When Should You Consume Energy Bars?
Energy bars are great for providing your body with carbohydrates to help fuel your body for whatever you might be doing that day. Many people use them for exercising, but they can also be used for other purposes. You don’t need to be an athlete to benefit from the carbohydrates and energy that these bars provide. We take a look at when you should consume energy bars to get the most benefit.
On-the-go breakfast
Many people are often in a rush in the mornings, so much so that they don’t have time to make a nutritious breakfast for themselves. Breakfast is a very important meal as it provides your body with the energy to start the day. Energy bars do a similar thing but in a more convenient format for many people. If you’re heading out the door and don’t have time for breakfast, simply grab an energy bar on your way to give you some fuel to start your day. Just make sure you do your research and buy bars that don’t have too much sugar or artificial sweeteners; you want to select a healthy balanced energy bar that will help to sustain your appetite until lunchtime. In addition, try to make sure to eat a healthy, homemade breakfast on the days when you do have a little more time.
Snack between meals
If you’re in need of a snack between meals to provide you with energy to keep you going, an energy bar can be a good choice. Try to choose one that contains lots of fruits and nuts for a light snack to sustain you for a few hours. If you’re doing lots of exercise or have a very physical job, you can benefit from an energy bar that also has protein and carbohydrates as part of your snack. A healthy diet is one that’s balanced in terms of nutrition. Try to mix up your snacks, opting for more healthy options such as fruit and vegetables on some occasions.
Pre-workout
If you have a gym session planned or a long run, you’ll need to ensure that your body has the right amount of energy to sustain you through the workout. Many people find that eating a large meal before working out has the opposite effect and can negatively affect their workout. An energy bar eaten 30-40 minutes before your workout will give your body enough fuel to sustain a good level of performance but not too much that you begin to feel sluggish or sick. The amount of energy you need to eat before a workout will depend on your diet, energy levels and how much exercise you plan on doing.
During a workout
If you're working out for over 90 minutes, you might need to consume an energy bar or gel to help with your performance. You can test out what sources of energy work the best for your body. Some athletes find quick-acting energy gels useful, whereas others find they can upset their stomachs. Try out different amounts and types of energy during your workout to find out which has the best impact on your performance. Once you find something that works for you, stick to it throughout your training and during any events.
Post-workout
After you’ve worked out, you’ll need to provide your body with energy to help in the recovery process. At this stage, protein is also really important to stop muscle fatigue. Some energy bars contain high levels of protein; these are ideal for eating post-workout. In addition, make sure you’re replacing all of the water lost through sweat by drinking more after your workout. Rest is also important after an intense workout to help with the recovery process.
Energy bars can be delicious and a great source of fuel for your body. They’re not only reserved for athletes; many people can benefit from energy bars in their daily life. If you’re struggling to get out of bed and need a quick breakfast, an energy bar is a great choice. Alternatively, keeping a few bars in your desk drawer at work can help sustain you until the next meal and stop you from reaching for less healthy options such as sweets or crisps.