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From: www.outdoors.org/ Get Stoked: The latest in energy bars and gels By Michael Lanza Whoever made the first pemmican was more than two centuries ahead of the market. Composed of meat paste, fat, berries, and dried fruit, pemmican bars were a staple of the Lewis and Clark expedition and munched by Native Americans for who knows how long before that. But it wasn't until 1986, when PowerBar first hit stores, that Americans really sank their spending power into the notion of dense food bars. Today, you can buy numerous brands of modern-day pemmican, energy bars, and gels, almost anyplace that sells snack foods. By some estimates, the market could soon top $100 million. If you gnawed on the first generation of bars, or recoiled at the idea of squeezing a tube of something called "GU" into your mouth, you might wonder how they could become so popular. I did at first. But having now tried many of these products, I've become a believer. There's nothing more convenient and packed with energy for their volume, invaluable qualities when you don't want to stop for very long in the backcountry, whether on a long climb or hike or on a cold winter day. They don't crush, melt, or easily freeze, and many of them now taste surprisingly good. Energy bars and gels high in calories — and complex carbohydrates, a.k.a. maltodextrin — are best for providing quick, sustained energy during activity. Post-activity, bars high in fat and protein are preferred for rebuilding muscles. Potassium and sodium, both lost through perspiration, are found in various amounts in bars. Always drink at least several ounces of water with a bar or gel packet to aid digestion of these concentrated foods or you may feel it sitting in your gut like a golf ball. Avoid drinking supplements (like Gatorade) with energy bars containing high-fructose corn syrup; the seemingly high-powered combo can backfire, killing your appetite and even inducing nausea, which won't help your athletic performance. The ingredients can vary greatly among brands and flavors, although many contain some source of protein (often soy) and of fiber (rolled oats, rice), and flour. Manufacturers of energy bars and gels recommend one bar or one gel packet about 15 minutes before and after exercise, and one every 30 to 45 minutes during exercise. Nutrition experts suggest no more than two to four per day for a moderate level of activity, supplementing a diet consisting largely of whole foods, whose complex blends of vitamins and nutrients cannot be duplicated in processed foods. I've divided energy bars and gels into categories below to distinguish among different types and brands. Taste is a personal matter-I leave that up to you. All are available at grocery stores and many can be purchased on the Web. Read the whole article copyright © 1997-2005 The Appalachian Mountain Club |