It's 3 p.m., and you've completed your post-lunch appointments, met a few deadlines, and squeezed in a few covert push-ups behind your desk to keep your motivation up.
Everything slurps into slow motion all of a sudden. You're... exhausted? How is it possible? You've completed all of your mid-shift push-ups! Why are you slamming your face into the keyboard? Must... put... coffee... in...
But hold on! There's a third choice in the wings, and it's rather tasty: Snacking strategically may help you regain your awake, energetic frame of mind.
First, we'll go over 10 healthy low carb snacks to keep you going strong throughout the day. Then we'll go into the facts behind why eating might help you stay on track.
Jump to:
1. Mixture for hiking
When you combine mixed nuts with dried fruit (and even dark chocolate chunks), you've got a snack that's simple to handle — and one of Taub-top Dix's suggestions.
Experiment with these trail mix recipes to find which one gives you the most satisfying and long-lasting energy boost.
2. Quinoa staples
Trusted Source quinoa has over 8 grams of protein per cup (containing all nine necessary amino acids) and a healthy amount of iron, making it a great snack option when you're running short on energy.
However, how do you transport grain? Make one of these dishes:
- Quinoa bites with cheese and vegetables
- Muffins made with quinoa and eggs
- Muffins with cranberries and quinoa
3. Peanut butter on an apple or a banana
When firms began selling nut butter in single-serving squeeze packets, the world became a better place. (All right, small exaggeration.) It didn't harm, however.
Bring a quick-to-eat fruit like an apple or banana with you, and when you need energy, tear open the PB, slather it on, and you'll be fine. Also, it's tasty. Obviously. Everything tastes better with peanut butter.
4. The popcorn
Get popping to put some pep back in your step since life is a movie.
To keep the calorie count modest, air-pop some kernels and take a gentle touch with the toppings. Moskovitz recommends a little amount of olive oil (1 teaspoon for every 2 cups).
Coconut oil is also a favourite of ours.
5. Kebabs of cheese
Despite the fact that most cheeses provide 6 to 7 grams of protein per ounce, gruyère has 8.35 grams.
There's protein and fat; now add some carbohydrates in the form of tomatoes or grapes. Put cheese cubes, cherry tomatoes, or grapes on toothpicks and store them in a plastic container to make them more exciting to consume.
Once again, cheese proves that you can never go wrong.
6. “Ants on a Log” with celery, peanut butter, and raisins
This snack is popular with playground goers, but there's no reason why grownups can't enjoy it as well. It's peanut butter inside a celery stick with a few raisins on top, just to refresh your memory.
Simple, adorable, and #TBT-worthy. Try almond butter with dried cranberries or cashew butter with dried cherries if you're looking for something a little more sophisticated.
But, let's be honest, anybody who judges you for eating peanut butter inside a f*cking celery stick has no right to be in your circle of pals. Consider their reaction when you tell them you raised your own celery.
7. Energy-boosting smoothies made at home
You usually think of coffee, soda, and energy drinks when you think about energising beverages. Making a smoothie, on the other hand, is a fast and simple method to get a boost without caffeine.
A sweet potato smoothie is one of Taub-faves, Dix's and you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 medium sweet potato, baked
- 1/2 cup Greek yoghurt, plain
- a half-banana (or a half-cup of berries)
- cocoa powder (two tablespoons)
- 3 cubes of ice
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Moskovitz also offers a smoothie recipe that is simple to make:
6 ounces Greek yoghurt, 1 cup fresh fruit, and 1 tablespoon peanut butter blended together
Pour the mixture into a mason jar for easy transport.
Hold the mason jar high in the air, knowing you're the most fashionable person in the workplace.
A smoothie is a great way to start the day. After all, why not?
8. Hummus with vegetables
Hummus may be eaten anywhere, at any time, thanks to individual-serving glasses. That's how it should be. Hummus is the glue that holds the soul together.
Dip carrot sticks, sliced bell peppers, or jicama in the dressing for a nutritional boost that will keep you going until dinnertime. You may as well eat some more hummus at this point.
9. Roasted chickpeas with cayenne
This stupidly simple dish will spice up your life, your day, and your chickpeas. Simply toss washed and drained chickpeas with olive oil, salt, and cayenne pepper before baking at 450°F (232°C) for around 15 minutes.
It only goes to show that chickpeas aren't just used in hummus.
10. Hard-boiled egg
Despite possessing a yolk, eggs are not yolks (and we will never shy away from a godawful egg pun, not now, not ever).
They're high in protein and vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, folate, B12, and B6 that the body needs to build energy.
Plus, the hard-boiled form is simple to prepare ahead of time, preserve, and use as required.