Energy Bars?

[heroix]

Should I stay away from eating energy bars during or before a match?

I had a lesson earlier this week that I was running late for, I hadn't eaten lunch so I grabbed a power bar to hold me over. I don't plan on making a habit of it. My brother says it can upset your stomach during play...

I was wondering if energy bars are a good idea or not...
If I'm hungry before a match and need something on the go what should I eat?

(I'll normally have different mixxes of nuts/ nuts and dried fruit, but sometimes I don't have any mixxes ready)

If anyone out there does support energy bar usage, which would you recommend?

[SystemicAnomaly]

How soon before exercise did you consume the energy bar? Perhaps you did not allow enough time for your body to digest the fats and protein in the energy bar before exercising. Once you start exercising strenuously, the digestive processes of the stomach can be severely hampered.

Try eating the energy bar an hour or more before the match. If you have less than an hour then you might be better off eating half a bar or less. If you have a full meal, try to give yourself 90 minutes or more before strenuous exercise. A few nuts before play might be ok, but since it is also full of fats % protein, you don't want to eat too many within an hour of playing.

Energy gels and/or a banana (or other fresh fruit) is/are probably a better idea prior to a match than the energy bar. Unlike energy bars, energy gels are primarily carbs that will digest quicker than fats & proteins. Be sure do drink an adequate amount of water with the energy gel.

[Il Mostro]

In a pinch I always opt for a smoothie -- typically unsweetened soy milk, frozen fruit and a little yogurt zapped in the blender. It sits well in my stomach even if wolfed down close to playing time. Better than an empty stomach when there is not enough time for digestion.

[SystemicAnomaly]

^

Many of us also cannot handle all the carbs in a smoothie during exercise or immediately prior to exercise. High carb intakes during exercise causes cramps in some ppl. Electrolyte replacement drinks, like Gatorade, typically will have a carb concentration of 8% or less to minimize the likelihood of cramps.

I think it best advised to drink the smoothie more than 30 minutes before engaging in strenuous exercise. If consumed close to match time, only drink a conservative amount and follow it with plain water.