I love a cup of coffee in the morning to start my day. However, a lot of times I feel like I need a second cup of coffee by the afternoon, but I don’t want to have that much coffee in one day. Instead, I love snacking on foods that are not only tasty, but that also give me some energy to survive the day. If you need more energy in the afternoon just like I do but don’t want to reach for another cup of coffee, here are some great snacks that pack a punch to keep you moving.
1. Banana with a Tablespoon of Nut Butter
Photo by Marykate Surette
Banana and nut butter are not only great together, but are also one of my favorite combos, because, well, peanut butter is heavenly in my eyes. Also, the sugar in the banana takes longer to metabolize, which gives you long-lasting energy instead of a sugar rush. The protein in the nut butter will provide you with long-lasting energy as well.
2. Whole Grain Crackers with a Tablespoon of Hummus
Photo by Paige Twombly
The complex carbs in whole grains will provide you with long-lasting energy, while the hummus will help fight off hunger. Thus, this snack is great for fighting that weak, tired feeling you get when you are hungry. You can be creative too and try some international hummus recipes you might never of had before to spice up your snack life.
3. Plain, Non-Fat Yogurt with Granola
Photo by Sydney Segal
This is a protein-packed snack, which will help boost your energy levels for the rest of the day. Just be careful, as some granola brands are high in sugar. I recommend that instead of buying granola to try making this healthy recipe for a great snack.
4. Apples
Photo by Kristine Mahan
Apples are great way to get sustained energy. Your body processes the nutrients found in apples into adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, which is fuel for your cells, and they use it for everything that requires energy in your body. Apples are the key to keeping you energized and will also keep you fuller longer.
5. Oranges
Photo by Torey Walsh
Oranges, which are high in vitamin C, potassium, and folate, rations out the energy it gives you over time, instead of a quick sugar rush. Thus, they are not only refreshing, but they will keep you moving to beat that afternoon sluggish feeling as well.
6. Spinach
Photo by Kristine Mahan
The iron found in spinach is something that your body needs to produce energy to keep you going. It’s a great option for lunch as the base of a salad to keep you energized for the rest of your day.
7. Pineapples
Photo by Kendra Vaculin
The manganese in pineapples helps with energy output within your body, giving you a boost throughout your day. Also, pineapple is a fruit, which contains at least 85% water, thus protecting you against fatigue by keeping you hydrated.
8. Oatmeal
Photo by Christin Urso
Not only is oatmeal a great way to start your day, but it can also make a great afternoon snack, as it’s full of energizing carbs. However, try to avoid instant oats that contain a lot of sugars and artificial sweeteners. It might taste better that way, but added sugars and sweeteners will reduce the energetic value of the oatmeal and instead simply give you a sugar rush, which won’t last long. Here’s a healthy, but delicious recipe for your next bowl.
9. Herbal Tea
Photo by Ana Cvetkovic
Want something to sip on rather than snack on to give you energy? Try herbal tea. Ginger tea and ginseng tea are great for giving you energy without any of the caffeine. You should seriously consider drinking more tea, as it has numerous benefits that might make you put down the coffee cup for good.
10. Brown Rice
Photo by Aakanksha Joshi
Rice is a great energy booster, because rice contains manganese, which helps transfer energy from protein and carbs to your body. This transfer of energy from eating rice allows you to feel high on life all day.
11. Cucumber Sandwiches
Photo by Abigail Wilkins
Cucumbers are rich in Vitamin B5, which is a vitamin known to help boost your energy levels. Also, the calories in cucumbers are slowly released into your body, which allows for the snack to continue to give you energy throughout your day. Try this delicious and easy chicken cucumber pita sandwich when you need a pick me up.
12. Eggs
Photo by Caty Schnack
Whether you eat the entire egg or only the egg whites, eggs are great for energy when you are feeling run down in the middle of the day. Eggs are an awesome snack because the vitamin B found eggs converts your food into energy. Thus, next time you need more energy, learn the best way to fry an egg for your future egg snackages.
13. Beans
Photo by Keah Hansen
Beans are digested slowly by the body, which allows them to give you long-lasting energy. The magnesium found in beans helps your body relax and restore your energy. If you are looking for more of a meal rather than a snack, or to be able to make something and have a small serving for an afternoon pick-me-up, try this coconut, quinoa, and black bean stew.
14. Edamame
Photo by Elyse Belarge
Soy beans are rich in energizing nutrients. Edamame is especially high in vitamin B, which breaks down our carbohydrates into fuel for our bodies. Love cheese too? Check out this recipe for parmesan baked edamame. This snack is not only really good, but will pack a punch to keep you moving.
15. Melon
Photo by Tiare Brown
You can really choose any type of melon you like, as the antioxidants will give you a ton of energy and feel great. Since melon mostly consists of water, it fights fatigue and keeps you going. Check out all the different ways you can snack on watermelon.
16. Quinoa
Photo by Grace Bodkin
Quinoa packs more protein into your body compared to any other grain. It is packed with key nutrients, which makes it a complex carb perfect for long-lasting energy. If you want to try it for your next energizing snack, here’s how to cook quinoa properly if you never have before.
17. Dark Chocolate
Photo by Casey Carr
Have a sweet tooth? The antioxidants in dark chocolate provide lots of energy, as dark chocolate is a natural energy booster. Just make sure you don’t eat too much, because it is still chocolate. This dark chocolate pistachio bark is the perfect snack you can make yourself.
18. Coconut Water
Photo by Ashton Caudle
Coconut water is great for providing an energy burst without the caffeine or sugar. It’s also great for replacing your electrolytes, because if those are low you are definitely going to be moving slowly and have less energy throughout your day.
19. Avocado
Photo by Hannah Skiest
An avocado is great to have, even on its own. With its high amounts of potassium and healthy fats, it will definitely help you reach that energy level you need. There are so many ways to prepare an avocado – it’s more versatile than you may think.
20. Nuts and Seeds
Photo by Abby Farley
Both nuts and seeds have the perfect amount of antioxidants to give you lots of energy. You can even mix them together if you love both. Seeds, such as flaxseeds are especially great for an energy boost.