Hello, as a doctor, I would say that it is generally safe for a 26-year-old male who works out 5 days a week to consume a protein bar and a whey protein shake daily to increase protein intake on workout days. However, it is important to keep in mind that the protein bar and shake should not be the sole source of protein in the diet, and should be accompanied by other protein-rich foods such as legumes, nuts, and seeds.
Regarding your concern about most protein bars being made up of soy protein and having a high carbohydrate content, it is important to read the label and choose protein bars with ingredients that align with your dietary goals and needs. If you prefer to avoid soy protein, look for bars that are made with other plant-based protein sources such as pea protein, hemp protein, or brown rice protein. Additionally, be mindful of the carbohydrate content in the protein bars and choose ones with lower
sugar content and higher fiber content.
Overall, incorporating a protein bar and whey protein shake into your diet can be beneficial in increasing protein intake, but it is important to consume them as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of protein-rich foods.