Healthy Snacks That Give You Energy

Satiate the afternoon "munchies" with something better than chips and candy.

The term "snack" sometimes has negative connotations as it is often associated with junk food. However, at certain times during the day you might need a quick bite to boost your energy. You can find a number of healthy, low-fat alternatives to chips, candy or cookies when you feel an attack of the late afternoon "munchies." Don't, however, snack when you are stressed or bored, and eat only when you're hungry. Eat snacks that are part of a healthy diet.

Fruit

Add a banana to your lunchbox to eat at break for a healthy snack.

Bananas, apples and oranges are ideal snacks as they are very portable. Virtually all fruit contains antioxidants, vitamins, sugars and is high in fiber, making it a healthy snack that boosts your lagging energy levels. If fructose is an issue, fruits such as berries are lower in sugar. The recommended serving of fruit is one piece of fresh fruit or the equivalent of one cup of chopped fruit or berries, reports "Fitness" magazine.

Cereal and Yogurt

Yogurt is a healthy alternative to that candy bar.

The key to yogurt's energy-boosting properties is its high level of carbohydrates and protein. Toss some cereal or fruit into your low-fat yogurt, and you have fiber, sugar and an increased carbohydrate level. Try to avoid cereals like granola, which can be high in fat. Plain bran or corn flakes is preferable to anything frosted or glazed. Choose natural sweeteners like stevia or honey or fresh seasonal fruit to liven up plain yogurt.

Nuts

Choose almonds for their energy-giving properties.

Nuts are a typical snack, but they can be salty, and it can be hard to stop eating nuts after you start. However, the presence of "good fats" such as omega-3s, fiber, vitamin E and selenium in nuts helps balance out their drawbacks, according to "Fitness" magazine. Some nuts are more nutritious than others; for example, almonds are sweeter (and therefore very palatable without salt) and lower in fat than many nuts. Since some people are allergic to nuts, serve them as a snack with caution. Mix nuts with dried fruits like banana chips or raisins to add variety.

Soy Products

Soy products can take many different variations, like tofu.

Soy is a versatile food and can take many different forms, from fried crisps to marinated tofu sticks. Soybeans include many nutrients that make them a healthy, energy-giving snack, says the American Diatetic Association. Edamame (salted soybeans), tofu and miso soup all contain this high-protein, low-fat bean. You can substitute soy for milk or yogurt if you want to avoid the high fat in milk products or you are lactose-intolerant.

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