(CNN)Energy bars are a convenient source of nutrition and come in a wide variety of flavors to satisfy different palates. They are often fortified with vitamins and minerals, which can help fill nutritional gaps.

　　(CNN)能量棒是一种便捷的营养来源，并且有多种口味来满足不同口感。能量棒通常拥有有助于填补营养空缺的维他命和矿物质。

　　But, like many foods in a specific category, not all energy bars are created equal. Those that are low in saturated fat and sugars, with a decent amount of protein and fiber, can provide a nutritious, satisfying pick-me-up. Others can closely mimic a candy bar. For example, some bars covered in chocolate contain as much saturated fat as a Snickers bar; others contain almost as much sugar.

　　但是，就像很多特定种类的食品一样，并非所有能量棒都是一样的。那些饱和脂肪和糖分含量低，蛋白质和纤维数量多的能量棒可以提供营养、令人满意的选择。其它的极像糖果棒的模仿品。比如，有些能量棒覆盖巧克力涂层，饱和脂肪含量和士力架巧克力棒一样，其它能量棒糖分含量一样。

　　Energy bars containing mostly fruit and nuts can serve as satisfying snacks. But if you’re looking for a meal replacement, aim for a bar with a higher amount of protein: about 10 to 20 grams. Athletes can also benefit from choosing a bar with more protein and carbohydrates, as their needs are higher.

　　大部分由水果和坚果组成的能量棒可以作为令人满意的小吃食用。但是如果你在找代饭的东西，以蛋白质含量更高的能量棒为目标：大约有10-20克蛋白质。运动员也可以通过选择蛋白质和碳水化合物含量更多的能量棒获益，因为他们的要求更高。

　　You can afford more calories if bars are consumed in place of meals and not as snacks. But if a bar is intended only to tide you over until dinner, limit it to 150 to 200 calories.

　　如果把能量棒当饭而不是零食来吃，你可以摄入更多卡路里。但是如果能量棒只是为了让你撑到晚饭，卡路里限制在150-200之间。

　　In general, try to aim for bars with less than 3 grams of saturated fat and at least 4 grams of fiber. Palm kernel oil in yogurt and chocolate coatings will boost saturated fat. Also watch out for bars with ingredients such as brown rice syrup or cane invert syrup listed first, as they are generally higher in sugars than others and are better suited for athletes, not weight watchers.

　　通常情况下，努力瞄准那些饱和脂肪低于3克，纤维至少有4克的能量棒。酸奶和巧克力涂层中的棕榈仁油可以增多饱和脂肪。还要注意含有诸如糙米糖浆或甘蔗转化糖浆等成分的能量棒，因为它们通常比其他能量棒糖分更高，更适合运动员，而不是体重控制者。

　　Note that some bars contain sugar alcohols such as maltitol or erythritol, to lower the sugar content. Because they are not fully absorbed, sugar alcohols provide fewer calories than sugar -- but they can also cause some gastrointestinal distress.

　　请注意，一些能量棒含有如麦芽糖醇或赤藓糖醇的糖醇以降低糖含量。因为它们没有被完全吸收，所以糖醇比糖提供的热量更少 - 但它们也可能引起胃肠道消化压力。

　　One last point: Don’t be fooled by the word "energy." In the nutrition world, energy is synonymous with "calories," and all food gives you energy because it provides calories. There’s nothing magical about energy bars in and of themselves, and they won’t give a boost in strength or focus unless you’ve been skipping meals and snacks.

　　最后一点：别被单词“能量”愚弄。在营养世界，能量和“卡路里”是同名词，所有为你提供卡路里的食物都给你能量。能量棒本身没有魔力，他们不会给你能量或者注意力的提升，除非你没吃饭和小吃。

　　Additionally, energy bars shouldn’t take the place of whole foods, especially fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts, which provide a package of beneficial nutrients that are important not only for energy but for overall health.

　　除此以外，能量棒不能代替天然食品，尤其是水果，蔬菜，全麦和坚果，这些东西能提供一系列有益的营养，这些营养不仅对能量很重要，对整体健康也很重要。