Busting the Energy Bar Myth

Working out at the gym I see a lot of people munching power bars and swigging fortified water. If only they realized that the so-called "healthy" power boosts they were indulging in were negating a lot of the calories they burned off on the treadmill! The power bar industry is so whacked that now Snickers has a "Marathon Bar." That should tell you something about the nutritional value of most of these stop-gap snacks. A regular Snickers bar has 280 calories, 14 grams of fat, 5 grams of saturated fat, 35 grams of carbohydrates. A Caramel Nut Rush Marathon Bar has 290 calories, 9 grams of fat, 5 grams of saturated fat and 40 grams of carbs. Not much difference, huh? In fact, you could eat a Snickers bar and swallow a multi-vitamin and you'd save 10 calories and at least 50 cents!

So if you're looking for a healthy alternative to the usual calorie and fat laden candy bars posing as power bars, then Bouquet of Fruit On Track Fruit Energy Bar might be the solution. Bouquet of Fruit developed the bars as a result of the growing rate of childhood obesity and Type II diabetes. Each of the four flavors (Mixed Berry, Strawberry Banana, Chocolate Cherry Fudge and Peaches and Cream) has only 120 calories, less than 30 grams of carbs, less than a gram of fat and contains a full serving of fruit. This is because the bars are made from real fruit--not concentrate!

There is no added sugar, no trans fats. Made from raw natural ingredients and not "enriched," they are naturally high in fiber and a good source of vitamins C and E. They're also kosher! They are sort of a cross between a granola bar and a fruit roll-up in texture and consistency (my friend Dave proclaimed the treat like a Tootsie Roll in its chewiness while Diane described hers as "light" and "lovely"!) but are a healthier option than either snack. The compact size makes it easy to sneak in that serving of fruit in snack form.

Bouquet of Fruits is a signatory company with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, an organization dedicated to combating childhood obesity in the U.S. and ensuring that children have access to healthier foods and increased physical activity.