Throughout the day, we all find ourselves in the mood for a quick pick me up.  For many of us, our first inclination is to grab a cup of coffee, an energy drink, or reach for a quick sugary treat.  However, many of these quick energy boosters contain large amounts of caffeine, calories and or sugars in order to give us the desired energy boost.  Also, many of these items  (particularly sugary treats) provide an energy spike that is only temporary and ends in an energy lag, which may leave you feeling more tired than you were initially.  So, what you may want to consider is a more healthy and longer lasting means of energy boost.  Here are a few energy-boosting snacks that will give you the required energy when you need it as well as stick with your healthy lifestyles:

 Fresh Fruit and Berries:

Fruits and berries are loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, which are awesome energy boosters.   For times when you’re on the go, choose fruits and berries that are easy to travel with.  Berries are a great choice for those on the go, since they pack up easy in a zip-loc bag. 

Yogurt:

When you need a bigger energy boost (like before a workout or when dinner is hours away), yogurt is a great choice.   It’s another easy to carry energy booster that comes in a multitude of flavors.

 Popcorn:

Popcorn is a whole grain and high in fiber. Buy low-fat microwave popcorn, don’t add butter or salt and stick to small servings. 

Nuts and Seeds: 

Nuts and seeds are protein rich, so they’ll keep you feeling fuller longer. They can be high in fat, but it's mostly monounsaturated fat. However nuts and seeds are high in calories, so be careful with how much of them you eat.

Written By:  Kwan