Do you love snacks? Did you know that having healthy energy snacks that will keep your energy up and also keep hunger pain away is key to making the most of your snack?
I see people grab snacks most times, and some times I join them. But the very few times I do are those times when I do not have healthy energy snacks with me.
Here is one popular conversation that whip up the desire to snack in people.
“May I have sausage roll and a bottle of soft drink,” the first buyer will say. Often as they journey to work on a very busy Monday morning.
At other times, on their way back home, they also request for snacks.
Often, it happens when the traffic is thick and the sun is heating up the atmosphere.
Hunger kicks in as the slow movement consumes hours of their time. Weekdays are often like that in most busy cities around the world with poor traffic systems.
That moment beats hunger resilience and then seeing someone make the demand sort of opens the flood gates.
Everyone starts asking for their preferred snacks, but not so much of those are healthy.
Sadly, these snacks are low in nutrients like protein and fibre which are very necessary to keep your energy up for long.
The truth is that protein gives you energy that lasts long more than carbohydrates.
Road-side snacks are high in added sugar or salt, refined carbs and even trans fat.
It is not healthy and it could not hold you for long compared to when you take healthy energy snacks.
There are lots of these healthy energy snacks to choose from, but the main thing is that you have to be intentional about how you choose.
Healthy Energy Snacks
Arm yourself with the snack on your way to work and then make sure to resist the urge to take a bottle of fizzy drink. Go for a bottle of water instead and also ensure you leave some for your evening ride through the traffic.
Here is a guide to some healthy snacks that you can get the next time you are at a mall for shopping.
1. Celery And Almond Butter
The first thing to make sure you do is check your butter to make sure it is not with added sugar.
In fact, any one of the organic nut butters, such as walnut or cashew would work just as well.
Celery is a rich source of different nutrients and it is healthy to your stomach, making a stable amount of gastric mucosa available (1).
2. Dried Seeds And Nuts
These are healthy energy snacks for you and you can have them anytime.
Together, they taste amazing and are able to keep hunger away while holding up your energy through the traffic.
You can get these nuts from the stores and mix them.
In our plate are cashew nuts, almond, pumpkin, sunflower and black seeds.
These are nutrient dense seeds and nuts that will help you stay full.
While they keep your energy up, they also work on your heart and other parts of your body.
They are great in lowering cholesterol levels and sugar levels. This is because they are rich in fibre and antioxidants.
3. Whey Protein Shake
Interestingly, whey protein powder contains one of the most absorbable sources of protein in the world.
Aside from providing you with high amount of protein, whey protein helps your body make more of an amazing antioxidant – glutathione.
This antioxidant helps in detoxifying your body.
Also, it helps protect your immune system and keep your body at optimum energy level before you get your next meal.
Whey contains all the amino acids that your body needs.
You can get whey protein and make your own protein shake.
How To Make Whey Protein Shake
1 Scoop of high quality whey protein powder
Add 1 cup of water (235ml)
1 cup of frozen blueberries or strawberries
1 tablespoon of uncoached oats (optional)
Mix them and your are good to go with your one-for-the-road healthy energy snack.
4. Energy Balls
You can make energy balls at home or get one from a food store.
They come in different blends.
You may go for the daily harvest energy bites which are rich in nutrients. It contains whole food ingredients that will help keep you full till you get to your office or grab your next meal.
It comes in different flavours. So, make out time to check the flavours.
Another available energy ball is Navitas power snacks. They are made with energising blends of fruits, seeds, and ingredients like acerola cherry powder.
Also, they are a perfect snack choice to provide lasting energy.
Other energy balls you can go for are Abbey’s better snack bites or made in nature giggy pops.
They contain nuts, fruits and coconut. The blend depends on the maker’s choice.
5. Granola Healthy Energy Snacks
These bars are high in nutrients, as they contain rolled oats, fruits, nuts and seeds.
Unfortunately, most of them you will find in stores have added sugar and preservatives. This is why it is often better you make yours and have it handy.
All you need to do is check the label of the product to ensure that it is free of added sugar and preservatives.
In fact, if it has a shelf-life period that is more than 6 months, preservatives are present.
A few that are free of sugar and healthy are Bobo’s protein bars, Patter bars, EPIC performance bars, thunderbird real food bars and more.
6. Granola As A Healthy Energy Snack
We make healthy energy snack in form of granola for our customers and they love it.
It is made with rolled oats, seeds, nuts and fruits and healthy oil. It is sweetened with honey.
It is rich in fibre which helps keep your energy up till you are ready for your next meal.
It is also great snack for people with high sedentary behaviour.
Granola is also rich in protein which is essential in sustaining your energy till you can get your hands on your next meal.
7. Dark Chocolate Covered Almonds
Dark chocolate are perfect for the sweet tooth. Just go for more nutritious chocolate options.
Although most are not with added sugar.
All you need to do is spread almond butter on it and chew.
This provides protein and fibre and then healthy fats that will keep you full.
You can get Hu Kitchen’s Almond Chocolate Hunks or SkinnyDipped Dark Chocolate Cocoa Almonds from stores near you.
8. Banana Bread And Almonds
This is another amazing snack that you can prepare at home.
It is a mixture of sorghum flour and banana. It contains little amount of honey and it is really nice to have handy.
It is a good source of fibre and nutrients that nourish your heart and other organs.
It is rich in antioxidants that keep your immune system strong and active against toxins.
9. Tropical Green Smoothie
To make a smoothie filling enough to keep you vibrant and strong between meals, ensure that you add a good source of protein.
Basically, some good protein choices for smoothies are nut butter, Greek yogurt, and protein powders like whey protein.
For your tropical smoothie you can use mango, spinach, and chia seeds. You can add whey protein or vanilla protein powder to boost the amount of protein.
10. Chocolate Almond Butter Banana Bites
Most importantly, this one is sweet and great for the sweet tooth. Chocolate almond butter banana bites are healthy energy snacks to carry with your when you are on your way to work.
Interestingly, bananas are highly nutritious and they provide you a number of nutrients.
They are rich in vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber (2).
Get some bananas the previous day and store in your freezer.
Take them along in the morning, adding some protein-rich almond butter in a small pack.
With the chocolate, you create an irresistible snack.
11. Cottage Cheese
This cheese is a nice healthy energy snack idea. If you have cravings for sweet and savory snacks, it is one of your best choices.
Choose a good topping and that will make a great snack.
Also, you can mix cottage cheese with berries, hemp seeds, and dark chocolate chips for a sweet version.
Furthermore, you can top cottage cheese with healthy bagel seasoning for a more savory taste.
Interestingly, you can find some single-serve cottage cheese cups that make a perfect choice for snacking.
The idea is to have something to snack on that will be very healthy and will not make you gain weight.
Having snacks that are rich in protein and fibre are your best bet if you want to keep weight away while also feeling full for long till you get a regular meal.
Remember that regular does not mean unhealthy. A healthy meal is one of your body’s essential needs to power up your body well enough through the day.
Thank you for reading and if you find this article helpful, kindly share with your friends and loved ones.