Snacking in between meals is vital and poses numerous benefits. Consuming healthy snacks mid-meal makes you feel longer for longer and reduces the chances of overeating during the main meal. It also provides a boost of energy when blood sugar levels are low.
Eating healthy snacks such as fruits and nuts also provides steady nutrition to the body. When it comes to deciding what foods to snack on, healthy energy snacks should be the way to go.
One should avoid candy, sugary drinks, and pastries as they inject too much sugar into your bloodstream. This sugar gives you a sudden boost of energy that crashes all too quickly. The crash leaves you feeling sluggish, tired, and hungry once again. Snacking on complex carbs, healthy fats, and proteins take longer to digest and give you a steady stream of energy. Such foods are also nutritious and better at satisfying hunger pangs.
Let’s look at some healthy energy snacks that are great for both your body and mood below.
- Bananas
- Nuts
- Nut Butter
- Beans
- Edamame Beans
- Boiled Eggs
- Yogurt
- Dark Chocolate
Bananas
Bananas are one of the best healthy energy snacks. They are packed with nutrition and give you that much-needed boost of energy. They are also an excellent snacking option if you indulge in sporting activities and lead an active lifestyle. Rich in magnesium and potassium, snacking on bananas also gives your body the necessary nutrients. The natural peel-able packaging makes bananas easy to store in your bag or pocket when you are on the go.
Nuts
Nuts are one of the best healthy energy snacks. They are nutritious and easy to pack and carry when on the go. Nuts are high in protein, and only a handful of nuts provide your body with the necessary energy to recover from a tough workout session.
They also contain good fats and are an excellent substitute for junk food. Nuts can also be used in many creative ways to add variety to your snacking options. You can create a homemade trail mix by adding an assortment of seeds to mixed nuts and dried fruit. Seeds such as pumpkin or squash seeds are an excellent source of zinc, magnesium, and phosphorous and a great addition to your trail mix.
Simply opting for salted almonds or pistachios is also a good idea. Dark chocolate-covered almonds are also a great option that satiates that sugar craving and helps you stay full for longer.
Nut Butter
Another creative way to use nuts is in the form of nut butter. Not only is nut butter delicious, but also full of good proteins and fats. Nut Butter can be created from various nuts, such as peanuts and almonds. It can be paired with fruits and vegetables such as bananas, apples, carrots, and celery. Nut butter can also be used to spread on a slice of whole wheat or gluten-free bread. You can top this with delicious toppings such as blueberries, strawberries, jams, or cinnamon.
Beans
Beans are also versatile and can be utilized in various bean-based snacks. Bean-based snacks are easy to prepare, full of nutrition, and highly energizing. Beans are full of fiber and plant-based protein that give your body that vital dose of long-lasting energy. Dried chickpeas are an excellent bean-based snack that you are munch on when hungry. Hummus is also a great option. Enjoy hummus with vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, and celery to create a wholesome snack.
Edamame Beans
Edamame beans are soybeans harvested when still young. Farmers harvest these beans while their pods are still green in color. Edamame beans are packed with nutrition and are an excellent source of fiber, protein, minerals, and essential vitamins. These beans are excellent to snack on as they help replenish energy levels. They also provide vital benefits to the body, such as retaining bone density, preventing cardiovascular diseases, and lower high cholesterol levels.
Boiled Eggs
Want a quick and simple healthy energy snack? Have a boiled egg! Boiled eggs are low in calories and are dense in protein. They are an excellent low-carb snacking option and contain vital vitamins such as zinc, retinol, and selenium.
Yogurt
Yogurt is full of live bacteria that are great for your health. Not only does yogurt help regulate the immune system, but it also aids digestion and gut health. You can incorporate yogurt into a delicious mid-meal snack in many ways. One simple method is to simply whip yogurt until it’s thick and creamy and sweeten it with honey or brown sugar. Have it with a topping, such as granola, berries, or apples. Greek yogurt is also an excellent option as its full of protein and probiotics. This strained version of yogurt can be used in smoothies, salad dressings, parfaits, and scones. It also tastes delicious on its own or blended with fresh fruits such as berries.
Dark Chocolate
Craving something sweet? Go for dark chocolate. Dark chocolate is low in calories and an excellent snacking choice. It is also known to improve blood flow in your body, improve function, and lower blood pressure. It also helps you stay energized throughout the day. However, dark chocolate does contain fat, so it’s best to consume it in small quantities.
Our Final Thoughts
If you are into healthy eating, you are probably always looking for healthy energy snacks. When choosing the right snack, always remember whole foods are better than refined carbs and sugars. Natural whole foods such as eggs and nuts form great snacking options.
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fats derived from nuts, avocado, and fish are all excellent snacking options. Also, make sure to replenish your body by drinking plenty of water between your main meals and snacks.
