20 Snacks To Kick-Start Energy

Snacks that balance the three main sources of energy help maintain an overall healthy and more energetic body.

Three main sources of energy in the human body are carbohydrates, protein and fat. Carbohydrates make up a little over half the energy source. They are in the form of starches and sugars. The brain needs carbohydrates for energy as it cannot use fat as a source of energy. The muscles use carbohydrates for their main fuel.
A wide variety in your diet can greatly affect your energy levels. Eating a balanced diet with a variety of different types of carbohydrates not only can help with weight regulation, it can boost your energy levels and help you maintain peak condition body health.

Here are twenty snack ideas that can boost your energy.
1.Fruits: Fruit has natural sugars that are a source of energy. It also adds fiber and a feeling of fullness so that you eat less in the long run. Apples, oranges and bananas are good examples.
2.Yogurt: Yogurt is highly nutritious and has good levels of protein and carbohydrates for energy. It also contains some bacteria that are good for intestinal health. There are plain types of yogurt as well as low fat and yogurt with fruit added.
3.Vegetables: Vegetables contain natural sugars that are a good source of energy. Energy efficiency is partially based on good cell conditions. The antioxidants in vegetables help maintain good cell conditions, as they help get rid of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can damage cells. Carrots, celery and cucumbers are good examples.
4.Nuts: Nuts such as almonds, pistachios and cashews can give you a boost of energy. Nuts are high in all three forms (carbohydrate, protein and fat) of energy sources. They also have antibiotic properties that help the immune system.
5.Pumpkin Seeds: Seeds have antibiotic properties. Pumpkin seeds are no exception. Like nuts, they have high levels of carbohydrates, protein and fat.
6.Cereal: Cereal contains grains which in turn have high levels of carbohydrates including fiber good for intestinal health. Milkwith cereal adds additional benefits such as vitamins and nutrients. There are many different types of cereal and looking at the nutritional data on the box will help decide which will best work for you.
 7.Energy Bars: There are plenty of commercial energy bars on the market that help boost energy. These contain carbohydrates, fat and protein for energy. Choose your favorite flavor and type from the many that are available.

8.Crackers with peanut butter: Crackers spread with peanut butter are high in the sources of energy. Peanut butter comes from peanuts which in turn are legumes related to beans. Most of the energy in peanut butter comes from fats and proteins.
9.Bagel: Bagels, made from flour and yeast give you a boost of energy especially if a spread such as peanut butter or fruit topping is added. Since they contain flour, they are likely to contain high levels of carbohydrates.
10.Rice cakes: Rice cakes are made from a special mixture of rices and sometimes puffed wheat. The rice mixture would have high levels of carbohydrates and protein, making rice cakes a good choice of snack for an energy boost. There are many different varieties to choose.
11.Soup: There are many different types of soup including basic soups such as chicken noodle soups and vegetable soups. The amount of energy in soup varies as the ingredients vary but soups that have a good balance of meat (protein source) and vegetables (carbohydrates) are best for energy snacks.
12.Cheese: Most of the energy from cheese comes from fat and protein but these are needed for tissue repair. One slice of cheese is about one serving.
13.Trail mix: Trail mix is a mix of nuts and dried fruits. Dried fruits contain most of the benefits of fruit but it's portable so you can carry it around.
14.Orange juice: A glass of orange juice is much like eating an orange. Most orange juices have things added so they contain much more energy boosting ability.
15.Egg sandwich: Eggs have protein and the bread used have high levelss of carbohydrates.
16.Cottage cheese: The milk content of cottage cheese provides protein and added vitamins and minerals needed for health.
17.Oatmeal: Oatmeal comes from processing oats which are a grain. Grains have high levels of carbohydrates thus provide lots of energy.
18.Tomato sandwich: The tomato sandwich is an ideal energy boosting snack. A vegetable combined with bread is a good source of carbohydrates. Adding lettuce adds fiber and taste.
19.Tomato juice or other mixed tomato drink: Tomato juice, much like orange juice provides nutrients, minerals and other energy boosting ingredients. A mixed tomato drink, mixed with other vegetables and fruit that may include but not limited to carrots, pineapple and celery.
20.Salad: A salad has fiber (a carbohydrate used for intestinal health) and has a wide variety of tastes depending on what is added.

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