Current Concepts in Sports Nutrition - Australian Sports Commission

Recommended uses by the AIS Department of Sports Nutrition
PowerBar Product Range / 50
• Snack — Suitable for athletes with high-energy requirements (for example, athletes
undertaking a heavy training load, adolescent athletes undergoing a period of
growth, or strength or power athletes training to increase muscle mass). Also a
convenient, portable snack for athletes with a busy lifestyle.
• Pre-exercise — Low residue (fibre), carbohydrate-rich pre-exercise snack. Useful as
part of a pre-event meal for athletes at high risk of gastrointestinal problems during
exercise. Provides a source of fuel prior to prolonged workouts. Pre-exercise intake
of protein and carbohydrate may be important to promote recovery and adaptation to
the session.
• Post-exercise — Convenient, portable source of carbohydrate, protein and other
nutrients to assist post-exercise recovery. According to the needs of the situation,
drinks can be formulated to target both refuelling and post-exercise protein
synthesis. Ideal for use when appetite is suppressed following exercise or where
access to food is limited.
• Making weight — Low residue (fibre) source of carbohydrate, protein and
micronutrients which can be used by weight-making athletes to replace some meals
in the period before weigh-in. By reducing fibre intake, the athlete can reduce the
weight of their gastrointestinal contents and overall body mass while still consuming
fuel and nutrients.
• Travel — Portable, non-perishable, easily prepared meal or snack that provides
energy, carbohydrate, protein and a source of micronutrients. Useful for travelling
athlete who has minimal facilities for food preparation/storage, or when travelling
to countries with an inadequate or inaccessible food supply, or problems with food
hygiene.
Considerations
Food sources should always be considered as the first option for meals and snacks.
Overuse may lead to inappropriate replacement of whole foods.