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Q. Are energy bars any good for you or are they a glorified candy bar? If so, which ones? How do you determine the difference?
A. For convenience nutrition/energy bars can be a useful tool in bridging the gap between meals. By ingesting an energy bar containing 200-350 calories between meals you can maintain your glucose levels (circulating blood sugar) and avoid the mid-day crash. Care should be taken to find bars containing “real food” and few additives.
Look for energy bars that contain a balance of complex carbohydrates, protein and essential fats. Seek nutrition bars with a breakdown similar to this:
In addition, be careful not to consume an energy bar over 400 calories in one sitting. A helpful tip is to cut the bar in half and consume half between breakfast and lunch and the second half in between lunch and dinner.
I recommended “caution” because some bars have hydrogenated oils in them making them undesirable for people trying to eat healthy. Some of the sugar alcohols found in todays “low carb and low net carb bars” can cause GI distress especially if used in conjunction with exercise. I believe 400 Kcal in one “snack” probably covers the needs of 90% FIT ’s population.
As for the bars that FIT provides, we look at the following before offering these products to our clients:
- Calories
- Purpose, as in snack vs. meal replacement vs. post-workout
- Related to #2, I check if it is low-glycemic versus high-glycemic. Each has their purpose and should be applied as such.
- Ingredients, as in the type of fat content? How much? Type of protein content? Type of carb content? How much of each?
- Price.
- The most important, taste, which is all trial and error with our clients
- Company’s reputation.
- Tracey Downing
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