How to tell if a nutrition bar is actually healthy

Not all packaged bars are created equal. Here are [the] criteria for a grab-and-go bar that's actually healthy:

Calories:

If you're eating the bar as a snack, you want it to be about 200 cals to 250 cals. If your bar is standing in for your lunch, you can go up to 400 or 500 calories.

Protein:

Snack bar needs about 4 - 5 grams of protein to keepp you satisfied. A meal replacement needs about 15 grams protein.

Fiber:

There are a few bars out there masquerading as 'health bars' because they have added fiber. Just because they list six-plus grams doesnt mean they're a good choice. I like to see three-plus grams from whole-food ingredients for fiber.

Fat:

For [a] nut-based bars, 10-11 grams of fat is a good range, with about two grams of saturated fat. For others, five to six is a good range to look for.

Sugar:

10 to 12 grams of sugar is ok if it comes from dried fruit, otherwise no more than six to seven grams of sugar.

Sodium:

No more than 200 milligrams of sodium.

To read this article in its entirety, please click on the link below:

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/healthy-nutrition-bars

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