Energy bars: are they worth it?

People are always asking me which is the best energy bar, granola bar, or sports bar. My answer depends on why you're using it - for a quick snack, a meal replacement, before exercise, or post exercise recovery.

There are so many different bars out there it's tough to keep track of them all. A great article in Her Sports + Fitness gives a great explanation. Check it out at http://www.active.com/women/Articles/Energy_Bars_Unwrapped.htm

Some helpful hints:
- Avoid anything with chocolate in the heat. I bring banana walnut or oatmeal raisin flavored bars with me when I bike, because while I love chocolate, it melts in the heat!
- Some bars are really candy bars in disguise as something "healthy". Read the label ingredients to know exactly what you're getting.
- Bars can get expensive. Peanut butter on whole grain bread is just as nutritious and satisfying - and it costs a lot less!

Lynn