Have you ever gone for a long ride or been in a race and wished that you had an extra boost of energy? Do you stop and think about what exactly is in an energy bar? How your body uses them? Or the biggie: When am I supposed to eat an energy bar? Well, the answers to all of your questions and more are below, so keep reading to find out what energy bars can do for you!
What exactly is in an energy bar?
An energy bar is a mixture of fruits, grains and other energy-packed, natural ingredients that are high in carbohydrates. The main reason people eat energy bars is because they are a source of carbohydrates that your body uses for fuel while you are doing any type of exercise. Energy bars on the market today can be divided into two main groups: There are brands high in carbohydrates, low in proteins and fats. And then there are the brands that contain a more balanced mix of proteins, carbos and fats. Your body takes in the carbos and stores them to be used while you are exercising and supplies the right amount to keep you going until the end of your race or ride.
When do I need them? What should I do after I eat an energy bar?
An energy bar is great almost anytime, you can eat them before a hard race, before or during a ride and even during a long race. Energy bars are easy to bring along with you and will not melt if they are exposed to heat all day. For best results eat an energy bar 30-45 minutes before a race or workout or eat small amounts during your race or ride. It is very important to remember to drink 12-16 ounces of water during and after consumption of the bar. Otherwise, it will feel like you have a bowling ball sitting in the bottom of your stomach and that is going to make it very difficult to do anything!
Which bar is best?
We have just thrown a lot of information at you about energy bars, so you are probably wondering what to make of all of this hype, right? We have created a table below outlining the contents of the various bars available and also links leading to more specific information about a certain brand.
Product Nutrients Per Package* Flavors Boulder Bar 210 calories
40g carbohydrate
8g protein
3g fatOriginal ClifBar
800/884-KALI250 calories
51g carbohydrate
4g protein
2g fatChocolate Espresso, Chocolate, Chocolate Chip, Apple Cherry, Apricot, Real berry, Peanut Butter Crunch Extreme Bar
510/283-2882230 calories
33g carbohydrate
7g protein
3g fatVanilla Crunch, Oatmeal Raisin, Apple-Cinnamon, Chip & Cherry, Brownie Crunch, Cookie Dough PowerBar
800/58POWER230 calories
45g carbohydrate
10g protein
2.5g fatChocolate, Malt-Nut, Wild Berry, Apple Cinnamon, Banana, Mocha Thunder Bar 230 calories
44g carbohydrate
10g protein
1g fatChocolate, Tropical