by Caroline Fornshell, MS, RDN, CDE, NASM-CPT
Let’s face it, we’re all on a quest for lasting energy throughout our day-to-day. Sitting behind a desk, it’s easy to pop open a desk drawer and grab a processed snack. The result is that we get a quick spike in energy followed by a crash that leaves us more lethargic than we were prior to munching.
Thankfully, the solution is simple: balanced snacks. While it does require a little planning, we’ll get a steady steam of energy throughout the day that can keep us performing at an optimal level all day. Here are a 10 combinations you can whip up at home to enjoy at your desk as you go about your day.
Well-balanced snack ideas which require no prep, baking and hardly any thought but serve the purpose very well!
1. Small apple (C&Fi) and 1 tablespoon of a nut or seed butter (F&Fi)
2. Roma tomato (C), 1/4 avocado (F&Fi) and pine nuts (F)
3. Celery sticks (N) filled with hummus (C,F,P)
4. 1/3 cup soy beans (C, P, Fi) mixed with fresh pico de gallo (N)—spoon it up!
5. Hard-boiled egg (F,P) and 4-6 dried apricots (C)
6. Walnuts (F,Fi) and Cacao nibs (F, Fi)
7. Roasted chickpeas (C, F, P, Fi)
8. Dairy: Cucumber slices (N) with unsweetened greek yogurt and fresh dill (P,C)
9. Dairy: About 10 baby carrots (C) and a low fat cheese stick (P)
10. Dairy: Berries (C) mixed with low fat cottage cheese (P)
A balance of one dominant nutrient like carbs, fat, protein always pairs well with Fiber!
Alternatively, combine Protein and carbs for a filling and balanced snack.
