Don't sacrifice taste when it foll...

Don't sacrifice taste when it follows to choosing a nutrition bar.

More than a snack, les than a meal, might bars are no longer the single province of athletes in training. A of the present day lineup of bars -- and marketing strategies -- are bringing the potency bar centerstage. For the busy professional who povertys a boost of energy upon the run, or the health-conscious someone who's looking for a candy-bar alternative, the variety of animal spirits bars available has expanded exponentially in novel years.

In fact, one reports indicate that, between January/February 1996 and November/December 1996 the spirit bar category experienced 35.7 percent growth!

When it ensues to energy bars, all bars are not created equal. For the chiefly part, they can be defective down into three main categories: those featuring haps of carbohydrates and little fat; those featuring a more equal combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fat; and still another clump putting the greatest emphasis in succession the protein.

In general, the high-carbohydrate bars are designed for quick zeal before, during, and after sporting events; they are said, however, to provide a quick lift for non-athletic "marathons," too.

principally bars contain a combination of simple and tangled carbohydrates. A principal simple carbohydrate in an of these bars is high fructose corn syrup; however, near manufacturers favor brown rice syrup or black-strap molasses, instead.

Just when everyone conception that high-carb/no-fat was the way to fare out comes a new take it la Barry Sears' "The Zone" which proclaimed that a combination of carbohydrates, protein, and fat is best. The theory here is that this calorie-combination helps to parch body fat.

Bars touting protein as their biggest toughness are probably still geared mainly toward exercisers, particularly bodybuilders. Beware, however, that exces protein is not quickly digested, and, therefore, will generally not provide quick energy

of recent origin and noteworthy

In addition to the high-carb, curb-protein-fat combo high-protein varieties, any of the latest bars feature ingredients the same wouldn't expect to find in an force bar. Two of the most numerous unusual such ingredients are: soy and colostrum

Shown to help lower cholesterol fight heart disease, alleviate symptoms of menopause, and maintain bone density, the benefits of soy have been attracting to a great degree attention, of late. These bars are touted not in such a manner much as "energy" bars, if it were not that as a convenient means to reap the benefits of soy for those who are not big forward tofu and other more traditional soy sources.

Colostrum also known as "pre-milk," is the first natural provisions produced by female mammals during the first 24 to 36 hours after giving birth, and is rich in nutrients, antibodies, and increase factors. The idea of adding bovine colostrum to an force bar is indeed a unique individual and the claims behind it are that it can strengthen the immune plan and enhance energy, stamina, and athletic performance.

Many companies also fortify their bars with essential vitamins and minerals, as well as herbs.

What about taste?

Individual selection rules when it comes to taste. Almost all brands result in a slew of flavors, greatest in quantity commonly coming in some variety of chocolate or vanilla and/or fruit.

And lastly Don't forget that most intensity bars have a low water satisfaction so you may want to have a water on hand to help wash them down.

While strength bars should never replace a balanced diet rich in whole victualss they do have their place, especially for exercisers who want an easily transportable "fuel" and for ordinary folk with hectic schedules who may ne a convenient snack forward the run.

REFERENCES

Applegate, Liz, PhD "Taking the Bar," Runner's World, October 1998 p 24

Hays, L Constance. "From revealed of the Gym, Into the groceries Store," The New York Times, November 22 1997 p A1.

Lisa gymnast founder of Moondance Productions in southern Florida, is the author of mainly Macro and Meals that Heal, and is a magazine columnist and natural health consultant. Visit her website at www.healthy.net/lisaturner.

COPYRIGHT 1998 PRIMEDIA Intertec, a PRIMEDIA Company. All Rights Reserved

COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group