When it comes to fueling your body, sometimes quick, on-the-go snacks are a necessity. Often this quick energy comes in the form of a bar. Granola bars, energy bars, snack bars and protein bars have conquered a vast amount of shelf space in grocery stores, making it challenging to select a bar that will be satisfying, yet nutritious. In order to ease the challenge of selecting a bar, consider the reasons why you will be eating one. Use this information as your nutritional guide to the best granola bar for all of your snack time needs!
If you’re looking for something full of nutrition:
If nutrition is your first priority, set checkpoints to look for on bars with attention to:
- Calories
- Sugar
- Fat content
Sugar is one nutrient that can quickly creep up in nutrition bars and cause energy crashes shortly after consumption. To avoid this fate, try to keep sugar content near five grams, which will provide enough sweetness without sending blood glucose levels on a roller coaster ride. It is also important to look for bars that feature whole grains, low saturated fat and zero trans-fat. Keeping nutrition in mind can help simplify the selection process, but if you still can’t decide, try to steer clear of bars that resemble desserts to keep calories and sugar in check.
For nutrition and deliciousness, try: Bars similar to these hearty homemade granola bars
If protein is your main priority:
If you’re looking for a protein-powerhouse in a convenient bar form, look for bars containing around 8 to 15 grams of protein. This high amount of protein will help deliver key amino acids for repair and maintenance of tissues, muscles, hormones and other elements important to health. Although it is important to get enough protein in your diet, keep in mind excess protein is still converted and stored in the body as fat, not muscle, so choose wisely when selecting high-protein bars.
For protein, try: Bars similar to these packed with quinoa, fruit and nuts
If you’re wanting to pack on muscle:
If you’re an endurance athlete, bars packed with carbohydrate, protein and a bit of fat can energize your routine. These can be eaten before a long run, but plan enough time to allow for digestion. Clif Bars are popular options that pack key nutrients and enough energy for sustained bouts of exercise. They also come in a variety of flavors making them ideal for an athlete who experiences flavor fatigue.
For muscle-building, try: Clif Bars and other similar products
If you just need a little pick-me-up:
For the busy worker-bee interested in quick fuel and tasty flavor, look for smaller bars that don’t feature too many calories. Many brands, such as Luna Bars, make half-size bars that provide enough energy to blaze through your afternoon without the calorie equivalent of a meal. Or try slicing you’re your favorite bars into half portions. Although bars are quick, they are highly caloric; try to reserve them for moments when you desperately need energy and don’t have access to other options.
To get you through the day, try: Luna Bars and other similar products
If you’re into doing it yourself:
If you’re a homemaker interested in knowing exactly which ingredients comprise your bars, try making your own. All you have to do is combine oats, seeds, nuts, fruits and a thickener to have really amazing granola at home. The oats will provide fiber and nuts deliver minerals and healthy fats. If you want additional protein, you can mix your favorite protein powder or nut butter into the batter. Cooking your own nutrition bars is an easy way to control portion size, eat familiar foods and be more cost-effective. There are a variety of recipes online that can fit any taste preference!
To make something yummy at home, try: Bars similar to this quick and easy fruit and nut bar
So whether you’re fueling up for a busy afternoon or preparing for an extensive bout of exercise, individual needs should be the determining factor when selecting a bar. Don’t forget to balance eating a snack bar by consuming plenty of produce and water throughout the day.
Image credit: Migle Seikyte/flickr
