Energy bars can be a plus

     By Kim Springer
     View columnist
      Sport and energy bars have long been common place in the avid exerciser's diet.
      More and more people are eating them for a variety of reasons including meal replacement, energy and weight loss. However, not all bars are created equal and it is important to realize what you are eating and if it is the right bar for you.
      Protein bars are very popular right now with the Zone Diet and other diets that encourage higher protein intakes.
      A protein bar might be a simpler way for you to get more protein in your diet without having to overdose on chicken, fish and egg whites. For example, a Steel Pro bar contains 30 grams of protein, which is substantial for a bar.
      On the other side, the total calories for an average bar is 330. If you were eating this for just a snack, you would want to factor in these calories into your total daily allowance. These types of bars do make healthy snacks but you might want to try cutting one of them in half for two separate snacks.
      Meal replacement bars are also helpful for those trying to lose weight. The portion size is already preset and so there is no way you can over indulge.
      The Promax Bar has an average of 270 calories and five grams of fat. The varieties of flavors are quite good and when eaten with a large glass of water, can be very satisfying.
      These types of bars are ideal for those that do not have the time to prepare a healthy meal. If you normally eat a very large dinner, eating one of these bars mid-afternoon or in place of that meal might help you cut your calorie intake without feeling like you are on a strict diet.
      With the Zone and 40/30/30 diets becoming popular, along came bars that fit into these programs.
      The Balance bar is most easily recognized due to its accessibility in all types of grocery stores. Balance bars come in a variety of flavors and have on average 300 calories.
      Again, the caloric breakdown reflects the 40/30/30 philosophy: 40% of calories from carbohydrates, 30% from protein, and 30% from fat.
      There really is no secret combination in regards to weight loss as it all comes down to calories in and calories out. However, bars that have a slightly higher amount of protein or fat do tend to satisfy the appetite more than a pure carbohydrate snack.
      Energy bars have been around the longest and were once used exclusively by athletes. Now, everyone is joining in the trend to try to get the most energy for his or her particular sport.
      PowerBars, for example, contain about 230 calories, 75% of which come from carbohydrates. Again, this makes for a convenient snack when you are on the go.
      As with any bar, do not make the mistake of eating these plus your regular meals; you could easily start gaining weight from all the extra calories.
      There is no doubt that all of these bars can be used to help develop a well-rounded eating program. Using the meal-replacement bars as a substitute for a high-calorie meal might help if your goal is to lose weight.
      Most of these bars are fortified with vitamins, in which case it is possible to get too much of a good thing. Eating a bar for every meal is definitely not suggested.
      Although bars are the wave of the future for active individuals, a proper diet should still include a variety of foods. Most of these bars are very low in fiber and might slow down the natural digestive process.
      Eating some of these bars as a meal might seem like a drastic cut in calories if you are a big eater and you might be better off by preparing a meal in advance that will satisfy you but is still low in calories.
      As with any food product, make sure you read the label. Some bars might actually contain two servings in which case you would need to double the calories on the label if you eat the entire bar.
      Try different flavors and brands to find a bar that you find palatable and that fits in with your dietary goals.
     
     Kim Springer and her husband, Mike, are certified by ACE, NASM and ACSM as personal trainers. They can be reached at 233-9442, by fax at 233-9446 or by e-mail at springtrain@netscape.net.