The Skinny on Energy Bars

Today's mealtime dilemma is eating right without sacrificing our fast-paced schedules. The magic of energy bars is that they're convenient, portable and durable. Most of us have grabbed one for a nutritional lift. But consider these facts:

• Most bars provide a quick energy boost because they're high in calories (130-320) and have adequate protein (3-11 grams). Most attempt to be low-fat, though there are exceptions, such as those with names like "Double Chocolate Fudge Brownie." About half also provide some fiber.



• The average bar has 20 grams (4 teaspoons!) of sugar. Remember, sugar goes by many different names (high-fructose corn syrup, maltodextrin, cane syrup). Look for bars with minimally processed sweeteners such as evaporated cane juice.



• Energy bars aren't preferable to natural foods such as fig cookies, fruit or even a PB&J sandwich. But any fuel is better than no fuel. You'll perform better if you eat candy before exercise than if you eat nothing.



• Some energy bars, including Luna Bars and Boulder Bars, are made from whole foods; they're filled with fruit and fiber. These are preferable to bars that are little more than sugar-coated vitamins and protein.



• For each energy bar you grab on the go, be sure to eat a natural snack. My favorite: natural almonds (not the vending machine kind). Homemade trail mix and dried papaya or mango also are easy to throw into your bag. I've even eaten a baked sweet potato out of hand in the car.

Stephanie Oakes is a fitness correspondent for Discovery Health Channel, a contributing editor for USA Weekend Magazine and the LA Times, and appears on NBC's 'Today in New York'. She can be reached at soakes@beststuff.com.