One great tip while prepping for the virtual edition of the run in November? Chew on a snack.
We don’t mean those kinds of choco-chip-candy-cake-cookie mix that might put you on a sugar high but are actually unhealthy.
We’re talking about the kinds that can help provide energy and protein fast, and aid in your recovery process, without all that extra sugar, calories, fat and other diet dangers. Like these energy bars here that are easy to buy and eat, before, after and even during your practice runs (just store one in your sports pouch).
The best bit? They are so flavoursome, they can even qualify as dessert-y treats – just don’t binge on them too much and do look out for the ingredients if you have any food allergies (like nut and soy).
PhD Smart Bar (Caramel Crunch or Chocolate Brownie), $7.90
Unfortunately, this energy bar won’t help you get that PhD, but is claimed to be “the intelligent way to get your daily protein fix – without adding unwanted carbs”.
Within each 64-gram bar is 20 grams of quality protein and under 2 grams of sugar, making it your high protein, low sugar and palm oil-free save when you’re trying to break your personal record. And that it comes in delish Caramel Crunch and Chocolate Brownie flavours? Consider us sold.
Available at Pure & Well stores, multiple locations, www.pureandwell.com.sg; www.facebook.com/PureNWellSG; www.instagram.com/purenwell_sg
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE
BONUS: SAFRA members get to enjoy an additional 5% off storewide (including on-sale items), and 35% storewide on Wednesdays (exclusions apply) at Pure & Well’s physical stores only. Click here for more information.
Quest Protein Bar (White Chocolate Raspberry), $4.95
If the image on the packaging is to be believed, then this looks like a bona fide slice of cake. But, the proof is in its make; each 60-gram bar provides up to 21 grams of fast-release protein, up to 15 grams of fibre and only 4 to 6 grams of Net Carbs.
And, also, the proof is in the pudding; it has no sugar added, is gluten-free and comes in a dessert-worthy white chocolate raspberry flavour so it’s all guilt-free yumminess.
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GNC Total Lean Layered Lean Bar (Peanut Butter Pie Flavour), $6.50
Imagine a chocolate bar, a peanut butter cookie and a pie all rolled into one – that’s what this is. This 44-gram morsel is said to be good enough for an on-the-go or between-meal snack.
Also, good: it’s low fat, low calorie (only 190 calories) and high protein (16 grams of protein per serving), and is a healthy source of energy made for supporting muscle growth and recovery so your muscles won’t feel that tired or sore quite so easily, and you, not so peckish.
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Xndo Energy Booster Chocolate Crisp Bar, $6.95
The good news: It contains a nice-sized amount of protein from soy and milk, is high in fibre and low in carbohydrates, and is trans-fat free.
The better news: Each 40-gram packet offers 148 kcal of energy, making it ideal as both a nutritious boost for midday slumps and a post-exercise protein supplement.
The best news: This is probably as close as you can get to a chocolate bar, without it being an actual chocolate bar.
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE
The Quest Protein Bar, GNC Total Lean Layered Lean Bar and Xndo Enery Booster Chocolate Crisp Bar are available at GNC.
GNC, multiple locations, www.gnc.com.sg; www.facebook.com/GNCsingapore; www.instagram.com/gncsg
BONUS: SAFRA members enjoy 15% off regular-priced items at GNC. Click here for more information.
PowerBar Sweet ’N Salty Natural Energy Cereal Bar, $2.50
Prefer something salty and not just sweet (as the usual energy bars tend to be)? Here’s your tasty solution.
A vegan-friendly snack made with natural ingredients such as whole grain rolled oats, fruit bits and nuts, each 40-gram piece offers 4.1 grams of protein, 24 grams of carbs, 4.2 grams of fat as well as 72 milligrams of magnesium. Plus, it’s super affordable!
Available at Decathlon, multiple locations, www.decathlon.sg; www.facebook.com/DecathlonSG; www.instagram.com/decathlonsg
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE
Banana, from $1 or less for a finger
Yes, it’s not a bar but a curved fruit, but, if you really rather go for the best of what Mother Nature has to offer, then make it a banana. Why this yellow-skinned fella? According to HealthHub, bananas are one of the best fruit sources of vitamin B6, provide a respectable amount of vitamin C, and contain the mineral nutrients manganese and potassium.
What’s more, this fleshy berry (fun fact: it has seeds and pulp that develop from the ovary of a flower, so botanically, a banana is a berry) has enough fibre to aid with digestion and help alleviate gastrointestinal issues.
And, it can give you energy fast via natural sugars (sucrose, fructose and glucose) without any extra fat and cholesterol, making it the perfect fruit to have for morning brekkies, and for atheletes and people on-the-go or “on-the-run” (so to speak). Buy a bunch from any supermarket and munch away!
