After I train I usually have a protein bar later through the day. After a bit of reading I have read that three BCAA are important to consume in order for protein to be digested and for it to help repair muscle (leucine, isoleucine and valine).

So I have a Choc Blast Protein bar containing 34gms of protein plus a lot of vitamins. Does this mean that this protein bar is no good and that I have to find another source for the BCAA's listed above?

Thanks

BCAA supplements aren't necessary. And no, you don't have to toss your protein bars. But if I were to spend money on protein supplements, I would get whey protein powder. Protein bars are too expensive.

Bcaa is protein as far as I know but in amino shape. Regarding protein bar vs whey , you get far more protein for your money and if you are strictly measuring all you eat a protein bar is most likely twice the calories if by more.

Protein powder comes in diffreby types also . Whey being fast and casein slow and on top of that we have 3-5-7 way proteins which in some cases are a mix of whey, casein, soy, dairy, meat etc.

But most bang for the buck during day time is whey . Before bedtime casein . And before or direct after training if you wanna keep calories down BCAA or EAA is great.

Whey is "digested" in I think 4 hours while casein takes five and straight up aminos is faster then whey.

But as an snack I take protein bars sometimes .

Thanks guys. Yes i take these as a snack. I do have Whey Protein but when i saw this bar it was quite cheap compared to others so i bought a few. When i got home i started to think why they are cheaper than the other bars so it made me think that perhaps it was due to no BCAAs.

All proteins are made up of amino acids. BCAAs are just a larger molecule hence the name "branch chain" and they do induce protein synthesis - especially Leucine - and they sacrifice themselves for energy via gluconeogenesis when the body converts protein to glucose. This is why BCAAS are important pre and post workout as well as when you train fasted.

As for protein bars, I would ditch them. Look at the ingredients. Most of them are just candy bars with protein and no better nutritionally than a Snickers bar. I would do a protein powder supplement only and protein from wholesome food.

John

Youve got me thinking/curious now :-). Heres the bar's nutreints - Is there anything on there thats bad? To me it seems its all good but i suppose im new at this stuff http://proteinactive.co.uk/products/chocoblast-protein-bar

This is a perfect example of trash food posing as a health food:

Isoglucose and honey is pure sugar........added sugar not natural sugar. While honey is natural, it does not naturally occur in this product but is man-made

Hydrogenated palm oil is a trans-fat........the most deadly type of man-made fat you can eat and must be totally avoided. They cause heart disease and cancer

20% of its 50grams is sugar. I don't care who "designed" this bar the labeling is purposely made to have you focus on the amount of protein and not all the sugar and trans fats in it. I would recommend stop eating these anymore. A healthy protein snack is unsalted nuts or greek yogurt not these protein pumped candy bars.

ANY food, regardless of the labeling, that needs to be packaged in some form of man-made wrapper is a processed food.

John

So what about honey ...i thought its anatural way to sweet my oats in the morning ..should i avoid honey if my goals to lean down?

Honey is like any concentrated natural sugar. In small amounts, it is beneficial. Even though it is "natural" it still follows the same insulin pathways as any other sugar and has the same caveats to leaness as well. If you want to sweeten your oatmeal, put fresh berries or fruit slices in it instead.

John

Thanks for the but i think fruit contain mainly fructose as honey

The difference is fruit has FIBER which slows down the absorption and processing of the fructose. This is why whole grains must be eaten versus refined grains. Honey is PURE sugar - no fiber at all. It is partially digested in your mouth and is immediately broken down in your stomach.  Remember, bees don't have a complex digestive system so they need an easily absorbable form of energy. We are not like bees. Whole fruit, however, is not completely absorbed until it reaches your intestines because of the fiber. This is the main difference and why I tell all who seek my advice that you must always eat your fruit never drink it.

John

As always amazing scientific answer..thanks for taking time to educate me

No worries.........that is what I and this forum are for. Now, if you win a show because you went in at 5% body fat naturally just remember to give some props to me and Scott :-)

John

ok so i have a question

what about honey with lemon mixed in warm water early morning empty stomach. Its said to reduce fat.

Is it worth?