I was sent some complimentary samples of Zing Nutrition Bars in December. I am just now ramping up my mileage again, so I am just working through the bars now. Zing bars are about the same calorically as Lara or Pure bars, but they have more protein – a must for me when I am running as much as I am to train for this marathon. Zing bars are made from hormone-free, antibiotic-free ingredients and contain nothing artificial. This means no high-fructose corn syrup and no artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners or chemical preservatives that are pervasive in packaged foods. A wholesome choice for adults and kids!

The story of Zing Bars:

It all started innocently enough. As practicing nutritionists, we simply wanted to find a good nutrition bar we could recommend to our patients. But despite our best efforts, there just weren’t any on the market we really liked. If a particular bar was nutritionally balanced, it left something to be desired in the taste department. If it tasted good, it was low in protein and fiber, or full of artificial ingredients, unhealthy fats and empty calories.

Then we came up with a deliciously different idea.

We could create our own all-natural nutrition bar. Our take on the perfect snack. A bar with everything we wanted it to have, and nothing we didn’t. A healthy balance of carbs, protein and beneficial fats, but no artificial sweeteners, colors or preservatives. No trans fats, synthetic vitamins, or allergy-aggravating gluten, wheat or soy protein.

In short, a nutrition bar that everyone- including nutritionists and other healthcare professionals- could love. Zing! Now we hope that you love it too.

Chocolate Peanut Butter -Creamy, crunchy organic peanut butter covered in a mouthwatering organic dark chocolate coating. Pinch yourself… it’s healthy. GF

Almond Blueberry -If you love the smooth taste of almond butter, then this bar is for you. Made with a generous helping of real organic blueberries for an extra flavor and antioxidant punch. As one Zing fan states, “This bar is good enough to bathe in.” GF, SF

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip -“Oatmeal chocolate chip cookie dough” would be a more accurate description of this bar’s delectable flavor — if only it weren’t so long. One bite will bring you back to being a kid in Grandma’s kitchen. Now made Gluten Free with Certified Gluten Free oats! GF, SF

Cranberry Orange -We combined real cranberries, organic chunky cashew butter and a hint of orange zest to create our first vegan bar. The result? Amazingly yummy. As nutritionists, we couldn’t bear the thought of skimping on protein so we used rice protein in our latest flavor. Here’s to gluten-free, vegan bars that are also delicious and satisfying! GF, DF, SF

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip -Chunky peanut butter takes the front seat in our newest vegan flavor. Add some real chocolate chips and you have a heavenly balance of savory and sweet. As always, we also kept the nutritional balance, making the bar with rice protein to satisfy your dairy-free cravings. GF, DF, SF

I am going to be honest, I love these bars. The flavors are awesome. Perhaps it is because all 5 flavors contain some kind of nut butter? If you made me choose a favorite, it is a tie between the Cranberry Orange & the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip. I tried these out before & after my runs. They did a great job of fueling me while not making me feel too full. It is also very important to refuel with a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio of carbs: protein after your runs and it is best to do this within 30 minutes to an hour of your run. All Zing bars have 10-13 grams of protein and would be a good way to get the ball rolling.

Click here to see if you can find Zing Bars in your area or you can order online.