Store-bought energy bars may seem like an easy and “healthy” way to energise pre-workout or as a meal replacement on the run, but they’re not as virtuous as you might think.
In fact, often packed full of sugar and artificial crap, they’re more likely to undo all your hard work. We asked I Quit Sugar: 8-Week Program expert Diana Tencic and our resident IQS gym bunnies why five of the most commonly held beliefs are actually unequivocally untrue.
1. The myth: Energy bars are a great way to fuel pre-workout.
The truth: Energy bars are often full of sugar, and although this can deliver a short burst of energy it also sends your blood sugar levels on a roller coaster that ultimately leaves you slumping. They also often lack other key nutrients, such as healthy fats.
For genuinely healthy foods that will sustain your workout, personal trainer Diana recommends “full-fat yoghurt with Coco-Nutty Granola or avocado on sourdough bread.”
2. The myth: Energy bars are a great way to help with post-workout muscle recovery.
The truth: Many energy bars contain protein powders, which can be a great boost for muscle recovery. However, rather than using high-quality powders, energy bars usually contain versions full of soy, fillers, bulking agents and sugar.
If you’re an intense exerciser and need to refuel your muscles after a workout, our head of marketing and heavy lifter, Jorge, recommends eggs, as a natural source of high quality protein.
3. The myth: Energy bars are a healthier snack than chocolate.
The truth: Some “healthy” energy bars can have more sugar than a block of chocolate. Like this PowerBar Protein Plus, which has 6.5 teaspoons in a single bar.
(Or the feature image above, which is actually a protein bar and not a Snickers bar! Hard to tell, right?)
Don’t be fooled by bars made with “natural” sugar substitutes. For example, the Winners Sustained Energy Apple Berry Crumble Bar is over 20 per cent sugar!
4. The myth: Energy bars are the healthiest convenient option.
The truth: You could drive to your local supermarket, navigate the crowds and pay $4+ for a energy bar that doesn’t actually deliver what it promises.
Or you could make your own easy-to-tote energising options in much less time. Alyssa, our marketing executive and resident sports lover recommends cheese squares with low-fructose fruits or protein-packed Super Charged Peanut Butter Fudge.
5. The myth: Energy bars are a healthy meal replacement.
The truth: Although we don’t count calories, many energy bars are nutritionally-light, calorie-dense and don’t contain any “real” foods.
The Atkins Decadence Advantage Bar, for example, is made with a long list of unidentifiable stuff including humectant glycerol, hydrolysed collagen, palm fat and colour armine.
Not exactly anything you’d find at the farmer’s markets, and hardly the kind of enticing dinner you can look forward to at the end of a long day.
Are any energy bars healthy?
If you make them yourself! Try our sugar-free Chewy Pumpkin Protein Bars or Sarah’s Gnarly Mocha Chia Sports Goobs.
Ready to quit sugar?
Join our 8-Week Program now and you could win a trip to Sydney for lunch with Sarah and the team!
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