The other day I was at a client meeting smugly munching on my chocolate and caramel energy bar and passing judgment on all the others who were devouring the communal donuts. But then I got to thinking, was I really better off than everyone else? How much better for me was my bar? Would I be getting the same benefits if I were eating a Snicker’s bar? Or should I have just given in to peer pressure and eaten doughnuts too? Are energy bars healthy or really just candy in a “healthy” package?

I’ll admit it; I am an energy bar addict. I love them, you name a brand and I’m sure I’ve eaten it. And, I eat them all the time: before a workout, after a workout, in the car, at my desk. Chances are if you run into me I’ll either be eating a bar or just finishing a bar. But, really, how good are they? My husband calls them “engineered food-like product.” Which makes me question, would I just be better off with real food?


The nice thing about energy bars is that they are so convenient, and as a super-stressed, over-scheduled woman I am all about the convenience. You can’t always stash a salad in your purse or eat an egg white and tomato sandwich as you drive from client meeting to client meeting. Unfortunately many energy bars are nothing more than chemicals and processed sugars pressed into a pretty package. So, I decided to do a little research and come up with some “rules” for bar consumption. This way you can still eat on the run and be healthy.

- First choose bars that have the least amount of ingredients and be sure that all the ingredients are familiar to you. You shouldn’t need a chemistry degree to understand your lunch.

- Next steer clear of the softer bars, as they tend to have high levels of hydrogenated oils. Choosing a bar with whole grains and fruits that is harder in texture is more likely to give you a healthier source of complex carbohydrates without all those less-than-desirable additions.

- Find a brand you like and stock up. You don’t want to be out of supply when hunger grabs you (that’s when you find yourself heading to a fast food joint).

So while admittedly a well-balanced meal with plenty of protein, fibre, carbohydrates and unsaturated fats are ideal, energy bars aren’t a horrible alternative. If you find yourself short on time, grab a healthy energy bar and get on your way.

Coming up…No time to exercise? Ha! There’s always time for these quick full-body workouts.