choosing energy bars??? help

[mhtrek]

Okay, I love all energy bars, but does anyone have opinions about what kind enhances performance. I don't know what kind to take with me on long rides. I don't want to take one and have it make me feel sick or tierd. So, if any one has suggestions that would be great! Thanks you guys,
Megan:

[caligurl]

i love clif bars... and kashi brand bars!!!!!!!!! YUM!

lunas are good too....

i haven't had a problem with any of them bothering my tummy.....

[FreshNewbie]

I also like Luna bars, i think i tried almost every flavour they have and they all are good. Especially the key lime one or lemon zest. When i go on a ride in the summer i put them in the fridge night before and they are good to go in the morning , sort of refreshing.

[colby]

I like the Lunas the best, my current favorites are Peanut Butter something and Cookies and Cream. Some of them taste weird (a little artificial, like the S'Mores flavor) but are still good. Some of them also taste really sugary/sweet, like the one with the caramel on top. I'd try a few flavors to see which ones you like.

Clif Bars are also good, and a little more barebones than the Luna bars. I like the peanut butter crunch (sensing a theme?), the chocolate chip something one is good but a little sweet for my tastes.

I do like the Kashi GoLean bars, too, lots of protein and many of their flavors are tasty. I don't usually like raisins OR yogurt, but the yogurt-covered something raisin (oatmeal?) one is actually really good. The Kashi bars seemed less sweet to me. They also make good granola-ish bars and crackers, barebones but still flavorful.

All of them are light enough for me to eat before/during workout/adventure/ride times, but generally I stick to the less sweet Luna bars. I would sample a few flavors and a few types to see what you like before you're on the bike and end up eating something icky (for me, I do not want super-sweet food at that point!). I eat them for breakfast or half of one as a snack, so I get to sample and figure out what flavors I want to buy again. If you have an REI nearby, they seem to have a "flavor of the month" thing going with the Luna (and Clif?) bars where you can get them for 99 cents.

Happy hunting (and eating)!

[SadieKate]

Mixed fruit Mojo bars. So far all the Nectar bar flavors. PayDays.

Test whatever you choice on short rides to be sure that both your stomach and tastebuds are happy. I'll take some of each with me on long rides so I have some variety.

Anyone else happy that roadside fruit stand season is upon us?

[Lise]

I find that I can barely stand how sweet most energy bars are. I am into the Lara bars lately, as they are just fruit and nuts, nothing else. I like the Nectar bars for the same reason. For awhile Cliff bars had a salty variety, but it seems to have disappeared. I would love something slightly sweet and kind of salty. If I never eat another frosted or chocolate chip bar, it may be too soon. :rolleyes:

[Nanci]

You might like the Mojo Bars, then.

I just carry some of everything on a long ride, because I can never predict what will not appeal to me, except Sport Beans always do. Right now really into Fruit Trekkers and Kind bars.

Nanci

[Lise]

You might like the Mojo Bars, then.
That's it! They were sold for awhile at my local grocery store (LGS?), and then disappeared. I couldn't remember the name, so I didn't know what to look for. Now I can seek them out at Whole Foods, or get them online. You are a true pal, Nanci! :D L.

[Veronica]

I'm not really into bars - other than Paydays. :D But I can tell you that Honey Stingers on a hot day made my want to hurl. I do really like the Cliff Shot Bloks in cran razz flavor.

V.

[han-grrl]

I find that constantly buying bars, was just too expensive :(

so i started experimenting a little...i eat fig newtons, some dried fruit, and bananas on rides. i find little powdered donuts work too. sometimes i will take a few little chocolates too. you need to see what works best in your tummy. nothing will make you faster, you just need to eat enough calories (specifically carbs) to make sure you don't bonk or hit the wall.

if you eat well pre-ride (ie a hearty breakfast: i eat poached eggs, toast, oatmeal, and juice, and sometimes some cheese on my toast. yes its big, but this is for my 3 hour plus rides). along with my above foods i have last well on long rides. so my suggestion is to experiment with some foods, and see what doesn't give you heart burn. (or upset stomach).

[Dianyla]

I find that constantly buying bars, was just too expensive :(

Do you have a Trader Joe's or similar bulk/organic grocery coop nearby? I get Larabars and Luna bars at TJs, usually for $1/each or sometimes even less.

[Eden]

The hubby and I get Powerbars at Costco. They aren't the yummiest thing around, have a pretty weird texture and they are a bit on the overly sweet side 1st thing in the morning, but they are the one of the only things I've tried that my stomach can tolerate before a race. Sometimes it just takes some experimentation.

[bcipam]

I'm not really into bars - other than Paydays. :D But I can tell you that Honey Stingers on a hot day made my want to hurl. I do really like the Cliff Shot Bloks in cran razz flavor.

V.

I once read that Paydays are the absolute perfect energy bar to use while riding and that was good enough for me. I usually store one or two on a century.

My favorites are Balance Bars. I'm partial to "mocha chip", "Cookie dough" or "raspberry yogurt". "Triple chocolate" is also yummy. I usually eat half then half later. Has never bothered my stomach while riding.

edited to add: Still cannot find the Jelly Beans here. Tried Clif Blocks last weekend (Cran Razz flavor) and all I can say is "Blech"! Not for me!

[Robbin_G]

Yeah, although I started the whole thread about the Sport Beans, i really don't do a ton of bars. (I'm all about candy of all kinds.) Food is food. You know whats great on a ride? Prosciutto...doesn't have to stay cold, salt, protien. Yummy.

Now chase it with chocolate milk.... :eek:

I've got a friend who looks like he robbed a banana cart he carries so many in his jersey....

[Nanci]

I carried around a Payday for my Brevet series, (thanks to hearing about them here) but I could never find it when I wanted it. It finally resurfaced a few weeks later, and I promptly ate it. i ahve no idea how it would taste on a ride.

[Lise]

When I was a new midwife, I rewarded myself for working every 24 hour shift with (at least) one Payday bar. I think I gained 20# the first year! I decided to take my salary as my "reward" and to eat Paydays as special treats occasionally! :rolleyes: But I think an Oly triathlon and Imperial Century bike ride qualify as special occasions, no?!? Big plans for the summer! :p L.

[maryellen]

another vote for Lara bars . . . no weird ingredients, easy on the stomach, and tasty. cocoa mole is the best!

[KnottedYet]

20% off all Clif products at REI from May 5-14.

I'm assuming that includes Nectar bars. (Clif's copy of Lara bars)

[Lise]

Nanci was right! I tried a Mojo bar at the post-race hang out after the 5K Run to Remember this morning. Deeeelish. Salty, yet a bit sweet. I went back and asked him to give me one of every flavor! :p I'll be buying those. L.

[BigRingB*tch]

I perfer to make my own bars but if Iam in a pinch, I really like Jay Robb's Yammit bar. It has good clean burning carbs and not alot of artificial junk. Taste good too.
http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/jay/yambar.html

[farrellcollie]

REI has mojo bars too and they are also on sale until MAy 14 - I just bought a couple of boxes. I like the mixed nut kind.

[Quillfred]

Organic Food Bars and Hammer Bars make great organic options. They taste similar. Both are more expensive, but then I think of the cost of a mocha, hmmm. :rolleyes: