The Healthiest Energy Bars
When you are pressed for time, an energy bar can substitute for a quick meal, thanks to an impressive array of vitamins and minerals. But not all are worth their calorie count. A bar with more than 16 grams of sugar and 220 calories is just as bad for your waistline as a candy bar -- no matter how many nutrients it has. Try to find one that has no more than seven grams of fat and packs at least ten grams of protein, about 25 grams of carbohydrates and some fiber. Out of a dozen different bars tested, following are the six that came out the healthiest.
Clif Bar Maple Nut Energy Bar
Made with 70 percent organic ingredients, this soft and chewy bar combines the sweetness of maple syrup and the heartiness of oatmeal. With 240 calories, 10 grams of protein and 5 grams each of fat and fiber, it is best for refueling after a calorie-blasting workout.
ZonePerfect Chocolate and Raspberry Supreme
Rich raspberry flavor and chocolate coating reminds one of a gourmet dessert. Note: If this bar is not chilled first, it can be grainy.
Bar contains 210 calories, 7g fat, 14g protein, 24g carbohydrates, 13g sugar, 2g fiber plus heart healthy soy.
ZonePerfect Apple Cinnamon Crunch
This is a Rice-Krispies Treat-like bar and texture. They're crunchy and chewy with a fruity, spicy aroma.
Bar contains 210 calories, 7g fat, 14g protein, 23g carbohydrates, 11g sugar, 1g fiber plus twice your vitamin C requirement.
Detour Runner Lemon Yogurt Bar
Not too sweet, not too tart -- just right. The package may say "runner", but with 12 grams of protein, this chewy bar is a power pick after any kind of workout. The bar contains 200 calories with only 4 grams of fat.
Balance Bare Sweet and Salty Peanut Butter Bar
Great peanut butter flavor (with no grainy after-taste) and 13 grams of muscle-rebuilding protein make this crunchy, 210-calorie bar a winnter, especially after a tough strength-training session. Plus, you get 100 percent of your daily doses of vitamins C and E. The only drawback is that the bars do contain 9 grams of fat.
Balance Gold, Rocky Road
If you are craving the flavor of a candy bar, go for this combination of chocolate, caramel, nuts and marshmallow.
Bar contains 200 calories, 7g fat, 15g protein, 22g carbohydrates, 11g sugar, 1g fiber plus 23 vitamins and minerals.
Balance Chocolate Banana
Tastes like chocolate banana bread, but is a bit dense in texture -- have a glass of skim milk with it.
Bar contains 200 calories, 6g fat, 14g protein, 22g carbohydrate, 16g sugar, 1g fiber, full RDA for vitamin A, twice RDA for vitamins C and E.
Luna, Tropical Crisp
Although the creamy bottom is a bit on the extra sweet side, the surprisingly generous topping of coconut makes up for it.
Bar contains 180 calories, 4.5g fat, 10g protein, 24g carbohydrate, 11g sugar, 2g fiber, RDA for folic acid.
Luna Berry Almond Bar
Loaded with flavor and antioxidants from cranberries, elderberries, and blueberries, this 180-calorie all-natural, crispy snack is 70 percent organic and has just 4 grams of fat. However, there are a couple drawbacks for some. It does have a slightly bitter after taste, and its stickiness can make eating it on the run a little difficult.
Luna S'mores
Definitely had that marshmallow and graham cracker taste with a chocolate coating and no unpleasant after taste.
Bar contains: 180 calories, 4.5g fat, 10g protein, 26g carbohydrate, 12g sugar, 2g fiber, full RDA for folic acid and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12.
Liquid Ensure/Ensure Candy Bar
Liquid Ensure is a largely useless baby formula for seniors. It contains a mixture of sugar, oil, water, and protein plus vitamins and minerals. Now Ross has tossed the same ingredients into an expensive low-fat, high-sugar candy bar.
Neither liquid nor candy-bar Ensure is complete, since both lack the fiber and phytochemicals in fruits and vegetables that may prevent cancer. In a study among 100 frail nursing home residents, an Ensure-like liquid supplement had no impact on muscle strength or frailty. So much for the label's claim that Ensure Bars or liquid help people stay healthy, energetic, and active.
Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal Bars
These new bars by Post are an ideal combination of tastes and textures. They have crispy flakes, real fruit pieces and crunchy oat clusters. Plus, these cereal bars contain as much calcium as an 8 ounce glass of milk. With flavors lik Banana Nut, Cranberry Almond and Oatmeal Raisin, your whole family will love them!
Soyjoy Berry Bar
With only 130 calories, this slightly dense, baked bar won't cancel out the calorie-burning you've just done. The berry flavor is quite pleasant. The bars contain 4 grams of protein and 4.5 grams of fat (a tad high for the calorie count, but not bad enough to write-off as a healthy energy bar).
See also:
Nutrition Bars: Are They Really Nutritious?
Belly Byte: Great Granola Bars
Fitness Energy Bars -- a Tasty Temptation Recipe, from our Sister Site, Fitness and Freebies.
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