Myth-busting “”Energy-Producing”” Snacks

Photo by Jeffrey F Lin on Unsplash

The season for spring sports is almost, if not already here. Question, have you hit up Costco for energy-sustaining snacks to fuel your little athlete during practices and games? Before you load up your shopping cart, read on for nutritional information on three “energy-producing” imposters: trail mix, organic fruit snacks and granola bars.

Trail Mix

• Calories: 353
• Total Fat: 23g
o Saturated Fat: 4.4g
o Polyunsaturated fat: 7.9g
o Monounsaturated fat: 9.5g
• Cholesterol: 2.9g
• Sodium: 88mg
• Potassium: 473mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 33g
o Dietary Fiber: 3.7g
o Sugars 17g
• Protein: 10g

Trail mix is typically considered one the healthier snacking options, however, between the various dried fruits which stick to your teeth and chocolate pieces sometimes, what you’re putting into your body is mostly sugar. Not to mention, sticky dried fruits are wear on your teeth and gums.

Organic Fruit Snacks

• Calories: 62
• Total Fat: 0g
o Saturated Fat: 0g
o Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 16g
o Dietary Fiber: 0g
o Sugars 11g
• Protein: 0g

Fruit snacks, even organic ones are rarely a healthy snack. Most of the nutritional value comes from carbohydrates/sugar. These sugars come flavoring additives and syrups. Their stickiness and chewy texture, like dried fruit, is not ideal for on teeth and gums.

Quaker Oats’ Chocolate Chip Granola Bars

• Calories: 100
• Total Fat: 3.5g
o Saturated Fat: 1.5g
o Trans Fat 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 70mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 17g
o Dietary Fiber: 1g
o Sugars 7g
• Protein: 1g

These aren’t a terrible snack in terms of sugar- the amount of sugar in one granola bar is almost the same amount as a six to seven peanut M&Ms. But when it comes to fiber and protein, this snack provides virtually none. Protein is absolutely necessary when building muscle and supporting post-workout recovery.

When packing energy sustaining snacks for your athlete, opt for snacks made with whole ingredients like whole grains and whole fruits and vegetables. Vitamins and nutrients in whole foods support long Cut up carrots and apple slices make great grab and go snacks that you can store for a whole week in the refrigerator. Plus, they’re great for your oral health.