Fruity No Bake Energy Bars Recipe - Happy Foods Tube (2024)

FAQs

Can you eat an energy bar as a snack? ›

Energy bars can certainly be enjoyed as a snack if it's part of a healthy diet and an active lifestyle.

However, they are not recommended for weight loss because one bar isn't very filling. Energy bars are not recommended as a meal replacement. You could end up eating the bar along with other meals and pump your daily caloric intake. However, energy bars could be eaten as a midday snack if you enjoy them.

Energy bars, on the other hand, can be eaten before or during a workout. They give you energy by providing a balanced mix of carbohydrates, protein, and fat ingredients to help keep you moving.

While protein bars can be enjoyed regularly, consuming them as meal replacements or as your primary protein source isn't recommended. Pay close attention to nutrition labels, as many protein bars contain added sugars, saturated fats and other low-nutrient ingredients.

What's a good rule of thumb when choosing an energy bar? The fewer ingredients on the label, the better. The more additives you see — particularly excess sugar alcohols (sorbitol, xylitol), which can cause gastric distress — the less likely the bar is to deserve the “healthy” moniker.

Like other processed products, energy bars commonly contain GE ingredients. Keep a look out for corn syrup and soy lecithin, especially.

Ingredients to avoid: High-fructose corn syrup: Added as an inexpensive sweetener, it is worse than regular white sugar. Soy isolate: It may sound natural and healthy, being a soy product, but it's not something you could make yourself (warning sign!).

We wouldn't recommend replacing meals with energy bars. A good balanced meal should contain an array of different foods, providing your body with vitamins and minerals, slow release energy, proteins and healthy fats.

There's no protein, there's no healthy fat, there's no fibre in those bars to keep you feeling fuller longer.” The only time a fruit bar might be a good option, she said, is if you're doing a high-intensity activity for over an hour that requires a quick source of energy.

While it's generally best to avoid eating close to bedtime, there are situations where you just get hungry. In those cases, energy bars can be a suitable late-night snack, as long as you eat them in moderation.

Can I eat an energy bar before bed? ›

Yes, you read that right! Protein bars can even make a good night-time treat. Opt for a protein bar that is lower in sugar. This can help provide your muscles with a steady supply of amino acids throughout the night, promoting muscle growth and recovery while you catch those Zzzs.

Alternatively, you can simply enjoy the bars as a snack between meals. This way you'll feel full and satisfied for a long time and can focus on your goals without your mind drifting off to thoughts of chocolate or sweets. One or two protein bars a day are well within the recommended intake.

One of the best times to grab an energy bar is before your workout. Eating an energy bar 30 minutes to an hour before exercising can give you a much-needed energy boost.

"They may think that these bars are better than food. But there are ingredients in foods that are missing from these bars. Just as you wouldn't want to live only on peaches or only on tuna sandwiches, you need a lot more in your diet than just energy bars."