10 Simple Snacks to Power You Through Your Day
Whether you’re grinding away at your desk job or spending a day hitting the trails, it takes a lot of energy to get through the day. It’s important to properly fuel your body, so here are some simple snacks that will help you stay energized all day long.
1. Hummus
A 2-tablespoon serving of hummus contains 50 calories, 2 grams of protein, 3 grams of fat, 4 grams of carbohydrates, and 2 grams of fiber. But only 0.4 grams of fat is saturated. This combination of protein and fiber will help keep you feeling fuller longer and keep those hunger pangs at bay!
2. Coconut Rolled Dates
If you haven’t been eating dates already, you really should give them a try! Dates are an amazing source of antioxidants and have a lot of the same qualities as green tea. Dates are also good for maintaining a good blood sugar balance while reducing blood pressure. And if you didn’t think it could get better, dates also contain choline, a B vitamin, that acts as a brain booster and assisted with better memory and learning.
3. Kale Chips
Trying to stay healthy but you’re really craving a crunchy midafternoon snack? Then try kale chips, which are high in fiber, protein, iron, calcium, vitamins, and antioxidants without the calories. Try sprinkling parmesan cheese on top instead of salt to cut down on your sodium intake. Here’s a quick kale chip recipe that you can whip up at home.
4. Protein Bars
Meal bars that are packed with protein are a great way to snack on the go. After a busy workout or strenuous activity, grab a Vega Protein Bar which is packed full of plant-based proteins and a mix of other goodies to help your body recover and catch up.
5. Fruit Leather
As weird as it sounds, fruit leather is actually very tasty. I like to call them adult Fruit Roll Ups! Basically fruit leather is fruit puree that is laid out and dried. It’s a great, healthy snack and an easy serving of fruit when you’re out and about. Try Stretch Island Fruit Company for a wide range of fruity snacks!
6. Banana Snacks
You just can’t go wrong with bananas! The list of benefits bananas provides your body is a mile long. It includes reducing muscle cramps, relieving anemia, increasing energy, and more. Try bananas in some homemade bread, in a smoothie, or just on their own. Add some peanut butter too for extra protein. Check out Barnana for an awesome line of to-go banana-based snacks!
7. Avocados
Avocados are king of the superfoods, so you really can’t go wrong by adding it to your diet. These fruits are abundant in nutrients including Vitamin K, C, B5, B6, and E as well as Folate and Potassium. Yet a 3.5 ounce serving only includes 160 calories, 2 grams of protein and 15 grams of healthy fats. Although it contains 9 grams of carbs, 7 of them are fiber so there are only 2 “net” carbs, making this a low-carb friendly plant food.
8. Assorted Nuts
With their mix of good fat and protein, nuts are slow-burning and provide energy that keeps on going. Paired with the dried fruit, this snack also gives you a touch of sweetness and some additional fiber. Even better, try this Raw Rev Glo mixed nuts and sea salt bar for a decadent, yet healthy snack.
9. Whole-Grain Cereal
Don’t lie, you have cereal for dinner all the time so why not also have it as a snack? Take a serving of high-fiber cereal to go and snack on it throughout the day. It will keep your blood sugar and energy holding steady from 9 to 5 and beyond.
10. Popcorn
I know that popcorn doesn’t sound like the healthiest of snacks. However, it can be if you do it right! Popcorn is great because you get a lot of fiber from something so light and fluffy. The volume of popcorn also leaves you feeling fuller faster. Go the healthy route and air-pop some kernels and pass on the melted butter. Instead top off your snack with something low in calories like a sprinkle of olive oil.
This post was originally featured in Eagle's Nest Outfitters.