Energy bars — not just for athletes anymore

Better Nutrition, Nov, 1998 by Lisa Turner, Patricia Andersen-Parrado

Don't sacrifice taste when it comes to choosing a nutrition bar.

More than a snack, less than a meal, energy bars are no longer the sole province of athletes in training. A new lineup of bars -- and marketing strategies -- are bringing the energy bar centerstage. For the busy professional who needs a boost of energy on the run, or the health-conscious person who's looking for a candy-bar alternative, the variety of energy bars available has expanded exponentially in recent years.

In fact, some reports indicate that, between January/February 1996 and November/December 1996, the energy bar category experienced 35.7 percent growth!

When it comes to energy bars, all bars are not created equal. For the most part, they can be broken down into three main categories: those featuring lots of carbohydrates and little fat; those featuring a more equal combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fat; and still another group putting the greatest emphasis on the protein.

In general, the high-carbohydrate bars are designed for quick energy before, during, and after sporting events; they are said, however, to provide a quick lift for non-athletic "marathons," too.

Most bars contain a combination of simple and complex carbohydrates. A principal simple carbohydrate in some of these bars is high fructose corn syrup; however, some manufacturers favor brown rice syrup or black-strap molasses, instead.

Just when everyone thought that high-carb/no-fat was the way to go, out comes a new take it la Barry Sears' "The Zone," which proclaimed that a combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fat is best. The theory here is that this calorie-combination helps to burn body fat.

Bars touting protein as their biggest strength are probably still geared mainly toward exercisers, particularly bodybuilders. Beware, however, that excess protein is not quickly digested, and, therefore, will generally not provide quick energy.

New and noteworthy

In addition to the high-carb, curb-protein-fat combo, high-protein varieties, some of the latest bars feature ingredients one wouldn't expect to find in an energy bar. Two of the most unusual such ingredients are: soy and colostrum.

Shown to help lower cholesterol, fight heart disease, alleviate symptoms of menopause, and maintain bone density, the benefits of soy have been attracting much attention, of late. These bars are touted not so much as "energy" bars, but as a convenient means to reap the benefits of soy for those who are not big on tofu and other more traditional soy sources.

Colostrum, also known as "pre-milk," is the first natural food produced by female mammals during the first 24 to 36 hours after giving birth, and is rich in nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors. The idea of adding bovine colostrum to an energy bar is indeed a unique one, and the claims behind it are that it can strengthen the immune system and enhance energy, stamina, and athletic performance.

Many companies also fortify their bars with essential vitamins and minerals, as well as herbs.

What about taste?

Individual preference rules when it comes to taste. Almost all brands come in a slew of flavors, most commonly coming in some variety of chocolate or vanilla and/or fruit.

And lastly ... Don't forget that most energy bars have a low water content, so you may want to have some water on hand to help wash them down.

While energy bars should never replace a balanced diet rich in whole foods, they do have their place, especially for exercisers who want an easily transportable "fuel," and for ordinary folks with hectic schedules who may need a convenient snack on the run.

REFERENCES

Applegate, Liz, Ph.D. "Taking the Bar," Runner's World, October 1998, p. 24.

Hays, L. Constance. "From Out of the Gym, Into the Grocery Store," The New York Times, November 22, 1997, p. A1.

Lisa Turner, founder of Moondance Productions in South Florida, is the author of Mostly Macro and Meals that Heal, and is a magazine columnist and natural health consultant. Visit her website at www.healthy.net/lisaturner.>

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