If you're a fan of longer workouts, or are in training for a big race, you can't exercise without refueling your energy. Sport drinks offer energy plus hydration, and gels and chews offer bite-sized energy in convenient packages. There are also energy bars. You can eat them before, during, or after your lengthy workouts, and they're better than sport drinks or gels because not only do they contain carbs for energy, but they satisfy your hunger too.

Many companies make energy bars these days including Clif, PowerBar, and Balance. If you're confused about how to choose one keep reading.

Choose bars that contain 200 to 250 calories and about 40 grams of carbs. Opt for ones that are low in fat, fiber, and protein, since they can delay digestion. Try out different bars for the particular activity you're doing. For running it's recommended that a bar have about five grams of fat, five grams of fiber, and 10 grams of protein. You may prefer more protein say if you're going on a long hike, or more fiber if you're biking. A little trial and error will help you figure out which ones work best for you.

When using energy bars as your source of fuel, eat one for every hour you exercise. Break them into bite-sized pieces prior to heading out, so you can snack on them throughout the 60 minutes. Be sure to sip four to eight ounces of water every 15 minutes with each bar.

If you have a favorite energy bar, share it in the comments section below.