In this episode, I break down the pros and cons of the popular practice of consuming energy bars as a supposedly nutritious snack on the go.

The inspiration for this show was an exciting spicy battle between health experts Dr. Layne Norton and Gary Brecka on Instagram, where they debated the merits of the new David High Protein bar. I talk about the ingredients in these bars, the processing methods, and the overall sketchy nature of the energy bar industry, even when the bars are touted as super healthy.

I also reflect on the history of energy bars, my personal experience as one of the first PowerBar-sponsored athletes, and how the original idea of energy bars was for elite athletes, not for snacking during your workday. I challenge the whole premise of needing energy bars and advocate for metabolic flexibility, fasting, and focusing on nutritious meals instead. I share my go-to snacks, why I’m such a fan of dark chocolate, and why even the so-called cleanest protein bars are not a nutritional centerpiece.

Let’s rethink our approach to energy bars and focus on fueling and recovering the right way!

 

TIMESTAMPS:

Are energy bars as nutritious as we think? [01:10]

Most of these bars are processed in giant factories using highly processed dairy products. [06:15]

If a person has problems digesting whey, it is probably because they've used the less expensive,
less pure sources of whey protein. [08:14]

To make the bars palatable, the manufacturers need to make them sweet and there are many other
ingredients used to make the basr keep their shape and to have a long shelf life. [13:10]

The oils used promote cellular stress. Many of the oils are offensive to ingest. [15:13]

Be careful of labels that say "Natural Flavor." [16:10]

Just because a bar is labeled with whey protein, it doesn't mean it is good for you. [18:12]

How does one objectively define gut health? Many of the flavors offered on these bars are
terribly unhealthy. [21:45]

There is much confusion as to the validity of the bar industry podcasts. [25:38]

Brad was one of the first sponsored athletes by Power Bar. [27:45]

It is believed that HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) is strongly associated with obesitiy. [30:24]

Brad looks at labels carefully. Here he has example of marketing where a well-meaning
consumer can be thrown. [38:29]

If you don't have any calories around, you can easily and gracefully turn to stored body fat.
[41:23]

What is best to consume after a workout to speed recovery? [43:14]

A bar is simply not a great delivery system for protein, nor is a liquid beverage. [50:41]

Brad explains the characteristics of good dark chocolate. [55:35]

If you enjoy energy bars from time to time, choose the least ofensive ones that are made with
whole foods and minimal ingredients.[59:34]

Brad lets you know all about dark chocolate, his favorite snack. [01:01:42]

 

LINKS:
Brad Kearns.com
BradNutrition.com
B.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet!
Brad’s Shopping Page
BornToWalkBook.com
B.rad Podcast – All Episodes
Peluva Five-Toe Minimalist Shoes
Layne Norton-Gary Brecka Instagram
B.rad Nutrition Guide
DIAAS Score
Brad's Guide to Dark Chocolate
Podcast with Sean Askinosie

 

We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you!

Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life:


B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein!


Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off!


Ketone-IQ Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ!
Get Stride: Advanced DNA, methylation profile, microbiome & blood at-home testing. Hit your stride the right way, with cutting-edge technology and customized programming. Save 10% with the code BRAD.


Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount!


GAINSWave: Enhance sexual function with high frequency shockwave therapy. Buy 6 and get one treatment free with code: BRAD


Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience


Primal Fitness Expert Certification: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD!


Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO): Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grass-fed animal organ supplement

In this episode, I break down the pros and cons of the popular practice of consuming energy bars as a supposedly nutritious snack on the go.
The inspiration for this show was an exciting spicy battle between health experts Dr. Layne Norton and Gary Brecka on Instagram, where they debated the merits of the new David High Protein bar. I talk about the ingredients in these bars, the processing methods, and the overall sketchy nature of the energy bar industry, even when the bars are touted as super healthy.
I also reflect on the history of energy bars, my personal experience as one of the first PowerBar-sponsored athletes, and how the original idea of energy bars was for elite athletes, not for snacking during your workday. I challenge the whole premise of needing energy bars and advocate for metabolic flexibility, fasting, and focusing on nutritious meals instead. I share my go-to snacks, why I&rsquo;m such a fan of dark chocolate, and why even the so-called cleanest protein bars are not a nutritional centerpiece.
Let&rsquo;s rethink our approach to energy bars and focus on fueling and recovering the right way!
&nbsp;
TIMESTAMPS:
Are energy bars as nutritious as we think? [01:10]
Most of these bars are processed in giant factories using highly processed dairy products. [06:15]
If a person has problems digesting whey, it is probably because they've used the less expensive, less pure sources of whey protein. [08:14]
To make the bars palatable, the manufacturers need to make them sweet and there are many other ingredients used to make the basr keep their shape and to have a long shelf life. [13:10]
The oils used promote cellular stress. Many of the oils are offensive to ingest. [15:13]
Be careful of labels that say "Natural Flavor." [16:10]
Just because a bar is labeled with whey protein, it doesn't mean it is good for you. [18:12]
How does one objectively define gut health? Many of the flavors offered on these bars are terribly unhealthy. [21:45]
There is much confusion as to the validity of the bar industry podcasts. [25:38]
Brad was one of the first sponsored athletes by Power Bar. [27:45]
It is believed that HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) is strongly associated with obesitiy. [30:24]
Brad looks at labels carefully. Here he has example of marketing where a well-meaning consumer can be thrown. [38:29]
If you don't have any calories around, you can easily and gracefully turn to stored body fat. [41:23]
What is best to consume after a workout to speed recovery? [43:14]
A bar is simply not a great delivery system for protein, nor is a liquid beverage. [50:41]
Brad explains the characteristics of good dark chocolate. [55:35]
If you enjoy energy bars from time to time, choose the least ofensive ones that are made with whole foods and minimal ingredients.[59:34]
Brad lets you know all about dark chocolate, his favorite snack. [01:01:42]
&nbsp;
LINKS:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://bradkearns.com/podcast-index/">Brad Kearns.com</a></li>
<li><a href="http://bradnutrition.com/">BradNutrition.com</a></li>
<li><a href="about:blank">B.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet!</a></li>
<li><a href="https://bradkearns.com/shop/">Brad&rsquo;s Shopping Page</a></li>
<li><a href="http://borntowalkbook.com/">BornToWalkBook.com</a></li>
<li><a href="https://bradkearns.com/podcast-index/">B.rad Podcast &ndash; All Episodes</a></li>
<li><a href="https://peluva.com/?view=cro-id28570">Peluva Five-Toe Minimalist Shoes</a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Outlive-Longevity-Peter-Attia-MD/dp/0593236599/ref=sr_1_1?crid=11VG9OIWDYDEN&amp;dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YUxA6UoAabaT0qCyg3O2joFZDw8jKrQ8h3Slvy8Es0M7Kt_QomDoljROTVG1rSixx-II0vKMPamtVWkuQUf5pMM1F7ZWzyAFffHMmkyRGnojtOUu5hYbp4AMg5TYCjEs7SLiB0tHgmCsZlEOjWGoz8540x-a_7iC17mRFmQJPouAhJbj1buFkLazY8jWrdoJAnVol53XnHzKE0A4cw0n6lUG-iyD_DOrwl4mhASWf0w.laZgXJb8OzvjVxBaEkxLX7aSdyd4sQZybNL0SysGbtU&amp;dib_tag=se&amp;keywords=outlive&amp;qid=1748894874&amp;s=books&amp;sprefix=outlive%2Cstripbooks%2C151&amp;sr=1-1"></a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKALrfnJmhw/?hl=en">Layne Norton-Gary Brecka Instagram</a></li>
<li><a href="https://bradkearns.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/NEW-B-Rad-Nutrition-Guide_r2.pdf">B.rad Nutrition Guide</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=dias+score&amp;oq=dias+score&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIJCAEQABgKGIAEMgkIAhAAGAoYgAQyCQgDEAAYChiABDIJCAQQABgKGIAEMgkIBRAAGAoYgAQyCQgGEAAYChiABDIJCAcQABgKGIAEMgkICBAAGAoYgAQyCQgJEAAYChiABNIBCTEzMDQ4ajBqN6gCALACAA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">DIAAS Score</a></li>
<li><a href="https://bradkearns.com/thinking-about-buying-cheap-chocolate-think-again/">Brad's Guide to Dark Chocolate</a></li>
<li><a href="https://bradkearns.com/shawn-askinosie-doing-meaningful-work-and-eating-good-chocolate/">Podcast with Sean Askinosie</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&amp;A shows, emailed to <a href="mailto:getoveryourselfpodcast@gmail.com">podcast@bradventures.com</a>. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you!
Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn&rsquo;t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won&rsquo;t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life:
<ul>
<li>
<a href="http://bradnutrition.com/?utm_source=brad-kearns-news.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=brad-kearns-news-dismantling-the-modern-fitness-lie">B.rad Nutrition:</a> Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein!
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://peluva.com/?sscid=91k7_1q58j&amp;utm_source=brad-kearns-news.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=brad-kearns-news-dismantling-the-modern-fitness-lie">Peluva</a>: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off!
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://ketone.com/BRAD?utm_source=brad-kearns-news.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=brad-kearns-news-dismantling-the-modern-fitness-lie">Ketone-IQ</a>&nbsp;Save 30% off your first subscription order &amp; receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ!
</li>
<li><a href="http://getstride.com" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://getstride.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1744479083574000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2M5EotlxxWpksCKN7ZVyMD">Get Stride: </a>Advanced DNA, methylation profile, microbiome &amp; blood at-home testing. Hit your stride the right way, with cutting-edge technology and customized programming. Save 10% with the code BRAD.</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.mitoredlight.com/?utm_source=brad-kearns-news.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=brad-kearns-news-dismantling-the-modern-fitness-lie">Mito Red Light:</a>&nbsp;Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount!
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://gainswave.com/brad/?utm_source=brad-kearns-news.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=brad-kearns-news-dismantling-the-modern-fitness-lie">GAINSWave:</a>&nbsp;Enhance sexual function with high frequency shockwave therapy. Buy 6 and get one treatment free with code: BRAD
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://bradventures.thinkific.com/collections?utm_source=brad-kearns-news.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=brad-kearns-news-dismantling-the-modern-fitness-lie">Online educational courses:</a>&nbsp;Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://www.primalhealthcoach.com/brad/?utm_source=brad-kearns-news.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=brad-kearns-news-dismantling-the-modern-fitness-lie">Primal Fitness Expert Certification</a>: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD!
</li>
<li>
<a href="https://bradkearns.com/mofo/?utm_source=brad-kearns-news.beehiiv.com&amp;utm_medium=newsletter&amp;utm_campaign=brad-kearns-news-dismantling-the-modern-fitness-lie">Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO):</a>&nbsp;Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grass-fed animal organ supplement
</li>
</ul>

Join Brad Kearns, New York Times bestselling author, world #1 ranked masters 60+ high jumper, Speedgolf world record holder, and former world #3 ranked pro triathlete, in pursuing peak performance with passion throughout life. Brad delivers an engaging mix of step-by-step education on important health topics like staying fit, strong and powerful as you age; transforming diet to lose body fat and increase energy; sort through hype and misinformation to make simple, sustainable lifestyle changes; and broaden your perspective beyond a fit body to experience happy relationships, nonstop personal growth, and ultimately sail to 100 with a happy, healthy, long life. Let’s explore beyond shortcuts, hacks, and crushing competition to laugh, have fun, appreciate the journey, and not take ourselves too seriously. It’s time to B.rad!

 

Join Brad Kearns, New York Times bestselling author, world #1 ranked masters 60+ high jumper, Speedgolf world record holder, and former world #3 ranked pro triathlete, in pursuing peak performance with passion throughout life. Brad delivers an engaging mix of step-by-step education on important health topics like staying fit, strong and powerful as you age; transforming diet to lose body fat and increase energy; sort through hype and misinformation to make simple, sustainable lifestyle changes; and broaden your perspective beyond a fit body to experience happy relationships, nonstop personal growth, and ultimately sail to 100 with a happy, healthy, long life. Let&rsquo;s explore beyond shortcuts, hacks, and crushing competition to laugh, have fun, appreciate the journey, and not take ourselves too seriously. It&rsquo;s time to B.rad!
&nbsp;

Brad Kearns, NY Times bestselling author and world #1 masters age 60+ high jumper, offers a fun and diverse mix of interviews with leading authors and health experts, and  how-to shows for peak performance, weight loss, personal growth, and longevity

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