Sports Nutrition Gem:
When Selecting an Energy bar, Timing is Important
Navigating through the energy bar aisle can pose quite a challenge for athletes with so many types, brands and flavors of bars for sale. While no research to date has shown that energy bars are essential for athletes, they are a convenient & portable source of calories and nutrients.
If you are interested in selecting an energy bar, here are a few tips:
Before exercise, choose bars with a high carbohydrate content ( at least 25g of carbohydrates), little or no fiber and a protein content of less than 10g protein.
After exercise, choose high-carbohydrate bars with some protein. Bars with a 4-to-1 carbohydrates to protein ratio work well to efficiently restock depleted glycogen (storage form of carbohydrates) stores in muscle.
Energy bars have a low water content making them quite dense. To increase their palatability and make them easier to digest, drink plenty of water when consuming an energy bar.
Choose a practice day instead of a game day to try out a new energy bar.
Finally, energy bars can be quite costly so use them in combination with other "energy" sources including bananas, apples, oranges, graham crackers, yogurt, Fig Newtons, and raisins.
Fuel well to play well! Energy bars may help. |