(also referred to as...)
Carbohydrate Bars, Energy Bars, Power Bars, Protein Bars, Specialty Bars, Sports Bars
Description
Nutrient bars are portable snack foods used by many types of people for many different reasons. Fitness enthusiasts may use protein bars as a supplement to their fitness programs. They are a healthier alternative to chips, candy bars, and other junk foods. And many people use them to squeeze some nutrition into their hectic lives where eating right may not always be possible.
There are a large variety of bars available and many are designed to contain a high protein, carbohydrate, vitamin, or mineral content, or can be specialized to contain specific herbs or other nutrients. Most are made with white sugar alternatives, including barley malt, brown rice syrup, honey, and dried fruit.
Protein Bars
Protein bars are used by fitness enthusiasts to help build muscle mass and strength, with an average thirty percent protein content per bar. Protein may be derived from soy, whey, lactose-free milk solid, or a specific laboratory preparation. They provide additional protein above and beyond that obtained from the diet and these bars are often used by weight-lifters and football players for their muscle building potential.
Carbohydrate Bars
Carbohydrate bars are used by hikers, swimmers, runners, bikers, and other athletes engaged in endurance sports. These bars help maintain energy levels (in the form of glycogen) and compensate for the fatigue that accompanies a decline of glycogen levels in the body during exercise. Carbohydrate content can range from several to several hundred grams per bar and they typically contain several hundred calories. A bar containing 50% carbohydrates is often enough to satisfy your body's demand of 30 to 60g carbohydrates per hour of strenuous exercise.
Simple carbohydrate bars are easily digested and offer a quick energy boost by increasing blood sugar levels in the body. Complex carbohydrate bars are more appropriate for long-term energy and endurance. These bars allow the body to store energy in your muscles.
Specialty Bars
Specialty bars contain added herbs, other ingredients, such as hemp seeds or seaweed, or are designed to meet one or more specific needs. Many contain stimulants designed for a quick energy boost; however, this approach to meeting energy needs is not recommended.
Choosing A Bar
The sheer variety of bars available can lead to significant confusion as product benefits, costs, and possibly undesirable ingredients are compared. If you are looking for a nutrient bar, either for incorporation into your fitness program, dietary program, or sheer curiousity, discuss the matter with the staff of your local health food store, who should be able to guide you in the appropriate direction. Your nutritionist, naturopath, or other health practitioner can also help choose a bar appropriate for your needs and/or healing protocol.
Water Works
Be sure to consume a large volume of water when eating nutrient bars. Many bars contain highly concentrated ingredients that will become more available to the body when diluted. In addition, your body requires a greater quantity of fluids when taking in food during exercise, as it takes your stomach longer to absorb water and empty into the small intestine. Dehydration can result if the above actions are not taken when the consumption of a nutrient bar is part of your exercise program.
Ailments / Situations Where Used
Nutrient bars can be used to address certain vitamin, mineral, and protein deficiencies. Higher quality bars contain nutrient preparations that are more readily absorbed by your body, such as minerals in chelated form. Protein deficiency is typically not a problem in North American diets, but the bars can be used to supplement additional sources as part of a fitness program.
As previously mentioned, nutrient bars can be used to supplement the diet with vitamins, minerals, proteins, and carbohydrates. However, this approach should only be used as a short-term solution
Source
Nutrient bars are created from a variety of natural and laboratory ingredients. Some may contain specialized forms of proteins while others may merely be elaborate granola bars. Consult with the nutrition specialist at your local health food store to discuss the variety of offerings.
Optimal Absorption
Eat one bar daily as a supplement to a meal. Fitness enthusiasts may require additional bars to meet their needs.
NOTE: It is not recommended to use nutrient bars as a complete meal replacement.
Contraindications / Precautions / Warnings
Consuming too many nutrient bars can cause vitamin/mineral overdose. Use moderately. As mentioned above, do not use nutrient bars as a complete meal replacement.
Ailment / Situation Listing
| Meal Supplement | Nutrient Deficiency (Some) | Protein Deficiency (Some) |
