We all love a cup of coffee in the morning to start our day. However, a lot of times we feel like we need a second cup of coffee by the afternoon, but we don’t want to have that much coffee in one day. Instead, we should snack on foods that are not only tasty, but that also give us some energy to survive the day. If you need more energy in the afternoon but don’t want to reach for another cup of coffee, here are some great snacks that pack a punch to keep you moving.

Banana with a tablespoon of nut butter – the sugar in a banana takes longer to metabolise, which gives you long-lasting energy instead of a sugar rush. The protein in the nut butter will provide you with long-lasting energy as well.

Whole Grain Crackers with a Tablespoon of Hummus – the complex carbs in whole grains will provide you with long-lasting energy, while the hummus will help fight off hunger. Thus, this snack is great for fighting that weak, tired feeling you get when you are hungry. You can be creative too and try some international hummus recipes you might never of had before to spice up your snack life.

Plain, Non-Fat Yogurt with Granola – this is a protein-packed snack, which will help boost your energy levels for the rest of the day. Just be careful, as some granola brands are high in sugar. We recommend that instead of buying granola to try making this healthy recipe for a great snack.

Apples – apples are great way to get sustained energy. Your body processes the nutrients found in apples into adenosine triphosphate, or ATP, which is fuel for your cells, and they use it for everything that requires energy in your body. Apples are the key to keeping you energised and will also keep you fuller longer.

Oranges – oranges, which are high in vitamin C, potassium, and folate, rations out the energy it gives you over time, instead of a quick sugar rush. Thus, they are not only refreshing, but they will keep you moving to beat that afternoon sluggish feeling as well.

Spinach – the iron found in spinach is something that your body needs to produce energy to keep you going. It’s a great option for lunch as the base of a salad to keep you energised for the rest of your day.

Pineapples – the manganese in pineapples helps with energy output within your body, giving you a boost throughout your day. Also, pineapple is a fruit, which contains at least 85 percent water, thus protecting you against fatigue by keeping you hydrated.

Oatmeal – not only is oatmeal a great way to start your day, but it can also make a great afternoon snack, as it’s full of energizing carbs. However, try to avoid instant oats that contain a lot of sugars and artificial sweeteners. It might taste better that way, but added sugars and sweeteners will reduce the energetic value of the oatmeal and instead simply give you a sugar rush, which won’t last long. Here’s a healthy, but delicious recipe for your next bowl. Herbal Tea – want something to sip on rather than snack on to give you energy? Try herbal tea. Ginger tea and ginseng tea are great for giving you energy without any of the caffeine. You should seriously consider drinking more tea, as it has numerous benefits that might make you put down the coffee cup for good. Brown Rice – rice is a great energy booster, because rice contains manganese, which helps transfer energy from protein and carbs to your body.