It’s the middle of the afternoon, and your energy levels are plummeting. Instead of reaching for a sugary snack that will leave you feeling worse later, choosing a healthy option can help you power through the rest of your day. So, what’s the healthiest snack to eat during those afternoon slumps?
The Best Snack: Nuts and Fruit
When it comes to an energy-boosting snack that’s both healthy and satisfying, you can’t go wrong with a combination of nuts and fresh fruit. This snack provides a balance of protein, healthy fats, and natural sugars to give you a sustained energy boost without the crash.
1. Nuts for Protein and Healthy Fats
Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews are rich in protein, which helps keep you feeling full, and healthy fats, which provide slow-burning energy.
The fats in nuts also help stabilise your blood sugar levels, preventing the sharp spikes and crashes that often come with sugary snacks.
- Almonds: High in vitamin E and magnesium, almonds are a great choice for both brain function and energy.
- Walnuts: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, walnuts support brain health and help combat fatigue.
2. Fresh Fruit for Natural Sugars
Pairing nuts with a piece of fresh fruit adds natural sugars, which provide a quick energy boost, along with fibre and vitamins that support overall health.
The fibre in fruit helps regulate blood sugar, so you won’t experience the crash that often comes with processed sugary snacks.
- Bananas: Bananas are rich in potassium and natural sugars, making them perfect for a quick energy hit.
- Apples: Apples are high in fibre and antioxidants, which help keep your blood sugar steady while providing a refreshing crunch.
Why Nuts and Fruit Are the Perfect Combo
Combining nuts and fruit offers a balanced snack that provides both quick energy from the natural sugars in fruit and long-lasting energy from the protein and fats in nuts.
This balance helps prevent the energy slump that often follows high-carb or sugary snacks.
Other Healthy Afternoon Snack Ideas
If nuts and fruit aren’t your favourite, here are a few other healthy snacks to consider:
- Greek yoghurt with honey: Rich in protein and probiotics, Greek yoghurt provides long-lasting energy and supports digestion. Add a drizzle of honey for a touch of natural sweetness.
- Hummus and veggies: The fibre in vegetables and the protein in hummus make this snack filling and energising without being heavy.
- Oatmeal: A small bowl of oatmeal topped with fruit and seeds can provide slow-releasing energy that keeps you going until dinner.
