PowerBars are energy bars for sports performance. Varieties include PowerBar Performance, for use during lengthy competitions; PowerBar Recovery, which you can use after working out; and PowerBar ProteinPlus, which has extra protein. The bars are convenient sources of calories, and they can be healthy if you use them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Energy Supplement
PowerBars can be healthy because a meal or snack before a workout can prevent hunger during your workout or competition, according to Iowa State University Extension. Choose a high-carbohydrate, low-fiber bar, such as PowerBar Performance, because too much dietary fiber, fat or protein before your workout can be difficult to digest. After a workout, PowerBar Recovery can be healthy because of its carbohydrates and protein. Eat within two hours of exercise to speed up the replenishment of your muscle's glycogen, or fuel, stores.
Protein Supplement
The regular and reduced-sugar versions of PowerBar ProteinPlus can be healthy if you are trying to increase your protein intake because each bar provides 23 to 30 g of protein, or 46 to 60 percent of the daily value for protein. Sources of protein in PowerBars include soy protein isolate, calcium caseinate and whey protein isolate. The protein is high quality, which means that it supplies each of the amino acids you need to get from your diet, according to Iowa State University Extension. High-protein PowerBars are not healthy if you do not need the extra protein because your body will store it as fat, not lean muscle.
Weight Control
PowerBars are dense sources of calories, so they can be healthy if you need to gain weight. PowerBar Performance has about 230 calories per bar, while PowerBar ProteinPlus has about 300 calories. Store them in a drawer, or carry them in a backpack or pocket, so you can snack on them throughout the day to increase your calorie intake. If you need to lose weight, use PowerBars instead of higher-calorie meals, but remember that they are not as filling as lower-calorie foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
Vitamin and Mineral Supplement
Many varieties of PowerBars are fortified, so they can be healthy if you are having trouble meeting your vitamin and mineral requirements from your regular diet. PowerBar ProteinPlus, for example, has at least 40 percent of the daily value for calcium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin E and folate. Relying on PowerBars for your vitamins and minerals is not as healthy as eating nutritious foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans and lean proteins, which may provide other beneficial nutrients, such as heart-healthy fats or fiber.
References
- PowerBar: ProteinPlus: Cookies and Cream
- PowerBar: ProteinPlus Reduced Sugar: Chocolate Peanut Butter
- PowerBar: Performance: Apple Cinnamon
- PowerBar: Recovery Bar: Cookies and Cream Caramel Crisp
- Iowa State University Extension: Eat to Compete: Protein
- Iowa State University Extension: Eat to Compete: Training Diet
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