Q: Are Energy bars bad for you, if you're trying to lose weight? I ride my bike often (atleast 5 miles per day, usually 10) and i eat about 3 meals a day, and one snack. I usually eat one energy bar while riding (if it's a long ride).

A: In general, yes, energy bars are not something you want to eat if trying to lose weight. In your case, however, eating an energy bar on a long bike ride or during other types of exercise is actually quite appropriate -- this is the kind of thing that the energy bars are meant for!

Do note that if you bike at moderate pace, you'll burn about 40 calories per mile or 400 calories after your typical 10-mile ride. By eating a 200-calorie energy bar, you cut the net calories in half to 200 burned. But this is actually a good thing. You do NOT want to burn too many calories by cardio because it will lower your overall metabolism making it harder to lose fat. So those energy bars actually allow you to do fairly extensive cardio while minimizing potential negative side-effects on your metabolism.

I noticed you said you eat 3 meals + 1 snack every day. You would be better served by splitting that same food into five or more meals (lots of small meals, basically). This will keep your metabolism up throughout the day, improving fat burning. You can burn fat even better if you read my Nutrition article and structure your diet as suggested there. Same goes for weight training.

If you do not want to change your current diet or exercise program, then your current biking routine is good and energy bars are quite appropriate on long rides. Just don't eat them when not exercising.