Tanya Zuckerbrot from Cooking Light magazine was on The Early Show talking about power bars. They were grouped as

• protein bars
• energy bars
• meal replacement bars
• snack bars

This article will focus on the first three groups. This information is important for pre and post-workouts.

A protein bar is high in protein obviously. You need this protein after your workout to build up your muscles. The best bar for protein according to Cooking Light are Chocolate Peanut Butter Zing Bars with 13 grams of protein, 10 grams of fat, 3 grams of fiber, 14 grams of sugar, and 210 calories. 

A meal replacement bar will have more calories than a protein bar and should be filling. A good meal replacement bar should keeup up your energy after a workout if you don't have a meal. Food is the best way to go but in a pinch, these bars should do the trick. The pick in this category goes to Walnut Oatmeal Raisin Clif Bars with 240 calories, 10 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber, and 20 grams of sugar. 

An energy bar is great as a pre-workout bar. It should be high in carbohydrates to give you that extra push you may need. The Strawberry ProBar Fruition with 160 calories, 3 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, 2 grams of fat, and 21 grams of sugar is Cooking Light's pick. These are organic. Tanya states, " Sugars are a little higher than our benchmark, but we've made an exception because studies show that carbs (plus a little bit of protein) before a workout give exercisers an energy edge, allowing them to workout longer and do more reps." source and to read about bars for kids, women, and teens go to CBS.

These can be found

at GNC. Click to find a location in New England.

at Shaw's in New England.  

at Hanneford.

at Whote Foods.

at Stop & Shop.

Stay informed. Click subscribe above.