We’ve all been there. You get to about 3 PM and suddenly that uncomfortable desk chair starts to feel like a soft blanket and you just can’t keep your eyes open. Never fear—nosh on these naturally high energy snacks and the time will fly by. And then it’s on to happy hour, right?
Whole Grains
Flickr user The Knowles Gallery
Whole grains are beneficial six ways to Sunday, but the carbohydrates in particular provide a great source of energy that lasts. And it’s pretty easy to pack them for the office nowadays, because they’re so in so many great snacks…liiiiiike this pasta by Jovial.
Nuts
Flickr user mynameisharsha
Sure nuts are technically fats, and fats aren’t great for you. But these little guys are good fats—and they’re packed with protein and vitamins too, to make a perfect energy boost. Need a suggestion? Try these In-Shell Almonds by Bobalu Nuts.
Fruits
Flickr user Christy Birmingham
A lot of you might pass over snacking on fruit because of the sugar. Well yes, fruits do have sugar, but it’s naturally occurring sugar, and compared to what you’d get in a vending machine candy bar or one of those brownies your co-worker made, it’s nothing. Don’t have fresh fruit on hand? Grab a handful of Crispy Thins Baked-Dried Fruits by Natural Sins.
Dark Chocolate
Flickr user www.schoko-riegel.com
Yep, that’s right. A reasonable amount of dark chocolate can give you the same burst of energy you’d associate with chocolate, but minus the overload of sugar that leads to a crash later.
Avocado
Flickr user chadmiller
Yasssss. Happy dance. Avocado is another one of those good fats that you don’t have to feel bad about as long as you don’t go overboard. Which is harder said than done, I know. Mash them up with a little salt, pepper and jalapeno, grab some Sea Salt and Rice Chips and steal a few moments of snack heaven.
Hummus
Flickr user whitneyinchicago
Easy to make, always delicious, and packed with protein and energy from those chickpeas. Hummus is a great snack for so many reasons. Add some carrot sticks or pita chips for dipping and suddenly quittin’ time just got a whole lot closer.
What’s your go-to high energy snack to avoid the afternoon slump? Let us know in the comments below!
