Showdown of the Nutritional Bars

The ubiquity of nutritional aids and advertisements has made health food as mainstream as junk food. But is there really a difference? Some would say, "yes". Football star, Troy Aikman endorses Met-Rx supplements. Numerous pro athletes, especially runners, cyclists, and multisport competitors are sponsored, and provide credibility to Power Bar. Even syndicated shock-jock, Howard Stern is hawking the 40-30-30 program of the Balance Bar. He says they really work! Well, slip him the right amount of cash and he'll sell abstinance to a sailor on shore-leave.

	Met-Rx	Balance	Pure Protein	Power Bar	Snickers
energy	340cal	200cal	280cal	230cal	280cal
protein	27g	15g	33g	10g	4g
fat	4g	6g	7g	2g	14g
carbs	50g	22g	9g	45g	36g
sugars	29g	18g	6g	14g	29g
sodium	110mg	190mg	80mg	90mg	150mg
potassium	700mg	120mg	40mg	145mg	???mg

In a nutshell, I'd say that these are, overall better than a Snickers bar, insofar as nutritional value, health, and athletic performance are concerned. Although if it's taste you're after Snickers might win out. The Pure Protein is closest in approximating the Snickers sensory experience–chocolatey and rich–and Balance comes in a close second. Beware, though of the Snickers label which states its fat content as 21%. That's 21% of a total daily consumption of 2000 calories. It's misleading (for that matter, so is current nutritional labeling, in general) as it implies it's relatively low fat, when in reality, it's about 45% fat, per serving. By the way, the manufacturer understates the caloric value of the fat in each bar by around 5%. But, I digress. We know Snickers is not a fitness bar–it's out of the picture. So which of these fitness bars offers the best taste?

Nonetheless, it isn't taste that is the real purpose of choosing one of these bars over an ordinary candy bar. Adding a nutritionally dense food supplement is the objective. For those times when a full meal, or prepared snack is impossible or impractical, the bar is the solution. So which is the best, here?

Basically, the nutrient quality of these supplements is pretty much the same:

• all include an array of vitamins / minerals

• all provide some protein: soy, whey, milk, egg in varying amounts

• all have ample sugar, yes sugar–this can be a big deal,

depending on your physical / mental objectives.

Now for the differences.

Power Bar

If you are an endurance athlete, the Power Bar is a superior choice because, as its lable discloses it has a total of 45grams of carbs, 14grams simple sugar, 3 grams fiber, and 28 grams "other carbs". The other carbs would be in the form of maltodextrin, a complex carb, which provides a slower, more even release of energy than simple carbohydrates. The combination of these macronutrients allows for sustained enrgy over longer periods, ie. endurance events of all kinds. The fat is low (under 10%), and the protein is low / moderate (less than 20%), which is typical for non-strength oriented athletes.

If you want a whole other take on endurance training and energy bars, have a look at Phil Maffetone's energy bar offering. He is, in his own words "controversial" in his nutrtional / training direction. Phil does make some valid points especially concerning these nutritional bars.

Balance Bar

Many athletes, gym going folk, and those interested in trimming their figure / physiques are subscribing to Barry Sears' Zone diet. He advocates 40% cabohydrates, 30% protein and 30% fat as the end-all eating regimen, and lots of people are following his program with great success. One way to stay "in the zone" is by snacking on zone-favorable foods, or combinations of foods. There are several zone-centric bars around, but the best known (said: most heavily marketed) is the Balance Bar.

Being susceptible to hypoglycemic mood and energy swings, myself, I will attest that the ratio of fat and protien to carbs certainly seems to prevents blood sugar spikes. Those who are hypoglycemic, diabetic, attempting to get leaner, and / or away from food for long periods may find this bar quite helpful. To clarify, if blood sugar is drastically raised by a sugary or high glycemic index carbohydrate snack, rice cakes for instance, insulin is released to temper the elevated blood sugar levels. Blood sugar is quickly lowered, the sugar calories are stored right away as fat–because they weren't around long enough to be used. You feel this as a physical or mental lull, or tiredness. The 40-30-30 program is designed to prevent the rapid rise in blood sugar, thus enhancing performance, health and mood. I've seen it work quite well for all types of athletes.

Met-Rx Bar

My current favorite. Here's why. The simple carbs' absorbtion are not inhibited because the fat content is pretty low, and therefore gives me a blood sugar spike. But wait. Isn't that bad? Not after a workout. That is when your body is hungriest for nutrients, and will use more of what you give it. So, I'm replenishing spent glycogen, right away. Then, within about an hour to 90 minutes, I'll have a full meal, more along the lines of the Zone's 40-30-30. I opt for a higher protein diet because it keeps me looking leaner (less watery), and I trust, in positive nitrogen balance.

Pure Protein Bar

Those I know who are concerned with keeping their carbohydrate intake relatively low, so as to look their leanest use the Pure Protein bar because it has so few carbs, and so high a protein content versus total calories. Its blend of whey and milk protein provides for short and long term presence of protein in the bloodstream. Milk protein tends to stay with you, so to speak, whereas whey seems to act more like a simple carb. (Note: I've noticed this effect, personally over several years, and recently saw something published (IronMan Magazine, perhaps?) that substantiates my observation. Before I say for sure that's what's happening I need to check it out further. More on this in a future article.) Nonetheless, this may be useful if you're training late at night, and then go right to bed. Your body will have access to protein right away and throughout the night, as it is repairing itself from the day's stressors–training.

In any event, if it's a high protein snack you're looking for, with low carbs and moderate fat, this is the bar. You might find the high protein keeps you sharp during long meetings. Try this bar before your next, big negotiation. Drink plenty of water, avoid the coffee, donuts, bagels, and sweets, and maintain your edge throughout your deal making. Send me 10% of your "winnings" (I'm kidding).