When we’re tired cravings can hit hard. Rather than reach for caffeine or sugar, fuel up on these seven healthy to-go snacks that will give you an energy boost without the crash.
1. Raw veggies and hummus
Buy hummus in single serving packs and eat with baby carrots and cut up celery. The hummus provides protein and fiber that will keep you satiated, and the crunchy vegetables are a nutritious alternative to chips.
2. Nuts or trail mix
Almonds are great on their own (they have protein, healthy fat and energy-producing magnesium) but making a DIY trail mix is an even tastier pick me up. Mix nuts, unsweetened dried fruit, and dark chocolate chips or cocoa nibs for a balance of fat, protein and sugar.
3. Hard boiled eggs
Eggs are the perfect protein and if you hard-boil them they are easy to transport. Packed with B12 they are powerful pick-me-up any time of day.
4. Fruit and nut butter
Balance out the sugar in fruit with 1-2 tablespoons of peanut or almond butter for a filling, high protein snack that will help get you to your next meal. You can buy single serving packets of nut butter, and both apples and bananas are easy to grab and go.
5. Popcorn
When you want something salty and crunchy popcorn is a better alternative to potato chips. Even better, if you make your own and bring it along in plastic storage bags you can control the oil and salt content.
6. Yogurt and berries
Many yogurts are packed with sugar and artificial flavors, but a plain traditional or Greek style is a healthy way to enjoy yogurt and intake some protein. Top with any type of berry, which are low on sugar but overflowing with flavor, and filled with antioxidants.
7. DIY granola bars
There’s a whole aisle in the grocery store of protein and granola bar varieties but most of them are just glorified candy bars. You can make your own no-bake granola bars by simply combining rolled oats with dried fruit, flax or chia seeds, and binding with some almond butter and honey. To make bars, roll the mixture flat and cut into squares, or make a bite-size version by rolling into balls like you would with cookie dough.
