Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Breaking Down Bars

Protein bars, meal replacement bars, snack bars...there are so many options, flavors and functions of this on-the-go food. Some bars claim to be nutritious, but are full of artificial flavoring, chemicals and sugar.  Others claim to taste just like chocolate, but really leave you wondering how what you just ate is considered edible. We are big fans of bars, but it took a lot of trial and error to find the tastiest, healthiest and best options to share with you!


  • Best Morning Snack: Fiber One Oats & Chocolate
    • This bar tastes just like a Chewy granola bar, except with far less sugar and more fiber, which makes it a perfect mid-morning snack. Since it's only 90 calories, it can be paired with a piece of fruit or a cup of nonfat greek yogurt.


  • Best Dessert: Larabar [Peanut Butter Cookie or Apple Pie]
    • These all natural bars have just three ingredients and taste delicious. Each one is about 200 calories and is the best option to grab when you are having a major sweet tooth.



  • Best Meal Replacement: Think Thin White Chocolate
    • Think Thin bars tend to have a chalky taste, but the white chocolate flavor is the only one that does taste good. This bar has 20 grams of protein and 240 calories, which is extremely filling and an easy on-the-go lunch.


  • Best Post-Workout Protein: Power Crunch Protein Energy Bar
    • This giant wafer cookie tastes amazing and indulgent, but each bar has only 5 grams of sugar and no sugar alcohol! After a great sweat session it's important to repair your muscles and fuel your body with protein, and each one of these packs 14 grams.



  • Best Flavor Variety: Kind Bar
    • All flavors of this all-natural snack bar are absolutely delicious. Kind Bars are made with all sorts of nuts which are a great source of healthy fat and protein. Some of these make a nice dessert as well, with dark chocolate and yogurt-coated options. Basically, no matter which you choose, you can't go wrong!


  • Best Nutritional Value: Greens Plus Chocolate Energy Bar
    • Greens Plus are the only cold-processed, alkaline-forming green food bar made with organically grown superfoods, soy protein, herbal extracts and honey. The bar delivers protein, low-glycemic carbs and essential fatty acids that supply a steady stream of energy throughout the day. They are a little bit pricey per bar, but the health benefits cannot be beat. 



  • Best Breakfast: Luna Bar [Chocolate Peppermint, Oatmeal Raisin, Peanut Honey Pretzel]
    • Luna Bars come in a wide variety of flavors and we have tried them all, these three are by far the most true-to-taste and yummy! Luna Bars have carbs and fiber so we like to have these with our breakfast, paired with a banana, yogurt or eggs. 




  • Best Brownie Substitute: Pure Organic Chocolate Brownie
    • A guiltless brownie?! Yup, these Pure bars made of dates, agave nectar, cashew butter, almonds and cocoa manage to satisfy a chocolate craving while still providing nutrition.


  • Best Gas Station Option: Special K Protein Bar
    • These bars taste good and while not the healthiest on this list, they are definitely the best option at the convenience store. Instead of grabbing chips, candy or other empty calories, this protein meal-replacement bar is your best bet to stay slim. 


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