Protein bars. Yay or Nay?

If you do decide to eat them, watch out for bars containing sugar alcohols. Commercially produced reduced sugar/sugar free foods usually contain a sugar alcohol called Maltilol. It can cause cramps, lots of gas and in some people causes "the big D". No bueno. 

Well, I will be the weirdo here.  My program allows only Quest bars up to 3 times per week --- in place of a meal or snack.

I eat one 3 times a week.  It's my only "cheat" and I believe the reason that I have not once succumbed to eating cookies, cakes or potatoes over the holidays.  I always have one in my car, in my purse and at my desk at work for times when I may not have other better options available.  I also used one at at holiday party that was full of cookies and cakes -- nothing I could eat.  

I always count it in my total for the day -- and I have yet to go over 900 calories a year out.  

 You're not the only weirdo.  My plan allows protein bars ( not any specific brand though ) but we are limited to less than 170 or 180 ( I think ) calories, it has to have less than 10 g of sugar, and has to be at least 15 g of protein. ( If I have a protein bar, I can usually only manage half of one at a time anyway. )

I wish I could eat only half -- I think if I wasn't regimented that I could eat 20 of them.  Just kidding -- but they are delicious.  I definitely consider them a treat -- and I am very careful not to eat more than 3 a week because I can't afford a full on Quest bar habit and I think they could possibly be a slippery slope.

I use Quest bars when I travel or in a pinch, but don't eat them every day (I can barely eat a half a bar anyway). My plan does not restrict any food per se,  including protein bars.  My surgeon's emphasis is on making better food choices, while maintaining good nutrition. 

My plan does NOT allow them. I have never had a protein bar before, but I agree that they would be very useful in a pinch in moderation. 

It makes me nervous reading all the rsponses because i eat a quest bar eveeryday as a snack- why is it a bad choice? Or its just because its expensive 

My plan doesn't say anything about bars. I just think they are good in a pinch. I usually carry one in my purse in a sandwich bag. That way if I only eat half, I don't waste the other half. They are too expensive.

good tip!

My plan said I could have a protein bar at the 12 week mark, my Nut just told me today.  (I'm 12 weeks out).   My plan says I can eat anything within reason, definately check out the nutrition labels.  Good luck, haven't tried any, but could see how they could be good in a pinch.