If you’ve been working at home during this time, you know the slow creep to the kitchen all too well. We love snacks, but some can leave us with a stronger desire to nap than to knock out that next deadline (that couch looks *so* tempting right now). Try these energy-boosting snacks instead. They’ll satisfy your desire for a snack break, and will keep you sharp, focused, and ready to rock—no matter what the day brings.
Bananas and Peanut Butter
Bananas are an excellent source of carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamin B6, all of which can help boost energy. Pair one with Peter Pan® Peanut Butter, which is full of fat (mostly the good kind!), protein, and fiber, giving you a slow, sustained release of energy.
Almonds
Considered a superfood, these little wonders are a taste of heaven. It doesn’t hurt that they contain many essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium. Because they’re full of healthy fats, almonds will give you the energy you need, as well as keep you full.
Eggs
Need a protein boost? Then look no further than Egg Beaters®. Simply microwave them in a mug or bowl. First, spray the dish with PAM® Non-Stick Cooking Spray; then, shake and pour in 1/2 cup of Egg Beaters, cover, and microwave for 45 seconds. Stir gently and then microwave for 20-30 seconds more. Take them to the next level with our recipe for a Denver Egg Mug Scrambler™ (recipe here!)
Smoked Meats
If your primal instinct’s ever left you reaching for smoked meats, there’s a good reason why (namely, protein, omega-3s, iron, and vitamin B12). We’re loving Duke’s® simple craft approach that ranges from the traditional (sea salt and pepper beef brisket strips) to the experimental (hickory peach BBQ sausages). Is your mouth watering yet?
Greek Yogurt and Granola
If your work is starting to feel all Greek to you, it might be time for a protein boost. Greek yogurt is delish at all hours of the day, and you can stir in some granola and fresh berries for added sustenance.
Popcorn
Tasty, low in fat, prepared in minutes, and will fill you up. You couldn’t ask more from a snack.
Smoothies
Sip, sip, hooray! Cheers to feeling amazing thanks to the protein, antioxidants, fiber, and more blended into these heroic drinks.
Sunflower Seeds
Great as a solo snack or as an ingredient, sunflower seeds are packed with fiber, magnesium, iron, vitamin E, phosphorus, and zinc. They’re also full of nutritious unsaturated fats, protein, folic acid, and phytochemicals that occur naturally in plants. Here are some other ways you can use your sunflower seeds:
- When eating a salad, replace the croutons with sunflower seeds.
- Coat your chicken with crushed sunflower seeds.
- Sprinkle on top of yogurt for a tasty treat.
Beet Chips
When you want salty-crunchy-greasy potato chips, but don’t want to feel tanked, beet chips to the rescue! Yes, you’ll have to accept that they’re not quite the same as their potato-y brethren, but you’ll feel roughly 10X better afterward.
Hummus and Veggies
As if you needed an excuse to eat more hummus. This low-glycemic carb provides sustained energy, along with protein, B vitamins, and iron. Pair it with veggies for the ultimate fat and fiber combo.
No-Bake Energy Bites
No-bake energy bites take 20 minutes or less to make and roll several feel-good ingredients into one convenient morsel. Choose between our basic recipe or a tropical take that includes coconut, macadamia nuts, and dried pineapple.
Spa Water
Tired? Drink water. Hungry? Drink water. Having an existential crisis? Drink water (and maybe go for a walk). What they say is true—water is the cure in many scenarios. Turn your H2O into H2Whoa with simple additions like lime and mint or grapefruit and rosemary.
Pack one of these energy-boosting snacks to get you through that afternoon energy slump!
Want more to munch on? Check out our snacking page for the latest bite-sized ideas!
