Gnu and improved snack!

Written by Rachel Berman    The other day I was out shopping when I started to feel fatigued and cranky. My blood sugar was low, and I knew I needed a little something to give me back my energy. The only place in sight for a quick treat was a gelato parlor, but I know it wouldn’t give me the lasting energy I needed. I opened up my tote and was happy to find a Gnu Foods Flavor & Fiber Bar stashed inside.

I discovered Gnu bars a few years ago when I was looking for a healthy snack. These high-fiber, low-fat bars keep me from grabbing something fatty when I’m starving. Gnu bars have only 130-140 calories and 3 grams of fat, but contain 12 grams of fiber — nearly half of the daily recommendation for women and a third for men! Fiber keeps you full and satisfied so you can make it to your next meal without getting grumpy and hungry again. It also helps lower cholesterol, reduces risk of heart disease, and aids in weight loss. And Gnu bars are all-natural, which means you won’t eat any artificial ingredients — no trans fat or high fructose corn syrup. This is a snack you can truly feel good about!

Choose from five flavors including cinnamon raisin, chocolate brownie, peanut butter, banana walnut, and orange cranberry. My favorite is the cinnamon raisin, which makes me think I’m eating an oatmeal raisin cookie, without the guilt. Try the Five-Bar Flavor Sampler for $9.95 (shipping included) to find your fave. Visit gnufoods.com/shop to order and enter coupon code "Skinny" for 20% off all purchases (cannot be combined with gift certificates or the Joy of Fiber program; offer expires 3/30/09).

Tanya’s tip: Pair a Gnu bar with a coffee or tea for the perfect, satisfying afternoon snack.