Pregnancy Articles

What You Need to Know about Energy Bars

Pros, Cons, and a Healthy Bar Checklist

Meal Replacement Bars
When lunch is out of reach, an energy bar can be used on occasion. Adding a piece of fruit, some raw veggies, and a serving of yogurt or milk can help round out this quick, on-the-go meal. Read the nutrition label to find a bar that contains:
  • About 200-300 calories
  • 2.5 to 5 grams of fiber
  • Less than 20 grams of sugar
  • Less than 2.5 grams saturated fat and 0 grams trans fat
  • About 30% of your RDA for vitamins and minerals (optional)
  • Approximately 40% carbohydrates (20-30 grams), 30% protein (15-22 grams) and 30% fat (7-10 grams or less)
Examples of Meal Replacement Bars
  • Balance Outdoor (Honey Almond): 200 calories, 3 grams fiber, 12 grams sugar, 21 grams carbs, 15 grams protein, 6 grams fat
  • Balance Trail Mix (Cinnamon Oats & Honey): 210 calories, 3 grams fiber, 12 grams sugar, 23 grams carbs, 15 grams protein, 7 grams fat
  • Clif Builder's Bar (all flavors): 270 calories, 3-4 grams fiber, 20 grams sugar, 30 grams carbs, 20 grams protein, 8 grams fat
  • Promax Oat-Rageous (Cinnamon Raisin): 290 calories, 6 grams fiber, 17 grams sugar, 42 grams carbs, 21 grams protein, 5 grams fat
  • Promax Oat-Rageous (Chocolate Coconut): 330 calories, 6 grams fiber, 18 grams sugar, 39 grams carbs, 20 grams protein, 11 grams fat

Afternoon Snack Bars
For your afternoon snack, be aware that many energy bars have a calorie level similar to candy bars. If you are watching your caloric intake (or trying to lose weight after baby arrives), it can be difficult to find a low-calorie bar that doesn't contain sugar alcohols (see "Cons" above). Eating half of an energy bar or choosing another type of snack might be a better idea for a snack. For pregnant women, energy bars are still better choices than candy bars because they contain added nutritional benefits.

Read the nutrition label to find a bar that contains:
  • About 150-200 calories
  • At least 1.5 grams of fiber
  • Less than 15 grams of sugar
  • Less than 2 grams saturated fat and 0 grams trans fat
  • About 30% of your RDA for vitamins and minerals (optional)
  • Approximately 40%-60% carbohydrates (15-30 grams), 20%-30% protein (7-15 grams) and 20%-30% fat (3-7 grams or less)
Examples of Snack Bars
  • PowerBar Pria Bar: 110 calories, 3-4 grams fiber, 10 grams sugar, 16 grams carbs, 5 grams protein, 1 gram fat
  • Luna Bar: 180 calories, 3 grams fiber, 11 grams sugar, 28 grams carbs, 10 grams protein, 3 grams fat
  • Zoe's Bar (Heavenly Apple): 180 calories, 5 grams fiber, 10 grams sugar, 28 grams carbs, 8 grams protein, 5 grams fat
  • Optimum Rebound Bar: 190 calories, 4 grams fiber, 20 grams sugar, 33 grams carbs, 10 grams protein, 4 grams fat

Workout Fuel
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About The Author

Becky Hand
Becky is a registered and licensed dietitian with almost 20 years of experience. She teaches prenatal classes and counsels individuals, helping women eat right and stay fit before, during and after their pregnancies.
Becky Hand

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