There are so many different types of energy bars and energy drinks on the market, all promising to deliver the very best results in terms of performance. While some energy bars and energy drinks are useful, it is important to always check the labels, as others can simply provide a high calorie source with little nutritional or health benefit whatsoever.
Benefits of Energy Bars
Energy bars are typically high in carbohydrates, which are used to increase or restore energy levels both during and after intensive training sessions. Before purchasing an energy bar, always check the carbohydrate, calorie, fat and protein levels, as the average, healthy energy bar will usually consist of approximately 50 g carbohydrate, 200 calories and only a very small amount of fat and protein.
In Sports Supplements, Bean (2007) highlights key benefits associated with eating energy bars, to include the following:
- provides convenient energy source
- boosts carbohydrate levels
- helps improve endurance
- provides athletes with sustained release of energy
- helps maintain blood sugar levels
- postpones exercise-related fatigue
- convenient post-exercise snack
- re-fuels glycogen stores
However, it is usually not worth bothering with consuming energy bars unless one is burning significant numbers of calories in exercise sessions. Due to the fact that energy bars are recognised as being high in calories, those who are not burning off many calories through exercising may be likely to gain weight as a result.
Benefits of Energy Drinks
Energy drinks are identified as being equally as effective as consuming energy bars, in terms of helping athletes recover and restore their energy levels during and after training. However, there is one major advantage of using energy drinks in comparison to energy bars: They replenish essential fluids which are lost through sweating. Bean (2007) identifies further benefits and properties associated with energy drinks, as follows:
- higher concentrations of carbohydrates than most sports drinks
- essential electrolytes (sodium, potassium)
- contains caffeine, protein, herbs
- amino acids
- boosts endurance levels
- helps maintain normal blood glucose levels
- delays post-training fatigue
- reduces cramping
- easily digestible
Although energy drinks are a great way of replenishing fluids, energy levels and electrolytes, some side effects may occur, such as a laxative effect. Hyper-tonic energy drinks consumed following training sessions may also lead to abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
As highlighted above, both energy bars and energy drinks are helpful sports supplements, especially in terms of boosting energy levels and helping speed recovery after exercise. These sources of carbohydrate typically contain vitamins and essential amino acids, while energy drinks, such as Lucozade, help to replenish fluids and electrolytes.
Source:
Bean, A. (2007) Sports Supplements London: A C & Black
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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