Healing with Food Article

Energy Bars - a Scam

Accompanying recipe: Energy Bar

There are moments when you need a tasty, nutrient-dense food that will hold you till your next meal. Reach into your desk drawer, grab an energy bar and . . . ahhh. . . a moment of relief. Now on to your next task. These instant mini-meals are addictive. But what’s really in this bar of energy?

An energy or power bar is a candy bar. Or, at best, a next-generation candy bar gussied up with protein powder. A candy bar is sugar with fat plus added flavor from chocolate, nuts, seeds, fruit or the like. Add 2 cents worth of protein powder to a candy bar and subtract any guilt because it’s now “healthy.” What a scam.

A Butterfinger candy bar costs about 15 cents per ounce. A Clif Luna Bar typically costs 73 cents per ounce and a Dr. Atkin’s Almond Brownie Energy Bar is averages $1.25 per ounce. In addition to protein, energy bars may include vitamins and other nutritional enhancements. These are typically dirt-cheap synthetics that don’t justify the price hike.

Besides price, there’s the question of quality. The freshness of the protein powder, sugar, hydrogenated fats, synthetic nutrients and fiber in an energy bar —or even a candy bar is a non issue. These products are so ultra-refined that their nutritional value will be the same today as five years from now. Ditto for their flavor.

All protein powders—whether they’re from rice, soy, hemp, egg or whey—are highly processed, shelf-stable ingredients.  Read “shelf-stable” as dead or lifeless. Furthermore, whey protein and whey protein isolate contain toxic MSG!

However, this is not true of the essential fatty acids found in any seed, nut, whole grain or oil. So if your usual energy bar contains, for example, oats, flax seed, almonds, vegetable oil or an equivalent ingredient, then it’s rancid. Its sensitive fatty acids degenerate into free radicals through the normal manufacturing processes and storage. From manufacturer to your tummy, the time lag is most likely not days or weeks but months, or more. The truth is, energy bars are stale.

Fortunately, there are healthy options to commercial energy bars. Favor nutrient-dense treats that are not only convenient and portable but that also will satisfy and taste good. For extra protein, carry cheese, nuts, seeds, or jerky. For a carbohydrate treat, fresh or dried fruit is perfect. While these real foods cost more than a candy bar they typically cost under $5 per pound, while “quality” energy bars cost $20 per pound.

If you’re addicted to energy bars, freeing yourself is this easy: write down “almonds”, “string cheese” and “dried figs” on your shopping list. Then, when you’re in the grocery store, walk briskly past the candy aisle.

Your gain is something even more important than nutrients. Though it may not seem apparent, this choice involves self respect and, ultimately, freedom. Favoring food versus junk will bring a sense of well being and ease to your life. When you buy shoddy products such as commercial energy bars, you’ve bought into the hype and not much more. May you treat yourself with real treats.

May you be well nourished,

Rebecca Wood