Energy bars can be a nutritional snack before a workout, providing you with carbohydrates for exercise. However, energy bars can be high in fat and calories. If you are trying to watch your weight, choose bars with less than 250 calories and 5 g of fat per serving. As a snack alternative before exercise, you may want to consider a piece of fruit, fruit yogurt or a whole-grain bagel.
Effects
Carbohydrates are digested quickly and enter the bloodstream soon after eating. This provides quick fuel when you are working out. An energy bar can help keep your blood-sugar levels stabilized as you exercise. This will help you avoid feeling hungry or fatigued during your workout.
Size
According to the American College of Sports Medicine, you should have one energy bar per hour of intense exercise. The bar should have about 25 to 40 g of protein per serving. You do not need an energy bar with large amounts of protein. The bar should contain less than 15 g of protein per serving. Protein is not required for energy during exercise. Instead, protein should be consumed after a workout for muscle repair and recovery.
Considerations
It is difficult to determine what type of carbohydrate sources in an energy bar work best before exercise, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. Ideally, a low-glycemic index energy bar eaten prior to exercise will help provide you with a sustained amount of energy throughout your workout. Complex carbohydrates found in energy bars, such as whole grains, have a lower glycemic index than energy bars consisting of mostly sugar.
Drawbacks
The disadvantage of an energy bar before exercise involves cost. Eating a piece of fruit has a similar effect and is less expensive. Also, the extra vitamins, minerals and protein added to the energy bar may be more than the recommended daily allowance for certain nutrients.
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