Training & Nutrition - Meals and snacks?

Hello.
I've been looking more into diet and nutrition when biking and can't really find what I'm looking for, so....
What are some recommendations for snacks (maybe bars) to take with me when I am riding?
Or to eat before I ride? I have been told of several different ideas, but many of them are too high in sugar, which I don't want. Along with this, I just don't like the nutrition/snack/meal bars that taste like candy. In addition, I am not overweight, but I do not want something really high in calories...or at least something with more calories than what I would burn on a bike ride. (still not sure what distance I'm riding each day....I'll be able to say soon.)
Any thoughts?

*edit* This is one of the reasons I was thinking about this.
My plans were to start biking to a few friend's houses rather than driving. One lives about 5 miles away, the other about 8. So: bike there, visit for a while, eat a snack, stretch, grab a drink, then bike home. Sounds good, but I don't know what to eat? :)

Thanks.

Go to cereal section in you grocery store.
All kinds of breakfast bars to choose from.
Most are in individual foil packages which are easy to carry and open while you are riding.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/bikefood001.jpg

I guess I could go check out my options there. That's simple. Thanks.

*edit* This is one of the reasons I was thinking about this.
My plans were to start biking to a few friend's houses rather than driving. One lives about 5 miles away, the other about 8. So: bike there, visit for a while, eat a snack, stretch, grab a drink, then bike home. Sounds good, but I don't know what to eat? :)


I forgot one of my main concerns.

For two 5 or 8 mile rides you don't need any food unless you were hungry before you started riding or get hungry when you're visiting. Just eat like you would if you wern't riding... ride that short aren't going to cause you to burn many calories.

For a 5 to 8 mile ride you would not require any food, it might make you feel hungry but just drink some water. If you find you really need something take a banana.

A banana would probably do it, I would just want something light because I rarely eat before I bike and too much would make me sick even staying sedentary for the rest of the day.
But hopefully I'd be a little hungry after 16 or so miles....I'm hoping the more I exercise, the better diet routine I will have. As of now, I never "get hungry" I just feel sick whenever I need to eat.
Just have to try a trip once and see.

personally I'm fond of bananas and raisins. they sit well, and give me energy. a small turkey sandwich is pretty good too. muscle milk is also good for me. I drink one of those after riding for a couple of hours and I'm good to go!