Info about Energy Bars
Energy Bars to Restore Nutrients
The first energy bar was put on the shelves in 1983. Athletes who needed more energy during their activities were the targeted customers. The energy bars had very high carbohydrate content and very low protein content and very low fat. No particular attention was paid to the taste. Energy bars are now found not only in sports shops, but they are on the grocery and convenience store shelves too. More thought has been put into the taste and nutritional content because consumers have a growing interest in them. Today the market includes much more than energy bars that are intended for athletes. It is comprised of protein bars, bars with high carbohydrate content, nutritional bars, low carbohydrate bars, meal replacements, medical bars, low glycemic bars and many more.
Energy bars are available in different composition, sizes, and calorie content. Research has confirmed that active people need carbohydrates to power the muscles and brain when they are exercising and for replacing the glycogen in the muscles when they have finished exercising. A bar that has high protein content and high fat will slow down the digestion and may cause stomach upset while exercising.
Athletes need more protein than sedentary people. This higher protein need influenced the manufacturers to raise the amount of protein in the bars. Protein, however, is not usually used as a source of energy during activity so these high protein bars would not be the best choice to use before exercising or while you are exercising. Research shows that carbohydrates combined with protein helps restore glycogen in muscles after exercise. Choosing a bar with protein and carbohydrates after exercise will satisfy the body’s need for them.
Athletes also need enough fat in their diet, but fat that is consumed while exercising is not immediately available to be used for energy. Digestion of fat takes longer so it may cause stomach discomfort if you eat a bar high in fat. Athletes need to choose a bar that has less than four grams of fat for use before or during exercise.
Energy bars are an easy way of getting the additional energy you need prior to exercise, during your workout, and after you have exercised. Athletes need to try different types and brands so they will know which ones are likely to cause stomach upset. Everyone has a unique digestive system so you may need to try several brands before you find one that is right for you.
If you are looking for energy while you are exercising you will want to choose a bar that is high in carbohydrates with a moderate fat and protein content. Athletes will also need high carbohydrates after they exercise to replace glycogen that is lost from muscles. It is also helpful after exercise to have protein in combination with the carbohydrates.
You should not replace meals often with energy bars because they cannot take the place of whole foods. A diet that primarily consists of energy bars will be poor in whole food choices. Energy bars cannot take the place of a proper diet because they are created foods.