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Sarah:
When I was growing up my choices of supplements were limited. Most people took vitamin packs and protein shakes with the hopes of staying fit. The vitamin packs usually included about ten horse pills that literally had to be blown down your throat with an oversized straw in order to help you swallow them. If that wasn’t enough to make you gag the protein shakes tasted like a mixture of blackboard chalk and water. Luckily we have made great strides in supplementation since the days of old.

Today’s supplements are different. Marketing geniuses have figured out that in order to sell their products to the masses they must first make them taste good. The line between good nutrition and good taste has become difficult to distinguish.

The bars  you are referring to have many different names. They include a wide variety of products designed for different purposes. The most common types are protein bars, energy bars and meal replacement bars. Many people randomly choose these bars assuming that they are a healthy alternative to junk food. However it’s important to make your choice based on your life style because the nutrients in these bars can be very different.

Protein bars were designed to give the consumer a quick shot of high quality protein. They are usually purchased by people that are trying to build or maintain muscle mass. They may also be bought by people that are on a low carbohydrate diets.

Energy bars were designed for endurance athletes such as runners, triathletes and mountain bikers. Most of the calories in these bars come from carbohydrates. This is because endurance athletes require more energy to fuel their workouts. The carbohydrates are supposed to provide these athletes with the extra energy they need.

Meal replacement bars were designed to include the proper ratio of nutrients to help the average person maintain a healthy diet. These bars usually contain 2 parts carbohydrates and one part protein.

Most bars range in quality from good to bad depending on their ingredence. Some are nothing more than a glorified candy bars. Be on the look out for bars that contain large amounts of sugar and saturated fat. These bars are not good choices. Instead choose bars that are low in fat, sugar and calories and high in protein. 

Obviously the best way to get your daily nutritional requirements is from good old fashioned natural foods. However it can be difficult to prepare 5 meals a day and still have time for your daily responsibilities. I believe that protein shakes are a much better alternative to most bars.

Use bars every one in a while. Don’t depend on them. If your having trouble getting your meals in for the day than go ahead and have a bar.