You know the feeling you get when your battery is powering down? It happens mid-afternoon and for anyone trying to lose or maintain weight, it can be a killer. It’s the time of the day when you just want to reach out for a chocolate bar or that candy your workplace has leftover from a birthday party. Luckily here is a list of portable, healthy, energy-boosting snacks that will keep you powering on all cylinders until dinner.
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1. Trail Mix
The combination of mixed nuts and dried fruit (and even bits of dark chocolate), is perfect for an easy-to-carry snack. Experiment with different combinations to find what suits you and see which one provides the tastiest, longest-lasting boost. Or simply grab a pack of Play Hard Give Back Trail Mix.
2. Apple or Banana (or peach – yes really) with Nut Butter
Nut butters, in my opinion, are one of the greatest food inventions ever. Here you have a great tasting energy boost that’s easy to prepare and the whole family will like it. Take your fruit with you – apple, banana, peach – and when you have an energy emergency simply crack open your nut butter, smear it on, and all will be okay.
Obviously, you can also enjoy this nut butter snack with celery but the fruit is a slightly more popular option.
3. Air Popped Popcorn
Air-popped corn kernels are an easy way to snack and there are so many different flavorings to use; try a little coconut or pumpkin seed oil, some sea salt or some chili powder. Sprinkle on some fresh or dried herbs for a new, bright flavoring.
4. Mini Frittata
If you have a muffin tin at home then you can be making yourself some mini frittatas to take to work or school.
For a 12 hole tin, lightly whisk 4 eggs together with ½ cup of milk, 2 handfuls of spinach, 10 cherry tomatoes (halved), ¼ cup canned corn or cooked quinoa, salt, and pepper.
Grease the tin. Divide the mix between the holes and bake for 10mins on a low heat (350F/180c)
5. Protein balls
Protein balls are an excellent and very portable source of energy. Check out our recipe for Nut Butter Balls for a good healthy energy hit.
6. Green tea
Genmaicha is a Japanese green tea with popped brown rice in it. You can get genmaicha with matcha (powdered green tea) added which will give you a bit of an energy kick. I like to add Matcha Powder to my Green Smoothies for added energy and health benefits.
7. Veggies and Hummus or Guacamole
Hummus, like nut butters, can be enjoyed at any meal and any time of the day. Dunk veggies like carrot sticks, cucumbers, sliced bell pepper and celery into a hearty hummus or guac for a nutritious kick that’ll keep you going all the way to dinnertime.
8. Berries
So easy. Grab a handful of berries and off you go.
The same can be said for nuts like almonds.