Popcorn may make a person feel full for longer than other carbohydrates. As a study in Nutrition Journal notes, people who ate popcorn rather than potato chips felt fuller from the snack. This may be helpful for dieters, as popcorn usually contains fewer calories than potato chips.

Quinoa is a seed, but most people treat it as a grain. Quinoa is high in protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. The combination of amino acids and slow-release carbohydrates may make for sustainable energy rather than a short burst of glucose from other grains.

One of the benefits of brown rice may be that it retains much of the fiber from the husk. The husk is not there in white rice, which may cause the body to absorb the carbohydrate content quickly. This may lead to a spike and then a crash in energy levels.

By having the husk, brown rice may help slow the digestion of these carbohydrates, therefore, releasing energy more slowly. Whether roasted soybeans or young edamame beans in the pod, soybeans contain protein with a wide variety of amino acids, as well as magnesium and potassium , according to the USDA.

Lentils are a relatively cheap form of protein and fiber, which may make them a great option for people on a budget. The USDA note that 1 cup of lentils contains about 18 g of protein, 40 g of carbs, 15 g of fiber, and less than 4 g of sugar.

The fiber may help to manage the digestion of the carbs, keeping the body full and providing a source of sustained energy.

Many nuts contain a blend of protein, fats, and some carbohydrates to provide energy throughout the day. Nuts are typically also rich sources of vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, calcium , or phosphorous.

Nuts are usually high in essential fatty acids. As a study in the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition notes, these fatty acids may help reduce inflammation, which may also reduce fatigue.

Peanut butter is typically rich in protein, fats, and fiber, and may help a person feel full for longer after eating it. This may cut the need for constant snacking, which may also leave a person feeling drained as their body has to digest continuously.

Many seeds, such as pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and flax seeds, are rich sources of fatty acids and fiber, which may translate to more energy. Seeds are also easy to carry and make a great addition to a quick trail mix.

Water is the most crucial energizing ingredient on this list. Water is vital for every cell in the body to work correctly. While most people think of dehydration as an extreme scenario, the body may become partially dehydrated if a person goes all morning without water.

Maintaining energy can be as simple as carrying a water bottle around and sipping it throughout the day to stay properly hydrated. Coffee is a recognizable energy booster. The caffeine in coffee makes the body and mind feel alert and may make people more productive. Coffee also contains antioxidants called polyphenols, which may reduce oxidative stress in the cells and help the body function better.

Coffee is a stimulant, however, so people should consume it in moderation. Too much coffee may lead to energy loss as the body withdraws from the caffeine. Green tea still contains small amounts of caffeine, but it also has compounds that may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

The result may be a smoother transition than coffee to a more awake and energetic state. Yerba maté is a drink native to South America. Drinking the herb as a tea provides the body with similar stimulating effects as tea or coffee.

Yerba maté contains many active nutrients, antioxidants, and amino acids. People who drink yerba maté say it provides a much smoother form of energy by comparison to the jolt of energy from coffee. As a study in the journal Nutrients notes, yerba maté may also improve mood and help people feel full, even after exercise, which may be helpful for those looking to lose weight while maintaining their energy levels.

While most foods provide energy, the ones above focus on sustained energy. Foods to try to avoid may include:. While this list is not exhaustive, the idea behind finding energy boosting foods is to consume a varied, balanced diet.

Vitamins, fiber, fats, and proteins are all essential for energy, but it is crucial to find a balance between them. People should try to choose a varied diet containing many different, nutritious foods that give the body sustained energy.

Some foods can benefit a person's liver health. Learn more about the best food and drink options here and what options to avoid to benefit the liver. Some research suggests that certain dietary changes could help some people with diverticulitis. Find out what foods to eat and avoid. There are many ways to improve cardiac health, and watching what we eat is one of the most important.

Here, we provide details of 16 heart-healthy…. Recent research suggests that following the Atlantic diet, which is similar to the Mediterranean diet, may help prevent metabolic syndrome and other….

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Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. What are the best foods to eat for energy? Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R. Fruits Animal products Vegetables Grains Beans and legumes Drinks Foods to avoid Takeaway All foods give a person energy, but how they affect the body can vary greatly.

Share on Pinterest Bananas are rich in potassium. Animal products. Share on Pinterest Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which may improve brain function and reduce fatigue. Beans and legumes. Share on Pinterest Lentils are an excellent source of protein and fiber.

Foods to avoid. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Carbohydrates alone are digested faster and may promote quick bursts of energy but not sustained energy, says Angela Blackstone, a registered dietitian at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

She recommends pairing carbohydrates with foods rich in fiber and protein and avoiding ultra-processed , sugary, pro-inflammatory foods that contribute to an increased risk for chronic diseases.

Think of snacking as ways to incorporate more nutrients and antioxidant-rich whole foods into your day. They may surface in the form of fatigue, low energy, or irritability, says Jenna Amos, a registered dietitian and nutrition manager at Freshly, a meal delivery service.

A cup of greek yogurt is high in protein and low in sugar, packed with calcium, probiotics, and vitamin B This snack can help give you more sustained energy throughout the day. It may also improve bone health—which can be extra beneficial for those working from a desk all day, Anegawa says.

Raw vegetables have fiber and antioxidants like vitamins A, K, and folate, which can help you feel full and maintain energy.

Consider a side of hummus with one cup of carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers, Blackstone says. Chickpeas are another easy-access snack that contain high levels of fiber and protein. Consider roasting them with a few spices to add flavor I personally roast chickpeas with paprika, cumin, and some cayenne.

A cup of berries, depending on which you choose, will offer around calories and grams of fiber, plus antioxidants. If you're not feeling the fruit, try a tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flax, which are also good sources of fiber about 2 to 4 grams per tablespoon , not to mention plant-based omega-3 fatty acids.

For even more inspiration, try these other healthy recipes with yogurt. A hard-boiled egg or two paired with cherry tomatoes is another easy way to snack on protein, fat and fiber.

The eggs offer built-in portion control, with about 70 calories a piece, with 6 grams of protein and 5 grams of fat. They also are rich in choline , an essential nutrient that's especially important for cognitive function.

They provide vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are important for many body functions. Getting enough of those nutrients helps support overall wellness. Cherry tomatoes provide 2 grams of fiber per cup as well as important vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and vitamin A—both nutrients are important for immune system function—and potassium, a mineral many Americans don't get enough of.

Water-rich fruits and vegetables are also a great way to keep you hydrated. This is important for energy, as even mild dehydration can cause us to feel sluggish.

Try these 8 hydrating foods to help you meet your water goals. If tomatoes aren't your thing, try another fruit or veggie you love, such as carrots, celery, cucumber, or zucchini. And if you don't eat or don't like eggs, you can swap in ¼ cup of hummus. While you'll miss out on the choline, vitamin D, and omega-3a in eggs, you will still get some protein and fat, plus additional fiber.

These are just examples of energizing snacks to give you some inspiration. Please feel free to customize to suit your unique needs and preferences.

Big picture: Pay attention to what foods as combinations of foods help you feel your best, and make it convenient to make those a regular part of your routine.

Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. Use profiles to select personalised advertising. Create profiles to personalise content. Use profiles to select personalised content. Measure advertising performance. Nutritionists point to the types of snacks that may help boost energy and productivity versus perpetuate that midday slump.

Sustained energy throughout the day is best met with snacks rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, says Dr. Linda Anegawa, an internal and obesity medicine physician and medical director at PlushCare , which offers primary care and mental health services.

Carbohydrates alone are digested faster and may promote quick bursts of energy but not sustained energy, says Angela Blackstone, a registered dietitian at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. She recommends pairing carbohydrates with foods rich in fiber and protein and avoiding ultra-processed , sugary, pro-inflammatory foods that contribute to an increased risk for chronic diseases.

Think of snacking as ways to incorporate more nutrients and antioxidant-rich whole foods into your day. They may surface in the form of fatigue, low energy, or irritability, says Jenna Amos, a registered dietitian and nutrition manager at Freshly, a meal delivery service. Nut butters are quite nutrient-dense, providing a significant amount of healthy fats, B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, and trace minerals.

A 2-tbsp. While getting your protein from whole food sources is ideal, protein shakes make for an easy snack that will sneak some protein and other nutrients into your diet. You can make these with any of several types of protein powder , including whey, egg white, soy, and pea protein.

Whey protein , in particular, may be beneficial for fullness. In one small study, men who ate a snack bar that contained whey protein consumed significantly fewer calories than those who ate a lower protein snack 13 , In another small study, a snack of yogurt with added whey protein reduced appetite more than a carb-rich snack with the same number of calories Generally, a scoop of protein powder provides 20—25 g of protein, which is sure to keep you full until your next meal To make a protein shake, you can simply blend together 1 scoop of protein powder, 1 cup of water or milk, 1 cup of ice, and fruit, if desired.

Then pour it into a portable container so you can take it with you wherever you go. Edamame beans are immature soybeans that are still in the pod. One cup of edamame provides some of just about every nutrient you need, including 18 g of protein and large amounts of vitamin K and folate Typically, edamame is served as a steamed dish.

Many stores offer precooked and frozen edamame that need to be heated in a microwave. All you have to do is place the heated edamame in a portable container so you can enjoy it on the go. These small fish are rich in protein, calcium, and other nutrients. One Pacific sardine 38 g contains 8 g of protein The omega-3 fatty acids found in sardines can help protect your cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation in your body People describe their flavor as salty and slightly fishier than tuna.

Many people enjoy them straight from the can, on a cracker, or in Mediterranean-style cooking. One cup of cooked quinoa contains 8 g of protein The chewy, nutty grains can be enjoyed as a side dish like rice. You can also add a scoop of quinoa to a salad of greens and chopped vegetables.

For a quick snack, try eating cooked quinoa as you would a hot cereal, topped with cinnamon and a drizzle of honey. A lentil salad is a great snack. In fact, 1 cup of cooked lentils provides 18 g of protein, along with large amounts of iron, folate, and manganese The specific type of fiber found in lentils may promote a healthy gut, as it helps feed the good bacteria in your colon The combination of protein, fiber, and carbs in lentils is especially helpful for promoting fullness, and consuming them regularly may help manage diabetes and reduce the risk of heart disease and some types of cancer 65 , 66 , To make lentil salad, combine cooked lentils with chopped veggies, spices, and a dressing of your choice.

It tastes great when topped with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, such as in this recipe. Overnight oatmeal is easy to make, portable, and very nutritious.

Oats are loaded with many vitamins and minerals. Oats have been shown to promote fullness in several studies. This is likely due to their healthy fiber content 69 , 70 , In one small study in , oats resulted in greater feelings of fullness and a reduced desire to eat when compared with ready-to-eat cereal with the same calorie content Another small study compared perceived hunger and food intake after consuming either oatmeal or oranges.

The participants who ate oatmeal experienced less hunger immediately after eating and consumed less food later in the day However, oats are not very high in protein on their own.

One-third cup of oats contains about 3 g of protein This overnight oats recipe boasts 37 g of protein per serving. To make a snack-size version, portion the overnight oats mixture into several small containers before chilling it overnight.

Egg bites are a super healthy snack with lots of protein. You can make them by mixing eggs with veggies and seasonings, pouring the mixture into a muffin tin, and then baking it. You can increase their nutrient content by making them with veggies and add more protein by topping them with 1—2 tbsp.

of cheese. This egg muffin recipe combines eggs with spinach, onions, and bell peppers. Popcorn is a popular and healthy snack food that provides some B vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and manganese.

It also contains a significant amount of fiber, with 4 g per ounce 28 g In addition, some research suggests that popcorn is a particularly filling snack. In a small study, participants who snacked on popcorn were less hungry and ate less than those who snacked on potato chips You can significantly increase its protein content by adding nutritional yeast, which provides 5 g of protein per 2-tbsp.

serving In addition to being a vegan-friendly source of protein, nutritional yeast adds an appealing cheese-like flavor. of nutritional yeast and a pinch of salt. Some high protein snacks include jerky made from chicken, turkey, salmon, or beef, smoked or canned fish, tofu, and Greek yogurt.

Healthy snack options that are high in protein include Greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, lentil salad, and nut butter on apple slices. Easy high protein snacks for bodybuilding can include protein bars and shakes, jerky, and nuts like almonds. High protein snacks are important to have around when hunger hits between meals, as they keep you full and satisfied.

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