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Sports bars are convenient sources of energy, but there’s nothing magical about them, says
Chris Rosenbloom, Ph.D., R.D., and an associate professor at Georgia State University in Atlanta.
Some manufacturers want you to believe that their products can make you stronger, faster, or leaner,
but that isn’t necessarily so. A piece of fruit, a bagel, oatmeal, toast, fig bars, or any
other high-carb, low-fat food works just as well, “but aren’t as convenient as commercial
energy bars,” says Rosenbloom.
Eaten before or during sports, “performance” bars provide easily digestible carbohydrates,
which are burned as fuel by muscles. Small amounts of protein and fat can also help delay
fatigue by sparing carbohydrates during lower intensity workouts. During high-intensity
workouts, protein and fat are inefficient energy sources, so they aren’t recommended.
Intensity is everything
Choosing what and how much to eat during exercise has a lot to do with your fitness level and goals.
If you’re an endurance athlete working out for more than three hours per session at moderate
to high intensity, you need to eat during exercise.
If you’re exercising to lose weight and aren’t spending more than two hours per exercise
session, you don’t have to worry about eating while exercising. “Many people sabotage
their diets by thinking that they have to eat like an endurance athlete, when they’re
not,” notes Rosenbloom. “If you eat 200 to 400 calories with at least 50 percent of
calories from carbohydrates, 15 percent from protein, and the remainder from fat, you probably
won’t need any additional fuel during exercise lasting up to three hours.”
No-bake power bites
1/2 cup chopped dates
1/2 cup figs (stemmed)
1/2 cup raisins
1/4 cup wheat germ
5 tablespoons nonfat dry milk powder
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
In food processor, combine first five ingredients. Process until dough forms a ball. In small bowl,
mix the crumbs and lemon juice. Roll dough into 1” balls and coat with crumbs. Store in an
airtight container for up to two weeks. Makes 4 balls.
Nutritional info per ball: 240 calories; 54g carbohydrates; 2.5g fat; 5.5g protein
Dried fruit provides the bulk of the carbohydrates and calories in the bites. Because it contains
a significant amount of fiber (more than 8 grams per serving), they are best eaten before and
during sports that do not stimulate the gastrointestinal tract. These sports would include cycling,
swimming, and hiking. They may not settle in your stomach if you’re going to participate in
high-impact types of activities such as running or aerobics.
Cereal bars
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole-wheat flour
1/8 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup Grape Nuts
Preheat oven to 400. Set aside 2 tablespoons Grape Nuts. In bowl, blend all ingredients. Roll dough
into 2” by 1/2” balls. Press into rectangular bars. Coat bars with remaining Grape Nuts
and place on nonstick cookie sheet. Bake 15 minutes or until slightly brown. Cool completely before
eating. Store in airtight container for up to a week. Makes 18 bars.
Nutritional info per bar: 90 calories; 17g carbohydrates; 2g fat; 2g protein
These bars are lower in calories than many commercial sports bars but they provide a similar ratio
of carbohydrates, protein, and fat.
Lemon-orange sports drink
Water
1 caffeine-free lemon tea bag
2 tablespoons sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 tablespoons orange juice
Bring 16 ounces of water to a boil. Steep lemon tea bag. Dissolve sugar and salt in the tea and
let cool. Combine the tea and orange juice and chill.
Nutritional info per 8 ounce serving: 60 calories; less than 1g protein; 15g carbohydrates; 130mg
sodium; less than 1g fat
Although you won’t taste it, a scant amount of sodium is added to the recipe to help keep you
better hydrated. Working out for long periods of time without adequate sodium levels can cause the
blood sodium levels to drop to dangerously low levels. Drink this homemade concoction before,
during, or after working out.
Bag-and-go mix
1 cup roasted salted soy nuts
2 cups cereal (Frosted Mini Wheats, Chex, or Raisin Bran)
1 cup raisins or any dried fruit
1 cup mini pretzels
Nutrition info per 1 cup mix: 375 calories; 52g carbohydrate; 10g protein; 14g fat
Soy nuts or any other type of nuts can be used in this recipe. A cup of any type of nuts contains
more than 700 calories, primarily fat calories. Therefore, trail mixes are best used for long
distance low-intensity sports such as bike touring or hiking, where the body is working in a
primarily aerobic state so that the body can efficiently burn fat for fuel. Since nuts are dense
in nutrients, they are good to snack on during multiday hiking or cycling trips where you must
carry your food.
Banana goo
In a blender, combine two bananas and 1tablespoons peanut butter and blend until
smooth. Spoon into a plastic bag or tube and eat as needed.
Nutritional info for entire serving: 310 calories; 10g protein; 66g carbohydrates; 9g fat
This homemade gel is high in carbohydrate and provides moderate amounts of protein and fat.
Because it contains 9 grams of fat, it is not recommended for high-intensity running or cycling
because fat delays stomach emptying. However, if you want a gel to use when hiking or doing
lower-intensity workouts, this is a good option. You can also make this low in fat by substituting
peanut butter with chocolate syrup for banana-chocolate flavored goo.
Graham cracker and jelly squares
Spread one side of entire graham cracker (four rectangles) with 1 tablespoon of jelly or jam. Place
another graham cracker on top. Break in half.
Each half provides: 114 calories; 24g carbohydrate; 1g protein; 1g fat
This is an easy, high-carb, and virtually fat-free snack that’s low in calories. You can add
peanut butter, raisins, banana slices, or nuts or seeds to the jelly to add more calories, flavor,
or texture.
Other good choices
Low-fat muffins or crackers
Animal crackers
Pretzels
Saltines
Low-fat Pop-Tarts
Fig bars
Although these foods are not nutritional all-stars, they can be bought at virtually any grocery
store or deli and they’re a lot less expensive than sports bars. All are high in carbohydrates and
low in fat and can be used for most sports of moderate intensity. Fig bars, cookies, and crackers
are best for cycling or jogging while the others are most appropriate for activities where you can
use both hands to eat.
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