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Fitness with Finesse: 5 Energy-Boosting Snacks

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UFL chapter.

When you begin to feel your energy take a nose dive during the day, another cup of coffee is not the answer — you need a snack! However, not just any snack will do. A snack full of nutrients is necessary to get you re-energized for the remainder of the day ahead. Here are a few of my favorite energy-boosting snacks:

1. Apple slices and peanut butter Fruits are loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, making them a go-to snack when you need a fast fix of energy. A tablespoon of peanut butter will squash your hunger and extend your energy levels, too. For an even healthier alternative, try almond butter.

2. Yogurt and granola For a bigger energy boost, yogurt and granola is a very good choice. The carbs and protein in this healthy snack will not only give you ample amounts of energy, but they make you feel full longer, too.

3. Almonds and cashews These salty snacks are full of fiber, fats, and nutrients like vitamin E and omega-3s. Most importantly, they are high in calories, which make them useful for delivering high energy in a small serving.

4. Pretzels and hummus Pretzels provide important fiber, while hummus adds protein to raise your snack’s energy power. For even more nutrients, try replacing the pretzels with your favorite vegetables.

5. Dark chocolate Eating a few squares of dark chocolate will boost both your energy and your mood. It has a natural stimulant, theobromine, which has the same effects as caffeine on the body.

Snacks can always be delicious and nutritious; you just have to know where to look! Check back next time for more healthy tips and tricks! 

Cara oversees Her Campus Media's community department and serves as strategic lead for the expansion, development and management of all HCM communities, including the Her Campus Chapter Network, InfluenceHer Collective, College Fashionista, Spoon University, Campus Trendsetters, alumni and high school. She works closely with company leadership to develop new community-related sales offerings and the Integrated Marketing team to support all community-focused client marketing programs from end to end. Cara has experience working with high-profile talent, such as Jessica Alba, Andrew Yang, Amber Tamblyn, Aja Naomi King, Troian Bellisario, Jessica Marie Garcia, Nico Tortorella, Nastia Liukin, Rebecca Minkoff, Cecile Richards and Samantha Power, as well as brands like Coca-Cola, L'Oréal Paris, The New York Times, HBO, Uber, H&M and more. Having been a part of the HC family since 2011, Cara served as Campus Correspondent of the HC chapter at the University of Florida where she studied journalism, women’s studies and leadership. A New Yorker turned Floridian, Cara has a Friends quote for any situation. You can usually find her with her friends and family at the beach, a concert or live sports event or binge-watching Grey's Anatomy or Sons of Anarchy. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter @thecararose.