5 healthy and energy packed snacks!

I know that between lunch and dinner you start to get hungry again so I have decided to create this post to give some healthy ideas for snacks that will not only satisfy your urge to eat but also give you energy for the rest of the day or night. 

1. A small apple sliced (or 1/2 cup of banana sliced) with a tablespoon of peanut butter

This is a great snack because midday snacks should only have about 100 calories or 15 grams of carbs and this is low cal and low carb. The natural sweetness in fruit takes a long time to metabolize and the protein in peanut butter will give you a long-lasting form of energy.

2. 6-8 oz of non-fat yogurt with 1 to 2 tablespoons of granola

This is a good snack because the mix of grains, nuts and often dried fruit in granola goes great with the calcium and protein-packed yogurt. 

3.  1/4 cup of dried fruits and nuts (trail mix)

This is good because nuts are slow burning food that provide sustained energy due to their mix of good protein and fats. Dried fruit gives the mix a bit of sweetness but with the added benefits of fiber. A handful of this stuff is best though because too many carbs can cause low blood sugar which would cause mid-afternoon drowsiness. 

4. A few (3 or 4) whole grain crackers with a tablespoon of hummus

Eat this as a snack because whole grains are complex carbs that serve as some of the best energy boosters that fill you up without making you feel sluggish. Hummus contributes fiber to the snack and a little olive oil both of which help calm hunger pangs. 

5. A whole-grain, high-protein bar

Pre packaged cereal bars are the perfect snack while at school, work, or just on the go. Be sure to choose bars with at least 5 grams of fiber and protein, but with less than 15 grams of sugar. Be cautious of meal-replacement bars that are overloaded with calories.