Energy bars are promoted as a way to gain an edge on the competition and to provide extra energy during exercise. Yet, despite lofty claims and multi-million dollar advertising, the energy bar is still just another word for candy bar.
When compared to candy bars, energy bars have about the same amount of calories and carbohydrates. And, while sugar and fat calories are higher in candy bars than energy bars, this does not necessarily mean energy bars can be used for a balanced diet.
Kathy Jo Cook, Essentials of Human Nutrition teacher, said she wouldn’t recommend just eating energy bars because you need to have the balance and variety of different foods.
“Not only will you find greater enjoyment in eating [natural foods] but it will provide you with a more balanced nutrition,” Cook said.
In addition, Cook said you can get the same nutrients in other foods as you can get in energy bars, mentioning that a glass of milk and crackers or a bag of your favorite whole grain cereal will give the same energy for a cheaper price.
However, because energy bar nutrients aren’t defined, Cook emphasized that we need to be able to read the label of the energy bar we buy.
“The ‘energy’ that you are being provided is the calories. You have three nutrients that will give you energy. You have the carbohydrates, the protein and the fat and that is what is fueling your body,” Cook said.
Energy bars do have the benefit of being quick and easy.
“The one thing that energy bars do have on their side is that they are very convenient. A student who is going from place to place can put one or two energy bars in their backpack because they are not perishable. This is a very expensive option,” Cook said.
“They’re just really convenient. They’re fast and easy and something you can eat really quick,” said Jarica Fisher, a sophomore from Idaho Falls and personal trainer at the Hart Gym.
Yet, despite the convenience, taste is still an issue.
Scott Wood, a professor in the Recreational Education Department, admits that while he does use them on occasion, they’re still hard for him to “get down.”
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