I can’t even begin to add up how much money I’ve spent trying to find a nutrition bar that contains real, quality ingredients (without a bunch of artificial sugar, processed chemicals, preservatives or soy products)... and tastes great. The aisles of the grocery store are filled with less than ideal choices in nutrition bars. And the nutrition bar business is just that – big business. In this fast paced world of on-the-go-living, these so-called “snack bars” have become a must have for so many of us… moms on the go, kids on their way to practice, travelers and those looking for a quick snack between meals, etc. But are you really looking at what’s in that bar you’re eating?

It’s a tricky, slippery slope to navigate through the aisle of granola-nutrition-protein bars. Finding the perfect one can take a lot of trial and error and cost more than a few dollars… and that’s if you can find one you like and isn’t full of crap. Yes, crap, because maltrodextrin, caramel color, and vegetable glycerin don’t count as real food ingredients and real food, aka clean eating, is what we do here at Grow in Wellness. But I do believe there is a place for these types of bars in one’s life, so finding the right one, with the right ingredients (and for the right purpose) is key.

Of the many bars I’ve tried, there is one that stands out above the rest for freshness, quality ingredients, taste and purity. The Perfect Bar.

This line of fresh nutrition bars hits the real food mark on several counts:

· Non-GMO

· Contains nutrient-dense super foods like flax, papaya, alfalfa, kelp and spinach (no, you can’t taste the green)

· No chemical preservatives, stabilizers, or refined sugars (they’re sweetened with organic honey)

· Contains whole-food protein essential for muscle recovery and repair

· Are gluten free

· Come in a variety of flavors: Almond Butter, Almond Acai, Fruit & Nut, Almond Coconut, Cranberry Crunch, Peanut Butter and Carob Chip

Based on a family recipe, they are made in San Diego, California and can be found at many markets… our Costco even carries them. Yes, they need to be stored in the refrigerator, but they can make it through the day in your purse or bag with no problems. They vary in protein, fat and calorie count; some will be better as a meal replacement in a pinch (like the Peanut Butter or Fruit & Nut) and others will be better for snacking or post workout (like Almond Acai or Cranberry Crunch).

Take the time to choose a nutrition bar that actually has real-food nutrients in it (that’s code for "read the ingredients list"). After all, you’re investing more than money into this food; you’re infusing nutrition into your body. Make it count! Want to learn more about them? Find more info at www.perfectbar.com .

My favorite is the new Almond Acai...what will be your favorite flavor?