When choosing a nutrition/sports bar it's a toss-up for an inexperienced buyer between ending up with a glorified candy bar loaded with fat and calories, and the possibility of being stuck with something that tastes like cardboard but is supposed to be healthy. It shouldn't have to be that way.
What's In the Standard Sports Bar?
Sports/nutrition bars are fortified with some or all of the following: protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, vitamins, herbs, minerals and other essential nutrients. The protein is usually soy or milk. The fiber is usually grain, nuts or oats,
Bars are often consumed for extra energy during or just after strenuous exercise. Some people may wish to replace meals with them or use them as a healthy snack. They are portable which makes them great for trips, hiking, camping and biking.
Considerations in Choosing A Bar
Choose a bar for the activity at hand. Bodybuilders will want a bar with lots of protein for muscle growth. Dieters who wish to improve their metabolism will want one with lots of fiber. Those seeking extra energy should look for higher carbohydrate content. In general, seek out bars with less than two grams of saturated fat and at least three grams of fiber.
A Look At Some of the Different Energy Bars
Clif Luna energy bars are designed for women. Each bar packs in 23 vitamins and minerals geared to a woman's health. They are high in calcium and folic acid, two supplements important to a woman's overall health. They contain 3-10 grams of protein, are 70 percent organic and contain 3 grams of fiber. They have delicious flavors like Chocolate Raspberry, Nutz Over Chocolate, and Chocolate Peppermint Stick. They have a reputation as one of the best tasting bars available, and yet they contain only 1 gram of saturated fat and 80 calories. A box of 15 bars is about $18.75.
Trader Joe's 40-30-30 Bar is a great tasting protein bar, and comes in flavors like Chocolate Raspberry, Almond Butter Crunch, and Chocolate Banana. It is 200 calories with only 50-60 of these from fat. Each contains 23 vitamins and minerals. It contains a protein blend and toasted soy pieces which one reviewer said taste like almonds.
Tiger's Milk Bars are another good-tasting protein/energy bar that has been around since the 1960's. They are considered by reviewers to taste like a Twix or a Snickers. They are a pleasant pick-me-up bar for men, women and children. It has 150 calories, 6 grams of fat, 1 gram of fiber and 6 grams of protein (9-10 g. in the King Size). They have 16 vitamins and minerals. They come in Peanut Butter/Honey, Protein Rich and Peanut Butter Crunch. They are very much like a candy bar with their crispy peanut insides and carob-covered outsides. Price: Box of 24 around $14.
LUNA, the blissfully good whole nutrition bar for women, was created to meet the needs of women's bodies. Each LUNA Bar packs in 23 vitamins and minerals that contribute to a woman's overall health. We strive to create bars that are nutritious, scrumptious, and just a little bit indulgent.
In Summary
Read the labels for bars with the nutrients you know you need the most. Keep a box handy for adding to kids' lunches. Keep a bunch in in the car in case you get stuck some place. And don't forget to put some in your desk drawer at work.
Maryellen Grady - When I was around 12 years old, I sold a short story to a girls' magazine, and I got to see it published with my name on it for all to ...
