For busy people on the go, grabbing a breakfast bar as they head off to class or a job, or even just to get through a long commute, is an ideal solution to a hectic morning. Finding the right breakfast bars to provide filling nutrition as well as energy can be a challenge.
Common Challenges
A lot of the big brand types of breakfast bars on the market are really cereal bars with flavorings. In most cases, these bars are very high in carbohydrates and sugars, while relatively low in protein and in natural fiber.
The result is a bar that often tastes great but does not keep you feeling full. With some of the bars with high carb and sugar levels, you may actually experience the dreaded carbohydrate mid-morning slump, which will often trigger an urge to grab a chocolate bar or a high carb snack.
What to Consider
People often assume bars that are marketed as “healthy” or “all-natural” are always good for you. While this may be the case, take the time to read the label and check both the nutritional information as well as the list of ingredients.
In the nutritional information section of the label, look at the amount of sugar, carbs, and calories in the bar. Then, on the ingredients list, check to see the actual foods used in the bar. Top options will include dates, nut butter, oats and other types of healthy ingredients. Dates are a great natural sweetener and very high in fiber, while oats are high in fiber. Peanut butter adds flavor and protein.
For a bit of an energy boost, caffeinated breakfast bars are a great option. These bars will have the amount of caffeine found in a single cup of coffee, just giving a little pickup for the morning. This is approximately 80mg of caffeine, which means they can be enjoyed with your favorite coffee without having to worry about too much caffeine.