Raising the Bar

Women-Only Bars

Women had long clamored for energy bars that suited their nutritional needs without all the calories. Bar makers have responded with lots of "petite" versions of earlier bars (usually under 200 calories) that are packed with the nutrients women typically lack. Many, such as Luna bars, use heart-healthy soy protein, and come fortified with calcium, folic acid, and iron. They also contain the same amount of protein as a glass of milk.

Uses: These bars make a tasty snack when there's no fresh fruit or other foods around. If you eat them in place of a meal (as some women tell me they do), try to include other foods such as a cup of yogurt and fruit, or bowl of bean soup. Men can also enjoy these less-filling, smaller bars.

Meal-Replacement Bars
This is a growing category, as many people enjoy the convenience of a prepackaged bar rather than preparing a complete meal. And in an effort to trim waistlines, many people turn to bars to help them control calories and portion sizes.

Slim-Fast Meal On-The-Go bars may, in fact, assist in weight loss when used in place of a meal. A recent study showed that overweight women who replaced two of their three daily meals with a Slim-Fast bar (or drink) experienced greater success with weight loss and maintenance than women who didn't incorporate meal replacements. Not that there's anything magical in these bars. It's simply that some people are able to control their portion sizes better (and, consequently, eat fewer calories) when opting for a bar than when eating regular food.

Uses: Many bars, especially high-protein types, can substitute for a meal on occasion. But keep in mind that no single bar supplies the wealth of nutrients and health-boosting substances found in whole foods. So don't belly up to a bar for a meal on a regular basis.