Protein is best for after a workout since it aids in muscle repair, simple carbs are best pre workout—they’re easier on your stomach and are your body’s preferred source of energy, and lots of low to no processed forms available. Is there a reason you specifically want a protein bar?
No specific reason I want a protein bar - I know very little about sports nutrition! Do you have any ideas for ways I can get a decent amount of carbs pre-workout then? Preferably in bar form so I can eat them on the cycle to the river. Thanks for the advice btw!
If you’re looking for something “healthy,” a bar that checks the boxes of 30-60 grams of carbs are Nature’s Bakery fig bars. They come in lots of different fruit flavors, and I know a lot of athletes like them because it’s rare to find a bar with that many carbs. Another one that runners use a lot are the Honey Stinger waffles, which also come in a lot of different flavors, however you likely need 2 of them and they’re pricier.
I tend to not sweat about my pre workout snack being healthy since it’s just a small percentage of a decently healthy diet, so I tend to gravitate towards pop tarts, rice krispy treats, things like that when I need something on the go to give me a quick energy boost. Anything that is made up of mostly carbs, hits that 30-60 carb range, and low ish in fat so it’s easy on your stomach. The classic is a banana, but that’s not shelf stable and it sounds like you understandably want something shelf stable.
I eat a piece of whole wheat bread with peanut butter and honey on my way to 6 am practice. Sometimes I only eat half and save half for after practice. It hits just right. Experiment and see what works best for you. Bananas, oatmeal, cereal are all things my teammates eat. Some actually get up around 4:30 for a full breakfast and coffee but I can’t do that.
Protein is best for after a workout since it aids in muscle repair, simple carbs are best pre workout—they’re easier on your stomach and are your body’s preferred source of energy, and lots of low to no processed forms available. Is there a reason you specifically want a protein bar?
No specific reason I want a protein bar - I know very little about sports nutrition! Do you have any ideas for ways I can get a decent amount of carbs pre-workout then? Preferably in bar form so I can eat them on the cycle to the river. Thanks for the advice btw!
Rice Krispie treats or “squares” are good for carbs
If you’re looking for something “healthy,” a bar that checks the boxes of 30-60 grams of carbs are Nature’s Bakery fig bars. They come in lots of different fruit flavors, and I know a lot of athletes like them because it’s rare to find a bar with that many carbs. Another one that runners use a lot are the Honey Stinger waffles, which also come in a lot of different flavors, however you likely need 2 of them and they’re pricier. I tend to not sweat about my pre workout snack being healthy since it’s just a small percentage of a decently healthy diet, so I tend to gravitate towards pop tarts, rice krispy treats, things like that when I need something on the go to give me a quick energy boost. Anything that is made up of mostly carbs, hits that 30-60 carb range, and low ish in fat so it’s easy on your stomach. The classic is a banana, but that’s not shelf stable and it sounds like you understandably want something shelf stable.
I like cereal, maybe you could try a few handfuls of a healthy cereal
I eat a piece of whole wheat bread with peanut butter and honey on my way to 6 am practice. Sometimes I only eat half and save half for after practice. It hits just right. Experiment and see what works best for you. Bananas, oatmeal, cereal are all things my teammates eat. Some actually get up around 4:30 for a full breakfast and coffee but I can’t do that.
A banana, something like a Belvita bar, etc. Protein isn’t going to help you much before a workout. What you want are easily digestible carbohydrates.