Healthy Snack Bars and Your Workout

If you never leave the house for your daily run or ride without a healthy snack bar or performance gel in your pocket, you might be surprised to find that it might be for naught. According to a recent study by the American College of Sports Medicine, there is little evidence supporting the idea that snacking during short workouts will improve performance.

However, this seems counter-intuitive. One would think that your body will need fluids, nutrients, and energy derived from breaking down food during exercise. However there is a great deal of contradictory information about how much and when to eat during exercise, as well as what foods you should be eating before, during and after your workouts.

For those of us who engage in light to moderate exercise, which accounts for the majority of the fitness population, you can probably save your healthy snack bar or protein drink until after your workout. According to Dr. Nancy Rodriguez, you “really do not need to keep eating during a race to maintain energy and stamina.”

Since there is so much conflicting information out there, the best guideline for whether or not to eat during a workout requires an examination of your own needs and goals. Many people simply cannot tolerate food while running. It may also depend on when you workout. If you workout in the mornings on an empty stomach you may crave that protein smoothie before you finish.

Many nutrition scientists and researchers have said that consuming one sports drink during an hour of physical exertion is an acceptable means of keeping the body hydrated and replenishing electrolytes.

The best option still is to have a large protein-rich meal after your workout. This supplies your body with all the essential nutrients it needs to begin repairing muscles, building them back bigger and stronger than before.

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