Now that I know what is in 99% of the energy bars out on the shelves, I cringe - literally cringe.
Corn syrup is the big one and it is everywhere. Tell me one energy bar that does not have corn syrup in it. Eating an energy bar that is loaded with sugar or corn syrup gives you a false sense of energy as you will come crashing down with low blood sugar in about 30 minutes.
Also tell me another that has balanced carbohydrates, protein and fats. Any?
Do they actually do anything for you? Really - let me know if so and let me know what energy bar you are using which makes you feel better.
I am a fan of the BumbleBar but it doesn't have enough protein in it so I crash after I eat it.
The so famous Lara Bars and Luna Bars make me cringe. There is very little protein in them, high in sugar and low in healthy fat which guarantee a certain metabolic crash in about 30 minutes tops. Granted they are better than many energy bars on the market but I still am not a fan.
I am a fan of the ReBar energy bars but I crash a bit after those also. They do have a lot of fiber in them though which does slow the absorption of the sugar. They are also not really an energy bar. They are more a replacement for those who do not get their 8 servings of fruits and vegetables. It is a sorry way to get your fruits and veggies - but hey - we cannot always be eating perfectly.
The energy bars which I enjoy the most and keep me going are the ones by Biogenesis Nutraceuticals. Dr David Wood, ND formulated these bars along side an Australian nutritionist and I can munch one of these and go for a long time without eating. Is that a good thing? No, not really. But I am busy and gotta eat something between seeing patients and studying.
The most popular flavor by Biogenesis is the Peanut Butter Crunch energy bar yet it is not the healthiest. The next most popular is the Crispy Rice and that is significantly more healthy than the PB Crunch bar. There is 12 grams of protein, 6 grams of healthy fat and 25 grams of carbs so it is quite balanced ensuring balanced blood sugar.
I've got a wrapper next to me as I came home and checked emails immediately instead of preparing a meal. Sound familiar?
For those commenting - please have these answered so we can understand what is going on out there in the energy bar world:
- Type of energy bar you eat.
- Does it have corn syrup in it?
- How many grams of protein, carbs and fats does it have?
- Any organic or real food ingredients?
- Any good amount of real nutritional value? Vitamins, minerals, etc?
- How many do you eat a day?
- What is your ideal energy bar? Why?
