Granola bars, breakfast bars, snack bars, whatever you call them, they’re extremely convenient grab-and-go hunger cures. However, while they may have started off as nutritious health food store staples, many have morphed into candy bars in disguise. Fortunately, there are still several that fit the bill for an easy, non-perishable snack to keep in your desk or backpack, as long as you pay extra attention to a few things.

If you’re looking for something quick to start your morning or get you through the afternoon, granola bars can be an ideal choice. The trick is finding the best choice for your needs. Bars that are high in added sugar and low in fiber and/or protein might give you a quick energy boost. However, because sugars are digested quickly, you might find yourself hungry and lacking in energy soon after eating.

For lasting satiety and energy, try to include more protein and fiber, both of which digest more slowly and therefore stay in your digestive system longer. The key to getting the energy you want, and keeping it longer, is combining both carbohydrates from grains and fruits, and perhaps a little sweetener with fiber from whole grains and nuts, as well as protein from nuts and nut butters.

Helpful hints: Keep these tips in mind when you’re shopping for your next box of bars.

(Environmental Nutrition is the award-winning independent newsletter written by nutrition experts dedicated to providing readers up-to-date, accurate information about health and nutrition in clear, concise English. For more information, visit www.environmentalnutrition.com.)

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