Kids and On-the-Go Nutrition

:kidshealth.org

2012/04/10

972

It would be great if the whole family could enjoy a breakfast of homemade whole-wheat pancakes and fresh berries, but that's not the reality in many households. Mornings can be a mad dash, with one or more family members grabbing something to eat on the way out the door — or worse, not eating anything at all.

With eating on the go now the norm, nutrition, protein, diet, energy, and cereal bars have flooded the market. What they offer is convenience, a quick little "meal" or snack neatly wrapped and ready to go.

But how do they stack up when it comes to good nutrition?

Evaluating the Choices

These bars have pros and cons. They'll never beat a well-balanced meal or snack, but are better than a stop at the local fast food chain, donut shop, or vending machine. A bar can come in handy when kids need a quick energy boost after school or during sports practice. And the truth is, if the other option is skipping a meal entirely, a nutrition bar is better than nothing.

But their nutritional value varies. Some are fairly rich in nutrients, while others are closer to the nutritional content of candy bars, providing a quick sugar boost without a lot of vitamins and minerals.

And even if they are fortified with vitamins and minerals, pay attention to the amount of fat, added sugar, and calories in each serving. It's important to read the nutrition labels carefully before buying.