Convenience vs. Whole Food

Stashed in a backpack or purse, energy bars offer portable food at a moment's notice. But they can't trump real food when it comes to delivering the best nutrition. Our tip: pair bars with whole foods to up the nutrition ante. And be smart about fortification. If you're using a bar as a meal replacement, extra vitamins and minerals might be a good thing. Just take care that you don't overdo it. Quaffing a daily multivitamin and fortified bars, cereals, and other heavily enriched foods can add up to a dangerous nutrient overload. Bottom line: Bars are good for occasional use, but their convenience comes with a much higher price tag than just as nutritious whole food.