While we should all try to eat three healthy meals a day, snacks can be an important part of the diet for many of us. Even if you have a nice plate of spaghetti and meatballs or grilled chicken waiting for you when you get home, you might need high-energy snacks to help you make it through the day.

The problem with snacking is that many of us fail to consider the quality of the snacks we choose. Even if you need some high-energy snacks for work, you should try to fuel your body with nutrient-rich foods. The popular sugary snacks you find in every vending machine might give you a quick boost of energy, but that boost will usually be followed by a heavy crash. Not only that, but you have so many healthy options for high-energy snacks that can keep you going all day.

 

Yams & Sweet Potatoes

Most of us think of yams and sweet potatoes as something you might eat as a side dish with your dinner. While they can be great as a side dish, they are also one of the best options if you are looking for low-fat, high-energy snacks. Both yams and sweet potatoes are rich in carbohydrates to provide the body with energy, but the high fiber content slows digestion. This combination gives the body sustained energy that can last the whole day. As a snack food, something like baked sweet potato or yam chips can be a tasty snack you can take anywhere.

Bananas

Bananas are hard to beat if you are looking for low-calorie, high-energy snacks. They offer a natural source of sugar to give your body an energy boost, but they also have a good amount of fiber to slow the absorption of the sugar. That means they are a healthy source of energy to get you through a long day. Along with that, bananas are also rich in potassium and B vitamins, which can help you feel healthier and more energetic throughout the day.

Popcorn

Wholegrain snacks offer some of the best options for providing the body with healthy energy. This makes popcorn one of the top options if you are looking for something low in fat but also high in energy. The complex carbs from wholegrain foods are great for sustained energy, and popcorn is another option for a high-fiber snack. Another benefit of popcorn is that it tends to be filling, so it can be a good way to satisfy your hunger without loading up on calories and fat. 

Nuts & Seeds

Nuts and seeds should be one of your top choices when looking for low-calorie, high-energy snacks. Things like almonds, cashews, pecans, pumpkin seeds and chia seeds can be ideal for beating your hunger while also sticking to a healthy diet. Foods like trail mix can be great for getting a variety of nuts and seeds. You could also consider something like our peanut butter chia power bites. With ingredients like granola, peanut butter and chia seeds, these bites are packed with energy while still being a healthy snack you can eat anywhere.

Yogurt 

For high-energy, high-protein snacks, yogurt is one of the best options. Yogurt is full of simple carbohydrates for energy, but it is also rich in protein and other nutrients. It is also a versatile food because you can add things like fruit or granola to add flavor, texture and more nutrients. Yogurt is also a nice on-the-go food for people who need high-energy snacks for work.

Keeping a few healthy snacks around can be a smart way to make sure you always have the energy you need to make it through the day. With that said, your energy levels will also depend on broader lifestyle choices. Setting a regular workout schedule and eating healthy meals will do a lot to ensure that you feel good and have the energy you need to meet the demands of a busy life.