News

Start the Year With Better Fuel As we age, our protein needs go up — not down. From energy and recovery to muscle preservation and gut health, the right protein can make all the difference in how we feel every day. And to ensure we are getting enough protein, many of us supplement our diets with protein bars. But, buyer beware, not all protein bars are created equal. Many on the market use low-quality protein sources or fillers that can leave you bloated, sluggish, or worse. If you’ve ever experienced digestive discomfort from your “healthy” bar, you know exactly what we mean. That’s why at Five Plus Protein, we take a different approach. Why Pea Protein Is the Star of Our Bars We believe the best vegan protein bar starts with clean, complete nutrition — and that’s why we use premium pea protein as our base. Here’s what makes pea protein stand out: Complete protein: all nine essential amino acids for full-body repair and strength. Gut-friendly: pea protein is gentle, easy to digest, and perfect for sensitive stomachs. Anti-inflammatory fit: supports recovery and steady energy without stress on the body. Planet-friendly: pea protein has a lower environmental footprint than animal-based sources. These are the kind of pea protein benefits that support a lifestyle built on aging well — and feeling great while you do it. What Makes Five Plus the Best Plant-Based Protein Bar We hold every ingredient to a higher standard. It’s why Five Plus Protein Bars are: No added sugar Non-GMO Vegan Gluten-free High in fiber And always, tastes good We call these our non-negotiables — the promises we’ll never compromise on. Because better health should always taste like something you actually look forward to. Fuel Your Routine with the Right Protein If you’re ready to experience a gut-friendly protein bar that supports your health goals, start with our 6-Bar Sampler Box. Try each flavor and find your favorite. Then, upgrade to the 12-Bar Full Box for the best value — perfect for keeping your routine simple, steady, and fueled for the year ahead. 2026 starts with better fuel for a better year. 👉 Shop the 6-Bar & 12-Bar Variety Boxes 

Move More. Live Better. No Gym Required. Most people believe burning calories requires a sweaty workout, a gym membership, or a rigid routine. But your body actually burns a surprising amount of energy through everyday movement. And when you learn how to use that to your advantage, you can support your metabolism, energy, and long-term health — without adding a single workout to your schedule. This is where two simple but powerful concepts come in: NEAT and NEPA. Key Takeaways: Everyday movement burns real calories.NEAT and NEPA help you burn up to 300+ extra calories a day through simple daily activities—no workouts required. Small movements improve long-term health.Consistent, low-intensity movement supports metabolism, energy, weight management, and healthy aging. Clean protein supports better movement.High-quality, easy-to-digest protein fuels stable energy, making it easier to stay active throughout the day. What Is NEAT? Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) refers to the calories you burn doing anything that isn’t sleeping, eating, or intentional exercise. This includes everyday actions like: Walking to the kitchen Taking the stairs Standing instead of sitting Carrying groceries Cleaning Typing or even fidgeting Individually, these movements seem insignificant.Together, they can dramatically increase your daily calorie burn. Research shows NEAT can vary by 300 calories or more per day between two people of similar size — simply because one moves more throughout daily life. Levine et al., 2002 (PubMed PMID: 12468415) What Is NEPA? Non-Exercise Physical Activity (NEPA) is the actual movement that creates NEAT. It includes all physical activity that isn’t structured exercise — the real-life motion your body performs throughout the day. This includes things like: Walking your dog Stretching Gardening Playing with your kids Light movement while running errands You’ve been doing NEPA your entire life — you just may not have had a name for it. NEAT vs. NEPA — Quick Clarity Movement → Energy NEPA = the movement you perform throughout the day(walking, standing, stretching, carrying) NEAT = the calories burned as a result of that movement Movement creates burn. NEPA creates NEAT. Why Increasing NEAT & NEPA Matters Living an active life doesn’t require intense workouts or long training plans. Your body thrives on natural, organic movement spread throughout the day. Benefits of increasing NEAT and NEPA include: Improved metabolic health More stable energy Better weight management Reduced long-term inflammation Positive effects on longevity Small movements compound. And once you become aware of how many opportunities you have to move, you naturally begin making choices that support long-term health. Simple NEAT & NEPA Habits You Can Add Today These aren’t workouts — they’re habits: Take the long way to the kitchen Add a 5-minute walk between meetings Stand for part of your workday Park farther away Take the stairs when possible Set a reminder to move every hour Consistency beats intensity.Habits drive transformation. Why Quality Protein Matters When You Move More Increasing NEAT and NEPA is powerful — but it works best when your nutrition supports energy, digestion, and inflammation balance. This is where premium protein becomes essential. Most protein bars on the market are filled with: Added sugar Artificial sweeteners Chalky textures Ingredients that cause bloating or inflammation Those ingredients sabotage energy — making you less likely to move throughout the day. Five Plus Protein was created for the opposite effect. Our bars are: Vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free High in fiber for satiety and digestive support Made with anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric, cinnamon, cacao, and ginger Designed for stable energy without sugar crashes Crafted to be easy to digest, so you feel light and energized Premium bars fuel premium movement.And premium movement supports better aging. The Bottom Line If you want a simple, sustainable way to burn more calories and improve long-term health: Move more throughout your day using NEAT and NEPA Choose a high-quality protein source that supports energy, digestion, and inflammation management Five Plus Protein was built for people who take an intentional approach to aging, movement, and wellness. When NEAT, NEPA, and clean premium protein work together, each day becomes a step toward aging well — one choice at a time. Click here to explore the bars: Premium fuel for daily movement — and aging well. References Levine, J.A., et al. Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT). Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2002. PubMed PMID: 12468415 Cinti, S. Non-exercise Activity Thermogenesis. Endotext. MDText.com, Inc.

The desire for a long, healthy life is universal. But beyond wishing for longevity, what tangible steps can we take to not only live longer—but to thrive as we age? Part of the answer lies in the fascinating concept of Blue Zones.

You've just finished a solid morning run. You're standing in your kitchen, still catching your breath, and that familiar question pops into your head: “Is it better to have protein before or after my workout?” Or maybe you're the person who grabs a protein bar on the way to the gym, wondering if you're doing it all wrong. If protein timing feels confusing, you're not alone. The internet is flooded with conflicting advice about when to consume protein before or after workout sessions. Some fitness influencers swear you'll lose all your gains if you don't chug a shake within 30 minutes. Others say timing doesn't matter at all. So what's actually true? Let's cut through the noise and provide you with practical, science-backed answers that fit your real life, not some idealized version of it from a fitness magazine. 3 Key Takeaways: Total daily protein matters more than perfect timing.The “30-minute window” is largely a myth—getting enough quality protein consistently throughout the day drives results. Both pre- and post-workout protein can be beneficial.Protein before workouts can support energy and reduce muscle breakdown, while post-workout protein aids recovery—but flexibility within a 3–5 hour window is key. Consistency and quality fuel active lifestyles.Easily digestible, clean protein supports energy, recovery, and long-term fitness—making it easier to stay active and stick with healthy habits. Does Timing Really Matter? The Science Made Simple Here's the truth that might surprise you: the infamous "30-minute anabolic window" after your workout? It's mostly a myth. According to research, the post-exercise period during which protein intake is beneficial for muscle protein synthesis is actually much broader than previously thought, extending several hours after training. The research shows that for most people, consuming protein within 3-5 hours of your workout is what really matters. That tight 30-minute window? It's far less critical than we've been led to believe, especially if you're eating regular meals throughout the day. What actually influences your results more than precise timing? Your total daily protein intake, the intensity of your workout, your age, and your overall fitness goals. Spreading protein intake evenly throughout the day can be more beneficial for muscle protein synthesis than consuming large amounts at specific times. Your goal should be to consistently get enough quality protein throughout your day, rather than watching the clock. Now, let's examine what actually works in different situations. Fueling Up With Protein Before Your Workout There are legitimate benefits to having protein before exercise. Pre-workout protein can help reduce muscle breakdown during your training session, provide sustained energy (especially when paired with carbohydrates), and improve performance during longer workouts lasting 60 minutes or more. This strategy works particularly well for early morning exercisers who haven't eaten since dinner the night before, endurance athletes tackling longer runs or bike rides, or anyone who hasn't eaten in the past 3-4 hours. Your muscles benefit from having amino acids available during the workout itself. The key is choosing protein that's easily digestible and won't sit heavy in your stomach. Plant-based options, such as those in Five Plus Protein bars, provide clean fuel without the chalky taste or digestive discomfort that can accompany other protein supplements. Aim to eat 30-90 minutes before your activity to give your body time to start the digestive process. What you want to avoid: consuming heavy, hard-to-digest protein right before intense exercise. Nobody wants to feel weighed down during their workout. Supporting Recovery With Protein After Your Workout Post-workout protein plays a crucial role in supporting muscle repair and growth, helps replenish your energy stores (especially when combined with carbohydrates), and can reduce soreness while speeding up recovery time. But here's the relief: you don't need to panic if you can't consume protein immediately after your last rep or your final mile. The real window for protein consumption is within 3-5 hours post-workout, not necessarily within 30 minutes. Yes, consuming protein sooner rather than later can be beneficial, but missing that tight window won't derail your progress. Post-workout protein is vital after strength training sessions, high-intensity interval workouts, or when you know your next full meal is several hours away. This is where convenience matters for busy professionals and active parents. A portable protein bar becomes incredibly practical when you're rushing from the gym to your next meeting or when you've finished a trail run and have a 30-minute drive home. Five Plus Protein bars offer over 10 grams of clean, plant-based protein with anti-inflammatory ingredients that support recovery—no blender, no refrigeration, no excuses. What Really Matters Most for Active Adults Here's what the research keeps confirming: your total daily protein intake matters far more than precise timing. According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, people who exercise regularly need about 1.1-1.5 grams per kilogram of body weight, and those who regularly lift weights or train for running or cycling events need 1.2-1.7 grams per kilogram daily (that's roughly 0.5-0.77 grams per pound of body weight). Consistency beats perfection every single time. Regular protein intake spread throughout the day supports muscle maintenance, provides steady energy, and helps you feel satisfied between meals. For busy professionals juggling careers, families, and fitness, this is actually good news; it gives you flexibility. The practical reality? Life happens. You need protein options that work: Between back-to-back meetings, when lunch gets pushed During long hikes or bike rides, when you're miles from home As a reliable desk-drawer snack when afternoon energy crashes After your weekend pickleball game or outdoor adventure When you do consume protein, quality counts just as much as quantity, choose protein sources that are easily digestible (plant-based options work wonderfully for many people), free from inflammatory ingredients that can counteract your healthy habits, with no sugar added, and nutrient-dense beyond just the protein content. The best protein timing strategy is the one you'll stick with consistently. Find What Works for Your Body and Lifestyle The bottom line on protein before or after workout timing? There's no single "right" answer that works for everyone. It depends on your unique body, your daily schedule, and your specific fitness goals. Stop stressing about achieving perfect timing and shift your focus to consistent, quality protein intake throughout your day. Experiment with different approaches—pre-workout fuel one week, post-workout recovery the next—and pay attention to how your body responds. Notice your energy levels, your recovery time, and how you feel. Whether you prefer protein before your morning run, after your strength session, or simply as a convenient snack anytime your active lifestyle demands quality fuel, what matters most is having options that support your health without compromise. Keep a clean, easily digestible protein source handy, one that actually tastes good and aligns with your commitment to aging well and living actively. Not sure where to start? Five Plus Protein's sample box lets you try all three flavors, Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip, Lemon Ginger, and Cafe Mocha Latte, so you can discover which one becomes your go-to fuel for whenever your body needs it most. Because the best protein bar is the one you'll actually look forward to eating, whether that's before, after, or anytime in between. Your body will tell you what works. Your job is simply to listen and provide it with the quality nutrition it deserves.

There’s a moment, very likely around 3 p.m., when energy dips, hunger whispers, and the brain conspires to raid any snack drawer in sight. Most often, that moment leads to a sugar spike, followed by a crash, followed by regret and a groan. What if that moment could instead be a turning point? What if that snack could nourish, sustain, and yes, delight?

Staying at the top of your game on the pickleball court requires more than just a killer dink shot; it demands smart fueling. That's where Five Plus Protein bars come in—the perfect partner for every pickleball enthusiast. After a few intense games, your body needs to refuel and recover, and our bars are designed for exactly that. Each bar is packed with plant-based protein to support muscle repair, so you can get back on the court feeling strong and ready for your next match. And unlike other bars that can be hard on your stomach, our easy-to-digest ingredients and high fiber content mean you won't experience any of that "heavy" feeling. Our bars are non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free, so you can feel good about what you're putting into your body. Plus, with no added sugar, you get a steady energy release without the crash, keeping your focus sharp and your reflexes quick. The anti-inflammatory properties of our ingredients also help your body recover faster, so you can play longer and harder. So, whether you're playing a casual game or competing in a tournament, Five Plus Protein bars provide the clean, delicious fuel you need to perform at your best. Click here to see the original article at OpenPlayPost.com with discount code.

If someone told you that a protein bar could change your life, you’d probably raise an eyebrow, right? Because let’s be honest—most of us have been down the road of gritty, chalky “health” bars that taste like cardboard wrapped in plastic. They promise you fuel, energy, and health, but what you often end up with is sugar spikes, bloating, and regret.    But then there’s Five Plus Protein—a brand born not from a boardroom brainstorming session, but from one man’s very real frustration with the so-called “healthy” protein bars on the market. That man is Joel Montesano, the founder and CEO, and his story is one you’ll want to lean in for. Because once you hear it, you might just look at your next protein bar in a whole new way.

Sugar isn’t just in candy or soda—it’s lurking in yogurt, pasta sauce, even your “healthy” granola. It can sneak in as syrup, cane juice or fructose. Too much sugar and your energy throws tantrums. Your cells start protesting with inflammation. It’s like inviting sugar to sneak into your brain’s VIP section and nobody wants that rave.

Oklahomans Joel and Lynda Montesano are passionate about fitness and fueling their bodies with the highest quality foods available. We sat down with the husband-and-wife duo responsible for Five Plus Protein to learn more about their business, and what they feel sets their protein bars ahead of the competitors. Have you always been health conscious?  Joel: Exercising and fitness have always been a part of my life. I saw Rocky Balboa drinking raw eggs in the movies, and that is when my journey with protein started. Since then, I have used protein supplements like powders and bars. As I’ve gotten older, I realized that many protein bars contain ingredients that aren’t necessarily the best for our bodies. Just because it is called a protein bar does not mean it is healthy. Is that how your business came about?  Joel: Yes. I became frustrated with the sugar crashes that would occur after eating bars that were high in sugar. At the same time, I was learning how natural ingredients like turmeric, cacao and cinnamon have positive effects on inflammation. I learned that many of the protein bars available not only were high in sugar but contained ingredients that create or encourage inflammation. After trying virtually every protein bar on the market, we thought it was time to make our own. Read the full article here.

Let’s be honest—snacking has a reputation problem. It’s been painted as the villain in every “how to get healthy” guide, the reason jeans don’t fit, the sneaky little culprit behind sluggish afternoons. But here’s the truth: snacking isn’t the enemy. Bad snacking is. We’ve all been there—it’s 3 p.m., your energy is tanking, and suddenly that vending machine granola bar (the one that tastes suspiciously like sweetened cardboard) starts looking like a gourmet option. Or maybe you’ve reached for a doughnut in desperation, knowing full well the sugar high will come crashing down before you even finish the email you’re working on. It’s not your fault—your body’s just asking for fuel. Here’s where things get interesting. What if there was a snack that didn’t leave you with the dreaded crash? What if, instead of guilt, it left you feeling like you’d just done something smart for yourself? What if a bar—yes, a humble bar—could actually be the hero of your day? Read the full article on EWellness Magazine.

Looking for a healthy snack that invigorates? Meet the Lemon Ginger Protein Bar! This isn't your average bar. Packed with zesty lemon and spicy ginger, it's a refreshing and unique treat. Plus, it's non-GMO, has no added sugar, is vegan, gluten-free, and high in fiber. Need a morning boost, post-workout fuel, or a healthy snack? This bar has you covered. Not only does it taste great, but it also provides protein for muscle recovery and keeps you full. The lemon and ginger combo even aids digestion and boosts immunity. Ready to experience the power of lemon and ginger? Grab your Lemon Ginger LAST Protein Bar - 12 Count today!

I used to think eating a protein bar was a lot like going on a blind date set up by a very optimistic friend: you show up hopeful, spend ten awkward minutes trying to make things work, and head home with a stomach-ache and the urge to raid the freezer for real food. Read the Full Article on Wellness Mag

Hi, I’m Joel, creator of the Five Plus Protein bar. Back in early 2023, I hit a wall. I was trying to keep up with my protein needs—something that only gets more important with age—but the bar aisle was a mess. Read the Full Article on Open Play

Hey you. Yes—you, the label-checking, health-conscious, never-settling human who’s probably tried every protein bar on the market and walked away disappointed (or worse—bloated). What if this is the moment that actually changes everything? No hype. No fluff. Just real talk about real food made by real people who get it—because they’ve lived it. Welcome to the Five Plus Protein journey. A brand that didn’t start in a boardroom or marketing agency but from a personal quest for something better. Something cleaner. Something that could make you feel good. And today you’re about to find out why taking a closer look at these powerful protein bars could be one of the best decisions you make for your health—and your taste buds. Read the Full Article on Wellness Mag

As a physician assistant with over 25 years of experience, I’ve witnessed major shifts in medicine—epidemics, pandemics, evolving standards of care, and a growing recognition of the role chronic inflammation plays in long-term health. Unlike the acute inflammation we typically associate with an injury—like when I recently sprained my ankle—chronic inflammation is a silent disruptor. It doesn’t cause visible swelling or pain right away, but instead simmers under the surface, quietly damaging tissues and DNA over time. This type of low-grade, persistent immune activation has been linked to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and a host of autoimmune conditions. What causes it? The list is long: poor sleep, stress, obesity, environmental toxins, and even lingering infections or trauma. Unfortunately, it's not going anywhere—and neither should our focus on preventing and managing it naturally. That’s why I started paying attention. And it’s why Five Plus Protein was born. In my personal journey toward better health and as a healthcare provider committed to longevity and wellness, I’ve become passionate about using food as medicine. Certain spices—like turmeric and cinnamon—have been shown to reduce inflammation naturally. They’re not magic bullets, but they’re powerful tools when integrated into a consistent lifestyle. At Five Plus, we’ve worked hard to create a protein bar that’s more than just a snack. It’s a purposeful habit. Each bar includes anti-inflammatory ingredients along with balanced plant-based nutrition, designed to support people who want to feel better, move better, and age well. But make no mistake: Five Plus isn’t just about convenience. It’s about helping people reclaim their health, one bite at a time. Bridget Grover PA-C, MA-law