Choosing the best breakfast bars

Getting up early enough to cook a healthy breakfast full of protein and whole grains can be tough for those who have to get to work early or get their kids to school in a hurry. It's also tough for those of us who aren't natural early risers and are basically willing to skip any part of the morning that isn't an absolute necessity if it means a few extra hours of sleep.

Breakfast is still the most important meal of the day though, so it's not something that you can just skip. The trick is finding something that is fast, filling and healthy. Breakfast bars can be a great solution for those who need a quick meal on the go but unfortunately not all are created equal, and even those that sound healthy could mostly just be full of sugar and high in calories.

The next time you're shopping for a healthy cereal bar, be prepared to read the nutrition label and keep these tips listed on AOL Body in mind. Bars should contain at least 5 g of both protein and fiber, less than 15 g of sugar and at least 25% of your minimum daily requirement of calcium. As the article says, pair a healthy bar with a piece of fruit, a handful of nuts and a glass of soy or low- or no-fat milk and you'll enjoy many of the benefits of a full breakfast.