Dietitian Advice: Energy Bars & Sports Drinks

Q: My life is always on the go.  I have a family and travel often which means I don't always get time to sit down for a meal.  Is it okay to use an energy bar to replace a meal such as lunch if I'm time crunched? 


A: Once in awhile it can be okay (so long as there is proper nutritional value), but try not to make this habit.  Some energy bars are really just "grown up" candy bars with sometimes up to 300 calories and plenty of fats or sugar.  Make sure your choice has 150 calories or less; less than 2g of saturated fat; less than 15g of sugar; at least 3g of fiber; and at least 5g of protein.  Also make sure you read and understand the ingredient list.  The main ingredients (ones listed at the start) should say soy, whole wheat or brown rice.  Less ingredients= better!  Try to make it more of a complete meal by adding in a piece of fruit/veggie or string cheese.


Good choices: Kashi Dark Mocha Almond Chewy Granola Bar, Toasted Nuts 'N Cranberry Luna Bar, Cliff Honey Oat Granola Bar, Kashi Pumpkin Pecan Layered Granola Bar

Q: I'm no pro athlete, but I do workout on a regular basis.  When I have an especially hard cardio session which sports dink should I choose?

A: Sports drinks can be loaded in empty calories.  Marketing makes them sound healthy, but a 20-oz bottle can exceed your daily sugar allowance.  Dilute a serving size of Gatorade with equal amount plain water provides you with a healthier option.  Also you can learn to make your own flavored water by adding in sliced cucumber, oranges, berries, lemon or lime.

Good choices: Gatorade's G2 series or Vitamin Water's zero-sugar line

100 Day Challenge: Stay Hydrated & Be Positive

Are you up for the challenge?      

10 Days x 10 Challenges = 100 Day to a Healthier You!

So far we are on challenge #5 of Core Sport's 100 Day Challenge.  Let's get you up to speed, now that we're halfway through:

Challenge #4: Drink more water for the next 10 days! (June 9th-18th)


Ideas to keep hydrated:

• Bring a water bottle with you when you travel or at your desk
• Drink water before, during and after your workouts
• Order water every time you dine out
• Add squeezed lemon or bits of citrus fruit for added flavor
• Drink hot or cold tea

Try to stay above the line during each bathroom break

Challenge #5: Do 10 positive things per day for 10 days! (June 19th-28th)


Ideas to inspire positive vibes throughout your day:

• Compliment someone 
• Tell someone you love & appreciate them
• Say hello to a stranger/hold a door open
• Help a neighbor
• Call an old friend/relative
• Do chores without being asked (dishes, vacuum, laundry, make a meal, wash the car)
• Volunteer 

Want to be part of our challenge and track your progress?  It's not too late!  Contact us by e-mail (frontdesk@coresportstudio.com) for a tally sheet today to start making positive changes toward a more happy, healthy you!