Snacking 101: The granola bar

A granola bar can be the perfect healthy snack for an afternoon pick-me-up or a post-workout nosh, but if you pick the wrong kind, you may be grabbing something that is just as bad as a candy bar. Here, we explain what to look for when checking out granola bars in the snack food aisle.

What's in your granola bar?

Always check the nutrition facts and list of ingredients on your granola bars. If it contains a lot of sugar, fat and calories, then it's probably a candy bar in disguise. Some granola bars even contain just as much sugar and calories as bad-for-you candy bars, so beware.

Your ideal granola bar

Look for a granola bar that has less than 5 grams of sugar per bar, not per serving, to make sure you aren't getting too much of a sugar fix. Also be on the lookout for fat and calorie content, as chocolate and peanuts are common contributors to all of the above. Natural and organic granola bars are also a better buy because they aren't going to contain artificial ingredients. Still, check the ingredients to be sure of what's in your granola bar!

Tip: Make your own healthy, quick snack by mixing plain granola with a small amount of fruit for no-sugar-added natural sweetness.

Source: shapefit.com

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