20 Energy-Boosting Snacks

For what reasons do you eat a snack?  Are you hungry?  Are you just looking to munch on something?  Or are you looking for a simple treat to help increase your energy?  All of these are perfect reasons to reach for a snack, but one of the most important things you should remember about snacking is you want to refuel without becoming sluggish.  Listed ahead in this article are some quick tips for grabbing energy-boosting snacks to keep you moving throughout the day.

Walking through the grocery store is interesting.  You read advertisements and marketing phrases on boxes that suggest their product is “healthy” or that it is guaranteed to increase your energy levels.  Do not fall into this trap, especially if the food is not healthy; remember that as long as a food source has calories, it will give you energy.  Selecting healthy snacks that increase energy is actually easy once you understand food choices.  Listed below are 20 energy-boosting ideas you can add for your snack time.

20 Easy Energy-Boosting Ideas for Snacks

1. Almonds are great because they provide healthy fats and ample fiber without weighing you down.  Be cautious on your portion sizes with almonds because you can quickly be 200 calories in without even knowing it.
2. Homemade Protein Bars. This is a different option than buying the traditional granola bars in the store.  These protein bars contain about 300 calories each, but are loaded with fiber and healthy fats, leaving you full and energized.
3. Kale Chips. For those who crave salty foods like chips, consider kale chips to whet your appetite.  These chips provide only 100 calories and contain a good amount of fiber and protein.
4. Greek Yogurt and Fresh Berries. This is a great summer time treat.  Consider low fat Greek yogurt with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a delicious treat.
5. Hard Boiled Eggs. Yes they contain cholesterol, but eggs provide the best source of energy you can have for a low caloric cost.  Consider having one in the afternoon with some water for a good energy-boosting snack.
6. Chia Seed Pudding. One of the best finds in recent years is the chia seed.  These small seeds add incredible surface area in milk, which causes the combination to become thick and almost a pudding-like texture.  Add some fresh berries and you are set for a cold treat loaded with 14 grams of fiber and a good amount of energy.
7. Crackers and Honey. There is a caveat to this choice.  Your crackers need to be flaxseed crackers.  Flaxseed is loaded with healthy fats and fiber, both of which fill you up without having you feel sluggish.
8. Seaweed Wraps. You can find these “wraps” or slices in health food sections in the store, but seaweed slices provide vitamin K and are low in calories.  Munch on these to keep your appetite under control.
9. Fresh Fruit. Fresh fruit is one of the best ways to add midday energy.  Cut up an apple, banana, or an orange for a quick grab at work, between meals, or when on the go.  Consider other fruit like grapes, peaches, pears, or watermelon.
10. Homemade Trail Mix. Yes it is cliché to have trail mix as a snack, but honestly, homemade trail mix will give your body a recharge for the afternoon.  Eat a handful one hour before your afternoon cardio session at the gym to supplement workout.
11. Quinoa Muffins. Quinoa is a light and flavorful carbohydrate that can really give you an energy boost.  Follow along with this recipe and prepare them early in your week.
12. Ants on a Log. This is a long-time favorite for many people.  The celery will keep you full and the peanut butter (or any spread you select) will provide the healthy energy.
13. Carrots or Sugar Snap Peas with Hummus. Many stores sell cut veggies for this reason.  Try adding a little hummus to make this a perfect energy-boosting snack.
14. Cranberry Pistachio Energy Bites. Energy bites?  Sounds a little too good to be true.  Follow the recipe here for a delicious treat.
15. Coconut Lime Energy Bites. Again with those energy bites.  This recipe is perfect in the summer time when the limes are fresh.
16. Green Smoothie. Gather up some of your favorite green vegetables and a cucumber and blend to perfection.  This smoothie will provide ample vitamin C and will taste great.
17. The soy provided in each pod provides a healthy source of protein without the cholesterol.  Consider eating a handful in the afternoon with some water for a great snack.
18. Fresh Young Coconut. Look specifically for the young coconuts.  First off, the water tastes amazing and will hydrate you, but the “meat” (the white portion inside the coconut) provides the healthy fats to energize your body.
19. Light Popcorn. Take caution with popcorn and find the type that is fat-free, low sodium, and is light.  The energy you eat in popcorn not only will keep you feeling light, but it will provide ample fiber and keep you full until that next meal.
20. Fresh Cherry Tomatoes. Snacking on these tomatoes will keep you energized and healthy.  Treat them like chips or like you would candy to have a healthy, energized snack.

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