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Is it true that you can exercise longer and harder if you make energy bars or drinks a regular part of your diet? Energy bars and drinks were originally designed for endurance athletes, such as marathon runners, who needed nonperishable and portable food to take with them. However, studies have shown that these supplemental food products are no better for athletes than any other food containing an equal amount of calories and carbohydrate. Energy bars and drinks are much more costly than other food choices, generally costing 1-2 dollars per serving. In addition, if you do not truly use them as a meal replacement and end up eating other foods, you may take in too many calories and too much fat. These foods generally contain enough calories that a 150-pound person would need to run for 28 minutes at 5 miles/hour, cross country ski for 16 minutes at 8 miles/hour, or do aerobic dancing for 25 minutes to expend the calories that were taken in. Another way of looking at this is that you could eat 5 cups of sliced berries with a small dollop of whipped cream for the same amount of calories that the average energy bar or drink provides. However, if you frequently eat energy bars or drink energy drinks, and also consume other foods that are fortified with vitamins and minerals, you can run the risk of overdosing on certain vitamins and minerals. Of particular concern are the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K). Energy bars and drinks also are usually low in fiber and do not contain the antioxidants found in whole foods. The vitamins and minerals found in these foods do not occur naturally, but instead are added during processing, and may not absorb as well as those found in whole foods. Plus, all energy bars and drinks are not the same so read the labels. Many energy bars and drinks contain saturated fat. It is recommended that people consume no more than 7 percent of their total calories from saturated fat. For a person who eats 1800 calories a day, this is the equivalent of 14 grams. Some of the energy bars and drinks contain one third of that or more. You could easily slip over your daily allotment, if you do not eat healthfully for the rest of the day. Some energy drinks and bars are high in sugar. Some drinks may contain too much caffeine, if you do not normally consume several cups a day. Many of the added herbs are claimed to increase energy, but are not proven to do so in studies. Some of these herbs may have unexpected interactions with certain medications. The bottom line: These foods and drinks are OK for athletes and for other people who are unable to attain whole foods, such as when traveling. However, as a general rule, these foods are not necessary or beneficial for the general population. Still, if they keep you from eating a handful of cookies or a regular candy bar, they are probably the better choice. Remember, it is always best to eat whole, healthful foods, but an energy bar or drink is a good alternative, every once in a while. Just make sure you check the labels, so you know what you are consuming.
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