Energy Bars, Athletes and Weight Loss
Previously I discussed energy bars in terms of weight loss. Here are some additional insights on the subject related to intense activity/competition and weight loss.
Athletes should choose energy bars made with protein from an organic soy source during long workouts. Soy protein produces less ammonia in the body because it is from nonanimal sources, and ammonia leads to more muscle fatigue and soreness. Whey protein may be a better source after a long challenging workout because it is utilized more quickly by the body, which needs this protein immediately after exercise to recover and build muscle.
Bars that have healthy fats from nuts and seeds are always a better fat source, especially for heart health. Trans fats are not good for anyone because they contribute to heart disease and cancer. Saturated fats are acceptable in moderation.
Most athletes rely on the simple goos and gels during long training and competition events. Whether simple sugar or maltodextrin is a better source of sugar is debated among athletes. When choosing energy bars, I prefer my clients to use those that contain complex carbohydrate sources. They are less likely to cause blood sugar disturbances and they provide more nutrients.
Some athletes want to lose weight, to improve their sports performance. I suggest holding off weight loss efforts until off-season training. The body needs adequate calories and nutrition to perform at its optimum. Based on my experience, most athletes just don’t succeed at losing weight while in heavy competition. I believe part of the issue has to do with the stress that’s put on the body during intense training. There’s also somewhat of a "mentality" (and a heavier appetite) with heavy exercisers that justifies increased food intake because of the daily intensity of training.
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Posted by: Elaine | Oct 26, 2007 2:20:44 PM
Hi Steve,
You brought up an interesting point about trying out different bars. Sometimes a person may have a food sensitivity to any of the protein sources you mentioned. I plan on doing a blog on that issue next week.
Posted by: Lisa Roy | Oct 26, 2007 3:03:30 AM
weight training has become an important element to a basketball player's overall developmental program.To become successful on the court, basketball players must commit themselves to an effective basketball weight training program off the court.
Posted by: Stephen Cabral | Oct 25, 2007 2:13:38 PM
Elaine,
Excellent breakdown of main points. It's also important for everyone to read the labels of the bars that they are eating.
Most bars contain so many fillers, that it is often difficult to figure out what every ingredient means.
I often advise my clients to try a variety of healthy energy bars to see which ones agree with them the most. Often times, dairy, soy, casein, or other protein sources cause them to have an upset stomach, bloating, etc.
Thanks again for the post-
