Afternoon Energy Snack Ideas

D

daisyheather

Cathlete
Hi!

I am trying to make some changes in my diet. I am needing to replace my afternoon snack which often ends up being something sugary (like a pudding cup) with something that gives me long-term energy to make it until dinner. I think I need something with protein and a good carb. I'm finding that I am tired in the afternoon and feel a real drop in energy about 1/2 hour after my snack, if it's a junky one. So far I'm thinking an apple with PB. What do you all eat as a snack in the afternoon? Thanks, Heather
 
I really enjoy an apple and some nuts, usually a couple walnuts or almonds. I know it's really hard. Sometimes a breakdown and eat 94% fat free popcorn. I don't know...is it that bad?
 
Add a protein with a carb for the best results, in my opinion.

I like a handful of raw, unsalted almonds with strawberries. Unsalted peanuts are good, too. The protein in the almonds or peanuts will hold over your appetite. Carbs alone just don't get it done.

Keep in mind that if you're exercising a lot, you need to eat a lot, too. Eat lots of berries, melons, veggies and high quality protein (and no fast food) and you should see the inches and/or fat pounds melt off.
 
I like to eat fruit with almonds or walnuts or fruit with natural peanut butter, almond butter, etc. I sometimes have soy yogurt with almonds or soy yogurt with a little fruit. Choose a healthy simple carb and a protein. Maybe even a protein smoothie.

HTH a little.:)
 
Thanks so far. Keep the ideas coming :)

I've got a weird thing about me. I don't like nuts in their original form:-( I keep hearing how almonds and walnuts are good for you, but I just can't handle the texture of them. I feel like I am choking when I eat raw nuts. I know, it's weird.

What would be a good sub for the nuts to go with the fruit?

Thanks! Heather
 
Heather,

Have you tried the almond or walnut butters, like peanut butter but made with almonds or walnuts? Make sure to get natural nut butters with no added sugar. Do you like cottage cheese? If you eat dairy products, you could eat lowfat cottage cheese and fruit.

Do you like oatmeal? A bowl of oatmeal with fruit satisfies me for quite awhile. A slice of whole grain toast with a little peanut butter sprinkled with cinnamon.
 
I just found the most delicious crackers they're called "doctor kracker" the klassic 3 seed flatbread. They are organic and whole grain with sunflower,sesame, and flax seeds. Very filling and yummy!
I have them plain and just love em.
Heather
 
Yesterday, I had sliced cucumbers with a garbanzo paté (blend up onion, garbanzos, poultry seasoning, salt in a food processor, add in a dollop of mayo--vegan in my case). You can make dips like this from different kinds of beans: for example, try black beans with mexican seasoning and a bit of tomato, and dip some whole grain pita slices in it.

I also snack on Vega bars, Larabars, Prana bars (a new one I found...the coconut açai is yummy!)or make a smoothie.

Apple or pear with almond butter or another type of nut or seed butter.
 
> Sometimes a
>breakdown and eat 94% fat free popcorn. I don't know...is it
>that bad?
What do you mean by "bad."
If it's microwave popcorn, it most likely has partially hydrogenated oil in, which some heath experts say the ideal level of consumption should be "o" (watch out, even if the label says "trans-fat free," it could contain trans fats/hydrogenated oils, because manufacturers can round down when counting trans fats, so less that .5 gm/serving can count as '0').

If it's air popped, then it's a fine snack alternative.
 
Hi. My favorite snack is an apple w/ PB. But I also eat energy bars my favorite is a high energy bar made by Advocare. It is chocolate-peanut flavored bar that contains 14 essential vitamins and minerals, 8 grams of protien, and it's only 150 calories. And it's quite tasty.
Melissa
 
I have an apple pie Larabar and a cup of decaf every afternoon. For some reason, I think the cherry pie ones are awful, but I love the apple pie bars. They contain only fruit and nuts.
-Nancy
 
> For some reason, I think the cherry pie ones are
>awful, but I love the apple pie bars.

The cherry pie are my favorites! (or maybe that's the pecan pie...or the banana...or the coconut/chocolate...or....;-) )
 
Kathryn, the cherry pie ones taste exactly like prunes, which is fine if you like prunes. I don't discern even a hint of cherry in them. The apple ones are scrumptious though, and you can really taste the apples.
-Nancy
 
>Kathryn, the cherry pie ones taste exactly like prunes, which
>is fine if you like prunes.

I didn't notice any prune-like taste (but I do like prunes).
 
Oh, I love the cherry pie Larabar!! Hmm, I'll be thinking of those prunes next time I have one....thanks Nancy. ;-)

I usually have a handful of raw almonds w/an apple. I need easy snacks because I'm always on the run with the kids.

Dallas
 
Lately, I've been having either a yogurt or a half PB or Almond Butter sandwich on sprouted bread in the afternoon. I like the almond butter with a little bit of agave nectar (it's like honey, but less sweet) - it really makes the sandwich yummy. I also like the Kashi bars, but I tend to do them less frequently.

I sometimes do raw veggies with a wedge of laughing cow cheese. I know the cheese isn't exactly clean eating, but it works for me in a pinch.
 
Sometimes I'll go for red and green peppers chopped in sticks and I might dip them in a bit of ranch dressing. Or I'll have two or three crackers with peanut butter on them and one of those cheesesticks and if I'm still hungry a handfull of grapes. I'm sure some food purist will see fault with these foods but they work for me.
 
Thank you all so much for the wonderful ideas! I have a long way to go with my eating, but having an arsenol of healthy snack options will help me. Thanks! Heather
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top