With limited dining hall options and not enough time to think about what you’re eating, it is trial and tribulation to find a meal to keep you sustained through the day. Amidst the seductive ice cream machines and tempting potato chips, it’s easy to cave into the convenience of snack foods and heavily processed meals. You snack all day long or pick an easy plate just to feel tired and unsatisfied by the end of the day, we’ve all been there before.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here are eight foods you can feel confident are fueling your body to keep up with your busy schedule:
1. Oats
I don’t care if you think I’m just another trend follower, overnight oats are probably the most delicious and nutritious food of all time. Whole grain oats are made of fiber and complex carbs that stabilize your blood sugar levels, sustaining your energy all day long. Plus, there are endless combinations of flavors you can experiment with. You will without a doubt find one you love. All you really need are the oats and your choice of milk, but I always add greek yogurt, chia seeds, and fresh berries.
2. Greek yogurt
If you’re not a fan of overnight oats, greek yogurt is an amazing alternative. You can jazz up your greek yogurt bowl the same way you can overnight oats with berries, fruit, nut butter, seeds, cinnamon… the list is endless. Greek yogurt is la creme da la creme of yogurts. It’s packed with protein, healthy fats, essential vitamins like B12 and zinc, and probiotics making it the perfect food to give your body a boost.
3. Bananas
Bananas are an easy and accessible snack to grab when you’re on the go. They are a great source of natural sugar and are rich in fibers and potassium to help your body digest that surgery energy. Recently, I’ve been adding bananas to my Ivy Room smoothies and I absolutely love banana slices on peanut butter toast.
4. Green veggies
Green vegetables are an essential part of a balanced and nourishing diet. Leafy greens such as kale, spinach, and arugula are especially beneficial surpassing all other vegetables in vitamin, mineral, and fiber levels. I love adding a kale or spinach side salad to my lunch. If you really want to pack a punch you can add nuts, seeds, and other green veggies to your salad.
5. Lean Meats (Turkey, Chicken)
You can’t survive the day if you don’t get enough protein. Skip the red meats and go straight for the white poultry and lean proteins. White meats like turkey, chicken, and fish have a lower fat content but are still high in protein. I always try to pack chicken, turkey, or tuna into my lunch. You can’t get any simpler than a turkey sandwich.
6. Nuts
Don’t be fooled by their size, nuts are nutritional powerhouses with countless health benefits. They give you the protein and fiber needed to get you through the day while improving heart health and brain function. The best nuts for protein are peanuts, almonds, pistachios, and cashews. You can find nut mixes and trail mixes at any grocery store. My favorites are the Thai lime and chili cashews from Trader Joe’s.
7. Hummus
Beans, peas, and lentils are a lot like meat in that they are rich in protein, fiber, B vitamins, and iron. Hummus is an incredibly tasty and versatile snack made from chickpeas that will elevate your nutrient intake. Hummus goes perfectly with pita crackers, carrots, and celery as a snack of its own. But, if that’s too much for you it can be a great enhancement to wraps and sandwiches.
8.Dark chocolate
Dark chocolate isn’t just a delicious treat. It contains theobromine which, like caffeine, boosts energy and mood, but has a slow and long lasting non-addictive effect. So, if you need something to satisfy your sweet tooth, try a dark chocolate treat with a concentration of 70% or higher.
Remember, the most important thing to keep your energy levels high during the day is to drink water! Health professionals recommend drinking half your bodyweight in ounces daily to stay properly hydrated.
Be mindful when you bite, and know that you’re not just eating to curb hunger, you’re eating to fuel your body. Eating for health and wellness is self care. Turn your meals into a fun and fulfilling way to say thank you to your body for all that it does for you.