping a meal with a Fit Crunch Bar support weight loss?
When you’re aiming to lose weight the goal is to create a calorie deficit, where you consume fewer calories than you burn. Hence the term “meal replacement”
A typical meal can range from 300 to 500 calories (or even more, depending on what you’re having), but a Fit Crunch Bar generally contains fewer calories, making it a lower-calorie alternative to a regular meal.
This, in turn, might assist you in maintaining or even creating that desired calorie deficit.
That being said, I don’t recommend replacing your meals with bars or shakes on a daily basis. Use it on certain occasions when you cannot have your usual breakfast or lunch.
Also read: Best Keto Shakes for Weight Loss
It’s Lower in Calories and Sugar in Comparison to Other Protein Bars
Another benefit of Fit Crunch Bar for weight loss is that they are lower in calories and sugar in comparison to other bars like Snickers.
This can help you reduce your calorie intake and avoid excess sugar consumption, which can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and other health problems.
For example, a regular-sized Snickers bar (52 grams) has 250 calories and 27 grams of sugar, while a Fit Crunch Bar (88 grams) has 190 calories and 6 grams of sugar.
This doesn’t mean that Fit Crunch bars are weight loss-friendly.
Rather, it suggests that if you’re a fan of protein bars, choosing this could be a better option compared to others with a higher sugar content.
Downsides of Fit Crunch Bars for Weight Loss
Potential for Overconsumption
Though Fit Crunch Bars are tantalizingly tasty, their delicious flavor can potentially lead to overconsumption.
The risk here is that they contain a significant amount of fats, which means that indulging in more than one bar can quickly escalate your daily caloric intake.
This can sabotage your weight loss efforts, as maintaining a calorie deficit is essential for shedding pounds.
Overstepping your daily calorie limit can not only hinder weight loss but also promote weight gain, making it a counterproductive choice in the long run.
They are Not Very Filling or Satisfying
Unfortunately, Fit Crunch Bars do not boast a high fiber content, which means they might not keep you feeling full for a long time.
The science behind this is that fiber adds bulk to your diet, aiding in the feeling of fullness and promoting satiety.
It helps in controlling appetite by slowing down the digestion process, thus preventing unnecessary snacking and helping you adhere to your weight loss plan.
The lack of fiber in these bars might lead to an increase in hunger pangs, making it harder to stick to your diet regimen.
Contains a Lot of Artificial Sweeteners and Additives
Here is the list of artificial ingredients in fit crunch bars for your reference:
Sorbitol
Gelatin [Bovine]
Maltitol
Corn Syrup
Propylene Glycol Mono-Esters
Sucralose
Acetylated Monoglycerides
Mono and Diglycerides
Caramel Color
Potassium Sorbate
Silicon Dioxide
I believe it’s premature to label artificial sweeteners as detrimental since research on them is still underway.
However, a recurring concern I hear from my clients is that some experience digestive discomfort after consuming products containing certain artificial sweeteners.
It’s important to note that reactions to these substances vary greatly among people. In some cases, they may adversely affect gut health, leading to symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, or diarrhea.
These issues can not only disrupt a healthy lifestyle but also impede your weight loss efforts.
Also read: Best Waist Trainer for Weight Loss
Tips to Incorporate Fit Crunch Bars in a Weight Loss Diet
Keeping the downsides in mind, how can you include it in your weight loss diet? here is how:
Limit Your Intake to One Bar Per Day.
Fit Crunch Bars are high in calories and fat, which can add up quickly if you eat too many.
One bar per day should be enough to satisfy your sweet tooth and provide some protein, but not enough to cause weight gain or health problems
Choose the Right Time to Eat Them.
Fit Crunch Bars can be used as a meal replacement or a snack, depending on your needs and preferences.
However, you should avoid eating them late at night or right before bed, as this can interfere with your sleep quality and metabolism.
The best time to eat them is either in the morning, as a breakfast alternative, or as a pre- or post-workout snack.
This way, you can use the energy and protein they provide to fuel your activities and muscle growth.
Pair Them With Other Healthy Foods.
Fit Crunch Bars alone are not very filling or nutritious, so you should always combine them with other foods that can provide more fiber, volume, water, and micronutrients.
For example, you can eat a Fit Crunch Bar with a piece of fruit, a handful of nuts, a glass of milk, or a salad. This will help you feel more satisfied and prevent overeating later.
Also read: Is Crystal Light Good for Weight Loss?
Alternatives to Fit Crunch Bars for Weight Loss
Here are some healthier alternatives to Fit Crunch for weight loss. However, keep in mind that protein bars are not a substitute for real food, but a supplement to enhance your nutrition when needed.
RXBAR Chocolate Sea Salt
This bar is made with simple ingredients like egg whites, dates, nuts, and cocoa. It has 210 calories, 9 grams of fat, 12 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fiber per bar.
It also has no added sugar, gluten, soy, or dairy.
Aloha Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
This plant-based bar is vegan, organic, and non-GMO.
It has 14 grams of protein from pea and brown rice protein, 13 grams of fiber from tapioca and chicory root fiber, and only 4 grams of sugar from organic coconut sugar.
It has a soft texture and a rich chocolate chip cookie dough flavor.
KIND Protein Bar
With 240-250 calories, 6 grams of fiber, and 12 grams of protein per bar, these bars are satisfying and delicious.
They are made with wholesome ingredients like nuts, seeds, and honey, and come in flavors like Crunchy Peanut Butter, Double Dark Chocolate Nut, and White Chocolate Cinnamon Almond.
:ratio Toasted Almond Bar
With 12 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and less than 1 gram of sugar per bar, this bar is keto-friendly and gluten-free.
It has a crunchy texture and a toasted almond flavor and is sweetened with allulose, a natural sugar that does not raise blood glucose or insulin levels.
No Cow Chunky Peanut Butter
This bar is dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free, and vegan.
It has 21 grams of protein from brown rice and pea protein, 18 grams of fiber from soluble corn fiber and oat fiber, and only 1 gram of sugar from stevia and monk fruit.
It has a chunky peanut butter flavor with peanut pieces.
Also read: Is Chocolate Milk Good for Weight Loss?
Conclusion
Fit Crunch bars, backed by the expertise of celebrity chef Robert Irvine, offer a decent meal replacement snack.
While they bring the indulgent flavors of chocolate peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies to the health and fitness market, they are not without their downsides.
When used wisely as a meal replacement or a protein-rich snack, they can be part of a successful weight loss diet.
FAQ
Are fit crunch bars healthy for you?
Fit crunch bars are not very healthy for you, because they are high in calories, fat, sugar alcohol, and artificial sweeteners. These ingredients can cause weight gain, digestive issues, cravings, and metabolic problems. Fit crunch bars may be suitable for occasional consumption as a treat or a pre/post-workout snack, but they should not replace balanced meals or snacks that contain more whole foods.
When should I eat fit bars?
You can eat fit bars as a breakfast replacement or as a pre-post-workout snack.
Do protein bars burn fat?
No. Protein bars do not burn fat by themselves, but they can help you lose weight if you use them in moderation as part of a balanced diet and exercise plan.
How many calories are in a fit crunch bar?
The calorie content of a Fit Crunch bar varies depending on the flavor. The snack-size bars range from 190 to 210 calories, while the full-size bars have a higher calorie count, around 380 calories.