Protein bars and shakes while pregnant?

Jay Jones · June 2012

So I've been lurking and found a lot of information about watching your weight while pregnant. I just had one question. Is it safe to eat a protein bar or drink a protein shake while you're pregnant?

This is my third pregnancy and it was totally unexpected. I was actually in the process of losing weight from a previous pregnancy when I found out. My last 2 pregnancies I gained about 40lbs but because it didn't just fall off naturally I feel like I gained too much especially with my second because I was already over weight. This time around I want to be very proactive about trying keep the weight gain to minimum and eat healthy and exercise. ( I'm trying to keep up my previous routine of Zumba 2-3 times a week. I also want to add walking on the days I don't have Zumba.) I was eating a protein bar for breakfast but stopped when I found out I was pregnant because I wasn't sure if it was safe. Any infor or insight is helpful.

Thanks in advance for the info!

EricsTrueLove2 · June 2012

Your body needs a lot more nutrients than a bar or shake can provide. With that being said as a snack and in moderation these would be great additions not as meal replacements.

mb314 · June 2012

They're safe, but probably not the most nutritious breakfast/meal you can have. Greek yougurt with fruit or honey is a health, high protein choice, as are many other "real", non-processed and packaged food. I have protein bars many days - but I try to have them as a snack when I am craving chocolate or something sweet. Most, if not all of them, are high in sugar.

Jay Jones · June 2012

Thanks ladies!! I was thinking as a snack too, but like an on the go snack when I need something to eat but can't get to something more nutritious.

hollymolly1986 · June 2012

Actually this was one of the first things I asked my doctor when I found out I was pregnant. I'm very into weight lifting & running...and would have a protein shake often, but they actually told me NOT to take protein, only because they are not sure what it could do to the baby.

Honestly, I don't see how it could harm the baby, but I'm just going by what they doctor told me.

Tennis Chick · June 2012

hollymolly1986:
Actually this was one of the first things I asked my doctor when I found out I was pregnant. I'm very into weight lifting & running...and would have a protein shake often,

This. But my doctor said it was completely safe. I (obviously) wouldn't have one as a meal substitute now, but as snacks they have been great.

EricsTrueLove2 · June 2012

hollymolly1986:

Actually this was one of the first things I asked my doctor when I found out I was pregnant. I'm very into weight lifting & running...and would have a protein shake often, but they actually told me NOT to take protein, only because they are not sure what it could do to the baby.

Honestly, I don't see how it could harm the baby, but I'm just going by what they doctor told me.

Not trying to be funny here but do you think you could have misunderstood your doctor? Protein shakes are completely safe to take. Shakes that contain artificial sweeteners, herbs or performance-enhancing ingredients are the ones to avoid.

During pregnancy, a woman requires more protein than usual to support the developing fetus and increased need of the mother. Although eating a well-balanced healthy diet meets daily protein needs, protein shakes offer a convenient way to consume extra dietary protein.

Read more: https://www.livestrong.com/article/304572-can-pregnant-women-drink-protein-shakes/#ixzz1yMm4vihT

drl0581 · June 2012

You can have protein shakes as long as they are 100% whey protein. I was informed by a nutritionist not to get the protein mixes with extra sweeteners, different proteins, or performance ingredients added in.

Allibob · June 2012

drl0581:
You can have protein shakes as long as they are 100% whey protein. I was informed by a nutritionist not to get the protein mixes with extra sweeteners, different proteins, or performance ingredients added in.

Why shouldn't you use other proteins? I used hemp protein powder before and throughout my pregnancy, and now while breastfeeding. I prefer vegetable protein over whey protein, and I don't feel that soy protein isolate is a good choice for me. I agree to watch for extra sweeteners and performance ingredients, though.

I'm really careful about avoiding processed food like some protein bars are, so I eat mostly Kind bars or Lara bars with few real food ingredients now. There's no problem with those.

drl0581 · June 2012

Not sure. This is just what I was told.

mattdk06 · July 2012

EricsTrueLove2:
hollymolly1986:

Actually this was one of the first things I asked my doctor when I found out I was pregnant. I'm very into weight lifting & running...and would have a protein shake often, but they actually told me NOT to take protein, only because they are not sure what it could do to the baby.

Honestly, I don't see how it could harm the baby, but I'm just going by what they doctor told me.

Not trying to be funny here but do you think you could have misunderstood your doctor? Protein shakes are completely safe to take. Shakes that contain artificial sweeteners, herbs or performance-enhancing ingredients are the ones to avoid.

During pregnancy, a woman requires more protein than usual to support the developing fetus and increased need of the mother. Although eating a well-balanced healthy diet meets daily protein needs, protein shakes offer a convenient way to consume extra dietary protein.

Read more: https://www.livestrong.com/article/304572-can-pregnant-women-drink-protein-shakes/#ixzz1yMm4vihT

My doctor also told me not to take any protein supplements. Her reasoning was that there's not enough research proving them to be safe since the FDA doesn't regulate. I'm actually going to be switching doctor's in a few weeks due to an insurance change, so I'm curious what my new doctor will say. I was using Shakeology for months before pregnancy and was told to stop that as well.

MAAutrey · July 2012

My midwife actually ordered protein for me that is completely natural and safe. I'm supposed to pick it up from her on the 23rd of this month at my appointment and will let you know what it is. She suggested I use it between meals as my extra 300 calories...not as a meal replacement. :-)

sanitypirate · July 2012

I've actually been using a protein shake from Arbonne. (I did just start selling it, but this is seriously not a plug. Just the reason I started.) But what I like about it is that it's completely vegan protein, full of things I would try to put into my diet anyway. It's actually helped with the morning sickness instead of making me more nauseous since it doesn't have soy or whey. So I would suggest a vegan product like it. I also got a recipe to make my own protein bars. The key is to not use it as a meal replacement so that you're not robbing your body of other nutrients and required calories.

jessmartin4 · November 2013

I'm pregnant and vegetarian and told my doctor i eat eggs, beans and nuts for protein as well as tofu and soy (not to mention greek yogurt). He said that's great, and if i'm concerned with my protein levels - i could drink Muscle Milk.

vrj0522 · November 2013

Protein shakes and bars are perfectly fine, just try to choose one with healthy (natural) ingredients, and avoid energy/performance drinks.

Also, I don't know that I agree that you cannot use them for breakfast. During the first tri, your body hardly needs additional calories. In fact, you should only be gaining around 2 lbs during the first tri, which means that while you shouldn't diet, you probably should also not be eating more than you already are. Once you get to the 2nd tri, then you should add calories.

Great job on staying active. That will always pay off if you do it during pregnancy. You will see benefits, during pregnancy, recovery from labor, and post partum, and your baby can see benefits as well.

speechie517 · December 2013

I think the main thing to be concerned with when selecting protein supplements during pregnancy is the artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame, which find their way into may of these supplements. Do some research by browsing website, blogs, and speaking with your healthcare professionals.

LaurenM1991 · February 2014

I'm confused now by all of the conflicting answers! I work 8+ hours a day as a line cook and when we are busy I go too long without eating. I've been losing too much weight and was hoping I could throw a shake in my water bottle to keep the calorie count up for the day. Is the general consensus, "no bad sweeteners and performance enhancers"?

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