30 Healthy Pick-Me-Up Afternoon Snacks
There seems to be a particular time of day when it's common to experience a bit of a slump. Yep, we're talking about the afternoon, when no matter what you're doing, your body seems to want to call it a day. But while your mind and body want to lay down and rest, you need to push through. So what can you do? We've put together a list of the best snacks that will get you through the afternoon slump and keep you productive. Make a note to add these to your grocery list!
Taste Those Sweet Berries
When looking to get some energy back into the body, snacks high in fiber are a good start. One of the best fiber foods are berries such as strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries.
This snack can go with a lot of other foods like yogurt or a small salad, which will give the body some protein and healthy fat. They are also loaded with antioxidants that protect cells, improve blood sugar, and reduce disease.
Edamame Will Boost Your Energy All Day Long
Edamame is a relatively easy snack to get your hands on and it tastes delicious no matter the way it's served. Some prefer it raw, others like it steamed, and it can also be prepared dry-roasted.
This snack is guarenteed to boost your energy because it contains protein, magnesium, and iron. These factors help oxygen flow to the cells of the body. Avoid eating more than a cup and try flavoring them with any spice and seasoning of your choosing.
Keep It Simple With Hard-Boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs are a superfood with numerous nutritional benefits that are hard to find in other snacks. Eggs contain high amounts of vitamins, calcium, zinc, and more. They also are packed with protein that will give your body energy long after you eat them.
Even though eggs can be prepared in many ways, it may not be that convenient for someone who just needs a quick bite. Hard-boiled eggs are one of the healthiest options and will stay fresh up to a week after they're made.
Dunk Your Favorite Food In Hummus
Almost anything can taste delicious if it's dipped in hummus. This Mediterranean dish contains chickpeas, sesame seed paste, oil, garlic, and lemon. These combined ingredients provide the body with great amounts of energy.
Try pairing hummus with some whole grain pita bread, fresh vegetables, or pretzel sticks. Hummus is also perfect for those who are on restrictive diets because it's naturally gluten, nut, and dairy-free. Just one serving is low in calories and high in protein, fiber, potassium, and iron.
Take A Bite Out Of Some Dried Fruit
If someone is looking for a tiny snack to get their motor running, dried fruit is a great option. It's best to eat about one handful at a time because dried fruit is usually high in calories.
It also serves as a perfect snack to combine with other foods, such as a trail mix with nuts and dark chocolate. Dried fruit can either come packaged at the grocery store or be made fresh with a dehydrator.
Popcorn Is A Party In Your Mouth
When popcorn is made without all the butter and salt it can be a healthy snack option. It's high in fiber, which keeps you feeling full, longer, without weighing you down. It's best to air-pop the kernels and keep the toppings to a minimum to retain all the health benefits.
Try cooking about three cups of kernels in just a little bit of olive or coconut oil. Next, add about two tablespoons of Parmesan cheese for taste and extra protein. It might even be better than typical movie theater popcorn.
It's Not Cheesy To Eat Cheese
Cheese provides a good source of vitamin A and B-complex and is full of protein, which makes it a great afternoon snack that won't put you to sleep. Cheese tends to have a bad reputation because it's the main ingredient in foods such as pizza, macaroni and cheese, and cheeseburgers.
The key to cheese is to not overdo it. Health experts recommend that people eat only a few slices per week because humans need a small amount of sodium. It's also an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, and selenium.
Add More Seeds To Your Diet
Seeds may be small, but they are filled with some excellent nutritional benefits. People should include them in their diet to increase energy levels and help with the intake of fiber and protein. There are so many varieties to choose from including chia, flax, pumpkin, and sunflower.
They also have a high amount of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, which are meant to decrease inflammation and fatigue. Fatty acids in seeds also help cells function properly.
Why Everyone Should Consume Avocados
If someone is looking to improve their diet and gain more energy, avocados are a great addition. This superfood can do wonders for the body such as improving digestion and vision, decrease the risk of depression, and protect against cancer.
They provide healthy fats and fiber that can help with the absorption of nutrients and are a great source of B vitamins. Avocados also contain lots of beta-sitosterol, which is known to help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Pass The Quinoa, Please
When you're running low on fuel think about grabbing a cup of quinoa. It's one of the most portable grains and is easy and quick to prepare. This wheat-free alternative was originally grown in South America and was the staple diet for the Incas.
Quinoa is from the same family of superfoods as beets, chard, and spinach. It also contains several crucial nutrients that help increase energy such as protein, fiber, copper, iron, zinc, and potassium.
There's Nothing Better Than Sweet Potatoes
In order to retain the energy from the foods you consume, they need to be digested at a slower pace. Sweet potatoes contain complex carbohydrates and tons of fiber that will steadily supply the body with energy throughout the day.
It's best to avoid buying the ones with soft skin, wrinkles, and cracks and they should always be stored in a cool, dry environment. Some simple ideas for consuming them are sweet potato chips or or sweet potato pizza bites.
Grab A Spoonful Of Yogurt
Yogurt is filled with simple sugars that when broken down will store energy throughout the day. It's also packed with protein that can help slow down the body's production of carbohydrates. Some yogurts, such as Activia, contain a type of living bacteria called probiotics. This cleans out the intestines and aides digestion.
Something great about yogurt is that it comes in countless flavors and varieties, so it's one snack that some people can enjoy all week long.
Don't Go Bananas With This Snack
One of the most consumed foods in the world are bananas. This sweet fruit is loaded with multiple health benefits such as lowering blood pressure, providing great amounts of potassium and fiber, and boosting energy levels.
According to the National Institutes of Health, eating one banana before a big cycling race was just as efficient as a performance-enhancing beverage. Also, bananas will most likely leave you feeling full longer than most other snacks because they are the most popular appetite-reducing food.
Life Is Sweeter With Some Dark Chocolate
Having chocolate for a snack may seem like a sweet deal, but it's best to know which kinds have health benefits. Dark chocolate is the preferable variety due to its higher cocoa content. The cocoa contains antioxidants that can aid in increasing blood flow and provide oxygen to the brain and muscles.
This snack is can be preferable to consume during an afternoon slump because it can help reduce mental fatigue and improve mood.
What A Bowl Of Whole Grain Cereal Can Do For You
Many cereals have large amounts of sugar that can go unnoticed. When choosing which cereal to eat, try to pick a corn, rice, or wheat one that's all whole-grain. Whole grains have large amounts of fiber and a typical adult needs about 25 to 35 grams per day.
Eating a bowl of whole grain cereal will not only keep your energy up, but also help lower cholesterol, regulate blood pressure, and reduce asthma risk. Add in some soy, almond, or cashew milk for better taste and nutrients.
Treat Yourself To Some Kale
In recent years kale has become one of the biggest food trends. It happens to be extremely nutrient-rich and can contribute to better skin, hair, bones, and cardiovascular health.
Kale is tasty on its own, but can be even better when made into a salad, blended in a smoothie, or baked in the oven with a pinch of sea salt and olive oil. The vitamins and protein in kale leaves people feeling energized long after consumption.
Almond, Sunflower Seed, Or Peanut Butter
In order to keep the body from feeling fatigued people need to consume foods high in protein, healthy fats, and fiber. One snack that fits that requirement is peanut butter. There are also some alternatives that don't contain as much sugar such as almond butter and sunflower seed butter.
This snack can go with almost anything. Some tasty combinations are apples with peanut butter or ants on a log (celery, peanut butter, and raisins). Also, it's important to remember to consume it in moderate amounts.
Why People Should Eat Goji Berries
China has used goji berries in their medicine for centuries because they are packed with crucial nutrients. Goji berries have lots of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber that all contribute to better mental performance, high alertness, and decreased feelings of fatigue.
They can be eaten on their own, mixed in with yogurt and baked goods, or blended into smoothies and sauces. Their nutrients also contribute to anti-aging and it's common for some people to place a few in their water bottles to drink throughout the day.
Sip On A Smoothie
Whipping up a smoothie can be one of the quickest and healthiest afternoon snacks. They help boost energy without the need for caffeine. All that's needed to make a smoothie is some fresh fruit or vegetables, ice, milk or yogurt, and other miscellaneous items.
This cold treat is easily portable and will most likely leave people feeling full. For those who'd rather have it professionally made, places like Jamba Juice and Starbucks serve many different flavors.
Trail Mix, The Ultimate Snack Combination
Trail mix is the ultimate combination of healthy snacks. The base, nuts, provide heart-healthy fats, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. Protein is the number one nutrient that you need for energy.
Traditional trail mix includes dried fruit as well. These lend you some natural sugars and carbohydrates. If you want some more sugar, get trail mix with dark chocolate. If the chocolate has 70% cocoa powder, it has flavonolds that lower blood pressure, improve cognition, and stabilize cholesterol.
Crack Open A Can Of Tuna
If you're extra hungry, a can of tuna can do wonders. One cup of tuna contains a whopping 39 grams of protein. Plus, it has almost no fat, plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, and the antioxidant selenium. These nutrients benefit your eyes, brain, and heart.
Omega-3s are the best part of canned tuna. They help your heart, lungs, blood vessels, and nervous system to function, which can lend you extra energy. Crack open a can of tuna!
How To Choose A Healthy Protein Bar
Protein bars have garnered a bad reputation as being salt and sugar bombs. But if you know what to look for, you can pick out a healthy protein bar. Registered dietitian Halle Saperstein says to avoid bars with sugar or high fructose corn syrup as the main ingredient.
Look for a protein bar with high protein and carbohydrates. Ideally, it should provide at least three grams of fiber, too. These will keep you fuller for longer.
Mix In Some Granola
Granola can make a healthy snack as long as it isn't packed with excess sugar. Most granolas are made from oats, nuts, and seeds. Sports nutrition counselor Nancy Clark says that oats contain potassium, which helps the body and muscles function.
The added nuts, seeds, and dried fruits supply protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates for an energizing snack that will keep you full. Add it to yogurt or eat it as a cereal for extra protein.
The Easiest Recipe: Chia Pudding
Chia seeds have become a popular snack for their omega-3s, calcium, phosphorus, and manganese. Some people have turned it into a pudding by mixing the seeds with milk, juice, or milk alternatives. Let it soak in the fridge overnight, and you have chia pudding!
One ounce of chia seeds lends four grams of protein, on top of whatever protein you add to the pudding. Include some oats or dried fruits for energy-filled carbohydrates. The options are endless.
The Protein Shake Options Are Endless
There are several types of protein powders, including whey, soy, casein, and pea. Of all of these, whey seems to be the most satisfying with 20 grams of sugar. In 2014, researchers discovered that whey protein is more filling than a low-calorie snack.
Many protein powders supply amino acids; for instance, hemp provides all nine of these acids! These nutrients help your muscles and brain function, which can help you feel more awake and energized.
Lentils Are A Nutritional Powerhouse
Need a protein pick-me-up? Add some lentils to rice, a salad, or soup. Lentils are filled with protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. Because of their high fiber, lentils digest slowly to keep you fuller for longer.
One cup of lentils contains 18 grams of protein, 15 gram of fiber, zinc, potassium, iron, manganese, vitamin B6, copper, and magnesium. To say it's a nutritional powerhouse is an understatement. Lentils offer plant compounds that protect your body and benefit your heart.
Oatmeal Isn't Just For Breakfast
Oatmeal offers all of the nutrients of whole grains with more fiber. This fiber slows down the digestive process, which keeps you satisfied, stabilizes blood sugar, and balances insulin levels. You can enjoy oatmeal hot or cold by making overnight oats.
A 2013 study discovered that oatmeal helps people feel fuller than a regular cereal with the same amount of calories. Add milk and nuts for protein and fruit for more vitamins. You can't get a healthier snack.
Bran Muffins Are Better Than Most Muffins
Bran muffins can be healthier than the average blueberry muffin. One cup of cooked bran has seven grams of protein and six grams of fiber. It also supplies iron, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus. The outer layer is made with white kernel, which provides vitamin E, antioxidants, and B vitamins.
Bran muffins are dense but filling. Many are made with dairy and eggs, which adds the carbohydrates necessary for rebuilding energy. They also boost your daily fiber.
