Energy Bars
What is a good working energy bar?
Do you always feel overwhelmed by a tsunami of energy bars in the sports nutrition store? Then we have good news for you: after reading these tips, you’ll easily pick out the best ones. Your visit to the sports nutrition store will be a lot shorter from now on!
1. What’s your goal?
Energy bars generally fall into one of these two categories: quick energy and slow energy. Both can work well for you if used at the right time.
1. Quick energy: You will receive energy from your energy bar in the next 30 to 40 minutes.
- Ideal for when you are in the midst of your effort.
- Ideal source to continuously receive energy.
2. Slow(er) energy: The energy bar will provide you with energy for two hours.
- Perfect for the beginning of a long effort to establish a solid foundation in your first two hours. This way, you use the energy you have and set a base for the next hours, preventing energy dips.
- Ideal for long hours of cycling when you know you need to intake sufficient energy and want something different to eat.
- A nice variation in your diet for long training sessions. A healthy snack or for the start of a ride or race.
2. A good energy bar is high in carbohydrates and low in fat.
Sometimes it’s simple: you eat an energy bar to fuel your body. Carbohydrates are your body’s favorite energy source. So, a good energy bar should contain a significant amount of carbohydrates. Aim for at least 25 grams of carbohydrates for a bar weighing between 30 to 50 grams.
Also, pay attention to the fat content. Anything up to a maximum of 1 gram of fat per bar is acceptable. Extra fat not only slows down energy absorption but also puts additional strain on your stomach and is often an indicator of poor carbohydrate quality. The lower the fat, the better.
3. Choose a tasty energy bar that doesn’t stick
To do its job, the energy bar must also be tasty. If you’re not motivated to eat it, it won’t work, of course! Because taste is subjective, it’s best to try the bar before ordering a whole box. Especially if it’s for a race! That’s why our products are also available per serving.
4. Smart carb boost: Pro Sport Fruit
Energy fruits often cause a quick spike in blood sugar, leading to a dip after 15 minutes. By using a high-quality carbohydrate source, namely isomaltulose, hunger and energy dips are prevented with the Pro Sport Fruits. The composition ensures that the energy lasts extra long. A Pro Sport Fruit is ideal as a replacement for a Pro Energy bar or as a supplement to the Pro Isotonic and Bars to achieve a carbohydrate intake of 120 grams per hour.
With the isomaltulose composition, you can use this as a boost to increase your carbohydrate levels or as a replacement for an energy bar without experiencing a dip!