Are you looking for snacks that are bound to keep you energized all day long?
The truth is, packing snacks fit for a 9-5 job can be challenging. After all, most easy-to-pack snacks not only lack nutrition but also make us feel tired and lethargic. In fact, nearly 75% of workers report feeling tired throughout a standard work day.
However, there are nutritious snacks that go beyond your typical granola bar and leave you feeling energized and ready to conquer the day. After all, they say you are what you eat, so why not eat the best foods possible?
If you’re looking to swap out your tired, unhealthy snacks for snacks that are bountiful in health and energy, you’ve come to the right place.
We’re uncovering a list of the top ten best snacks to ensure that you have enough energy to make the most of your day!
1. Bananas
Let’s start with the fact that bananas are pretty well the most portable snack available. They naturally come prepared in their own skin and do not require being kept in a fridge.
And, when it comes to nutrition, bananas are considered to be the number one fruit for providing energy,
Similar to other fruits, bananas are loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber. Bananas are also packed with carbs (the good kind, of course) which translate into energy and help fight those I-can’t-go-on moments. These nutritious properties are just what our bodies crave when we are lacking energy.
If a packed day is going to lead to a prolonged lunch break, take a quick minute to yourself and have a banana. It will help to energize your body and sharpen your focus in those moments where lunch just has to wait.
All-in-all, we think bananas make for the perfect before-lunch companion snack.
2. Yogurt with Cereal/Granola
Because yogurt is packed with protein, it allows our bodies to feel satisfied for longer. This provides our bodies with the required energy until our next meal.
To pair with the yogurt, opt for your favorite cereal or granola. These grains often contain fiber and carbs that also help to supply our bodies with energy.
Together, this fearless due is best to get you through a long workday. For bonus points, select a yogurt that is high in protein and a cereal that is low in sugar. Remember, foods that are excessively sugary provide you with only temporary energy and can lead to an eventual crash.
3. Popcorn
Popcorn is a snack that isn’t just healthy and energizing but also fun. In other words, it’s one of those coveted snacks that is satisfying yet healthy.
It’s a fabulous snack because it often contains more sizable portions while still being low in fat and high in fiber. It’s also technically a whole grain which makes it a healthier option when compared to other crunchy snacks like chips or pretzels.
While stovetop popcorn is your best option nutritionally, microwave popcorn is now widely available and simple to bring to the office. You’ll also want to ensure that you are steering clear of buttered and high-salt popcorn. Instead, opt for a plain popcorn and add minimal salt if necessary.
4. Veggies and Hummus
Let’s vow to forget the simple carrots and ranch dip. While it can be healthy, there are plenty of other options that more nutritious and even more healthy.
Let’s take red peppers and hummus, for example. Red peppers are a great source of good carbs and fiber. They also contain many vitamins and nutrients that provide us with energy and keep our bodies satisfied.
Hummus adds extra protein that, when compared with the vegetable, make this an unstoppable mid-day snack. If red peppers are not your preference, you can switch up the game with zucchini, mushrooms, beans or any of your favorite vegetables.
5. Gourmet Jerky
If you find yourself yearning for some protein to get you through the workday, you may want to consider jerky.
While it may not have been considered a popular snack before, it’s the perfect alternative to excessively salty junk food. It provides the body with protein to give us energy while also being low in carbs.
Worried it might not exactly be transportable? This company packages jerky into small, individual packages that are very office friendly. It’s also healthy and acceptable for any paleo diets.
It’s safe to safe you’ll be the envy of your office when you pull out the jerky! Available in a variety of flavors with beef, turkey, and pork.
6. Almonds and Walnuts
If you’re craving a salty, crunchy snack to get you through that afternoon drowsiness, look no further than almonds or walnuts. These nuts are packed with good fats that help keep us feeling full for longer. They also contain fiber, vitamins, nutrients and Omega-3s.
While nuts do serve as a fabulous snack, be sure not to overindulge. To ensure that you are staying true to the correct portion size, stick to 1 ounce of nuts per day.
7. Bran Muffins
Treating yourself to a bran muffin is a snack that is as healthy as it is satisfying to eat. It’s also the perfect food to give you energy if you wake up late and don’t have time for breakfast. Grab a muffin to go and eat it on the way to work!
These muffins are made with raisin bran cereal and plenty of other whole wheat ingredients. As compared to other muffins, the minimal presence of sugar ensures that these muffins will give you energy that is not just temporary but long-lasting.
Treat yourself to a half a dozen muffins to get you through your week. You’ll find these muffins don’t break the bank and prevent you from splurging on vending machine snacks!
8. Energy Bites
These oh-so-enjoyable homemade snacks are certified foolproof for even the most non-domesticated of cooks.
Come Sunday, whip up a batch for the upcoming week in less than 15 minutes. From here, store them in your fridge or freezer for when hunger pains begin to strike and you feel that tiredness looming.
Oats, honey, peanut butter and chocolate chips are combined in a bowl and are the perfect snack to combine dessert with nutrition. The oats and the honey are sure to provide you with all natural energy with added protein from the peanut butter. The small dosage of chocolate chips will help to provide you with carbs and an effortless source of energy.
You can also add your own flair to better suit your nutritional desires. Consider adding pumpkin seeds, chia seeds or even dried fruit such as blueberries or cranberries.
9. Apples and Peanut Butter
Apples are a popular snack for energy as they are a very easily absorbed source of energy for our body. It also provides our body with vitamin C, fiber, and potassium.
Pairing your apple with peanut butter helps to make the snack more substantial. The protein in the peanut butter will help your body and mind pleased in the long-term.
You can also swap out peanut butter for almond butter. To take it one step further, you can even try making your own peanut or almond butter!
10. Water
Last but not least, it would be a sin not to include water in our list of nutritional foods that provide energy. While water may not be a snack per say, it carries enough significance that we had to add it to our list.
To keep your body well-hydrated and properly functioning throughout the day, it is essential to drink the right amount of water. Research indicates that men should be drinking 13 cups of water per day and women should be drinking 9 cups.
Without keeping our body hydrated, it is unable to function and process our vitamins and nutrients properly.
The fact is, skipping out on water throughout the day leads to dehydration. And once our body reaches that level of dehydration, it can leave us feeling drained and fatigued.
The Best Snacks for Fighting Fatigue
If you regularly feel tired throughout your workday, you’re going to want to ensure that you are providing yourself with the proper nutrition.
Whilst packing a bountiful lunch is important, it’s equally important to be prepared with healthy snacks to curb your hunger throughout the day. Having these snacks packed and ready helps to minimize the occurrences of purchasing fast food that is often costly and lacking nutrition.
From nuts and yogurt to jerky and hummus, there are plenty of healthy snack options available. These snacks are sure to provide your body with the energy that it craves throughout the day.
To guarantee yourself the best day, it’s essential to have the best snacks!
For more tips and tricks on healthy living, be sure to visit our blog! We cover anything from cheap and simple dinner recipes to uncovering the best workout supplements.