I’ve received a few emails recently asking me about healthy snacks for lasting energy, so I thought I’d just put together a few of my favourites.

As many of you know, as well as working on my blog, I teach full-time. I would love to tell you that my work days are serene, but, as any teacher will know, our days are unpredictable and we run around a hell of a lot.

When I’m stressed or rushing around, self-care is the first thing to go, usually in the form of not eating properly or eating at stupidly irregular intervals. I’ve learned my lesson though- I used to be a lot worse (often skipping lunch completely), but I still struggle with this sometimes.

The trick, my friends, is preparation. I know it might sound a bit boring, but getting everything ready for the week ahead really helps me (and my blood sugar!). Here is my list of go-to snacks for my working week.

1) Raw Almonds

It never ceases to amaze me how quickly almonds fill me up. They’re the ultimate snack food and are readily available. I’m not completely clued up on this, but roasted almonds aren’t as good for you, due to the process they undergo while they’re being prepared (feel free to correct me on this though!) So, raw almonds do the trick (cashews are pretty fabulous as well).

Image taken from here

2) Water

Ok, so it’s not technically a snack, but often we think we’re hungry when we’re actually thirsty. The old saying is that you should wait 20 minutes after drinking water and if you’re still hungry, have something to eat. I often find that tension headaches and that ‘not quite right’ feeling can be fixed just by making sure I’m hydrated.

water-rebounding-cup-stop-motion Photo taken from here

3) Quinoa

I normally make a batch of quinoa at the weekend and keep it in the fridge during the week, so I can easily add it to salads and my breakfast chia puddings. (It’s sounds a bit much for the morning, but trust me, it’s delicious!) The nutritional Benefits of quinoa are pretty staggering- it contains all 8 essential amino acids, protein, iron, calcium and magnesium (phew!)

Quinoa can be mixed with herbs or spices for a quick snack or mixed with yoghurt for something more filling.

Click here for more of my quinoa recipes

Image taken from ‘The Holistic Ingredient’

4) Chia Seeds in Water

Erm, what?! Luckily, this is more interesting than it sounds! If I’m really in a rush, I mix some chia seeds in a glass of water, leave them for a few seconds until they start to form a kind of gel and then drink the glass quickly. Chia seeds are an incredible source of energy, sharing many of quinoa’s nutritional properties, and they really keep me going if I’m flagging a little bit.

Just give it a go!

(New to chia seeds? Click here for I Quit Sugar’s “A Bluffer’s Guide”!)

Image taken from ‘Oh She Glows’- this ‘Chia Fresca’ recipe is beautiful!

5) Raw Chocolate

Aaah, come on- I had to get chocolate in here somehow! I absolutely love raw chocolate and have been trying a lot over recent months(!) to find the best one. My absolute favourite has to be anything made by Pana Chocolate. Just a square or two and I’m a happy bunny. It melts in the mouth and they have some beautiful flavours- the ‘Fig and Wild Orange’ takes some beating.

Image taken from Pana Chocolate

6) Green Smoothies

Although not always easy to make in a work environment, I make green smoothies at home in the morning and take them to work in a mason jar (pictured below), so I can drink it before I teach. Adding a bit of protein in the form of nut butter, an avocado or some vegan pea protein powder is essential for the morning and I find it really helps to get my day off to a good start. It seems like a pain to make, but it really doesn’t take as long as you might think.

Click here for more on juices and smoothies and here for the ultimate CFS smoothie recipe!

green-smoothie1 Photo taken from here

7) Celery Sticks or Apple Slices With Nut Butter

This is an absolute treat for me and I get so exciting making it, because I know how good it’s going to taste! Simply slice up some celery or apple and dunk it in a nut butter of your choice! Simple, fresh and filling!