Bars: Friend of Foe

So I have been thinkin about this, why does everyone eat bars? I know they are extremelly convienent and most of the time really tasty, but many have high sugar, very high carbs, and not that much protein.

Are bars good for you are bad. For example, a bar I just had had like 45 carbs in it, and Im just sitting here doign my school work. When should you eat bars? Which are healthy in terms of calories, carbs and sugar. What is your take on eating bars?

Good question. I would also like to hear the answer to this! =P

I don't eat bars all that often but usually before a work out or when I get home from work in the afternoon.. before I exercise mainly.

Some bars can have a lot of protein. It's just that many bars are incredibly processed and have 10+ ingredients or whatever, which is something a lot of health-conscious people use as a rule of thumb to avoid. However, if you're looking for a quick grab n go snack, bars are great. If you can make your own food or have a piece of fruit lying around, I think those would be better choices, as bars should not be for meal replacements.

I grab a bar whenever I am in a rush and have to eat something. However, I would never think of it as a meal replacement.

I never eat any kinds of bars, because I go for volume, and they NEVER satisfy my hunger. I'd rather eat a sandwich and actually spare some calories that way.

I think that bars were originally intended for athletes. A quick source of carbs/sugars/protein for anytime....in the middle of a long hike, long bike ride....things like that. Now a lot of people use them as meal replacements, but I don't think its a wise idea.

There was this one Clif Builder bar sold at the Jamba Juice that had something like 25g protein but 46g carbs...it was insane...plus it was over 300 calories.  I agree that bars were pretty much invented for people who were gonna burn a hell of a lot of cals through exercise.

bars like Luna and Kashi are good; they have a reasonable amount of calories with a good amount of protein.  At least the Luna bars do.

I think it's silly when "meal bars" have like 1 gram of protein.

I'd be pretty hungry after that meal...

I agree - skip the bar and eat something more filling!   Too many calories for the volume.