Tips for choosing the best snack bar

Have you noticed the endless choices of snack bars, energy bars, cereal bars, breakfast bars, protein bars, and granola bars at the grocery store? Do you find it as overwhelming as I do? I hear this from my clients all the time. They spend way too much time scouring the shelves for a healthy option and end up walking away empty handed or with a choice they’re unsure about.

It’s so confusing! What’s a health conscious shopper to do?

The front of the package label makes all of them seem like the perfect choice. Unfortunately, most are packed with unwanted ingredients – including too much sugar – and many are far from healthy. The next time you are at the grocery store, use these tips to choose a “snack worthy” bar . . .

Ingredients to look for when seeking a healthy bar:

• Whole grains
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Dried fruits (without added refined sugar)

Avoid bars containing these ingredients:

• Refined sugars including (but not be limited to) sugar, cane sugar, cane juice, brown sugar, palm sugar, barley malt, fructose, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, maltodextrin, and agave. Basically anything that includes the word “malt,” “syrup,” or ends in an “-ose.” Naturally occurring sugars from dried fruit and small amounts of the more natural added sugars (such as honey and pure maple syrup) are acceptable.
• Artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and colorings
• Added protein, fiber, or caffeine; none of these are necessary.

One of my favorite bars is the LaraBar. Not only do I love them for their delicious taste, I also appreciate and agree with their philosophy. They believe, “The foundation of a sound mind, body and spirit is derived from what you eat - and what you eat is most delicious and satisfying when it is in a whole, natural state”; and I wholeheartedly support this. Their Original Fruit & Nut Food Bars are made with only a few, simple, recognizable ingredients like fruit and nuts - and they are minimally processed.

Snack bars can be part of a healthy eating plan however do not use them to replace fresh fruits and vegetables. They can make a good grab-and-go snack occasionally, but then again, why not go for the real thing most of the time? Whole fruits, veggies, and nuts are quick, easy, and portable.

Lorraine Matthews-Antosiewicz, MS RD, is a healthy eating coach and nutrition expert specializing in weight management. She is committed to empowering people through education, support, and inspiration to make real changes that lead to optimal health and lasting weight loss - without all the craziness of dieting. Receive her 7 proven strategies to JumpStart your weight loss today! http://njnutritionist.com. This article was originally published at http://njnutritionist.com/tips-for-choosing-the-best-snack-bar and has been syndicated with permission.