Feeling drained before the end of your twelve hour shift at the hospital? These quick snacks will boost your energy and get you through your shift without making you need to buy the next size up on your scrubs. Just remember like Mom used to say, "All things in moderation."
- 1.Trail Mix – toss together mixed nuts, dried fruit and maybe tiny bits of dark chocolate. Pack in snack size zip lock bags for a quick and easy energy boost. Some recipe ideas can be found at http://greatist.com/health/21-healthier-trail-mix-ideas
- 2.Apple or Banana with Peanut Butter. You can get many varieties of Peanut or other Nut Butters in single serving sizes.
- 3.String Cheese – good protein and add a few grapes for some carbs.
- 4.Celery sticks with peanut butter.
- 5.Hard Boiled Egg
- 6.Almonds
- 7.KIND bars – Unlike most bars, these are available in low-sugar, high-fiber and high protein options.
- 8.Cheese and Whole Grain Crackers
- 9.Whole Grain Cereal – a zip lock bag of HoneyNut Cheerios are my favorite.
- 10.Bag-O-Berries - Put a handful of blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries or a mix of all of them in a bag for portable power .
According to Women's Health Magazine http://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/best-energy-drinks
The average 12 oz. cola drink has 35-40 mg caffeine, 143 calories, 39 carbs. Not the best choice.
The best healthy energy drinks are:
V8 V-FUSION + ENERGY PEACH MANGO Along with its green tea-fueled boost, each can provides one full serving of produce and an entire day's worth of vitamin C. Per 8 oz: 50 cal, 0 g fat, 13 g carbs, 10 g sugar, 50 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein, 80 mg caffeine My pick for the go to liquid energy!
STARBUCKS REFRESHERS BLUEBERRY ACAI This lightly sparkling beverage gets its pep from green coffee extract; an added immune benefit comes courtesy of vitamin C and ginseng. Per 12 oz: 90 cal, 0 g fat, 26 g carbs, 20 g sugar, 5 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein, 50 mg caffeine
ZOLA COCONUT WATER WITH ESPRESSO - Naturally sweet coconut water plus coffee deliver a caffeine kick and electrolytes to keep you hydrated. Per 8 oz: 60 cal, 0 g fat, 13 g carbs, 11 g sugar, 115 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein, 57 mg caffeine
YOGI SWEET TANGERINE POSITIVE ENERGY TEA - This aromatic blend of black and green tea has a combination of ayurvedic herbs traditionally used to enhance good moods. Therapy, bottled. Per bag: 0 cal, 0 g fat, 0 g carbs, 0 g sugar, 0 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 0 g protein, 80 mg caffeine
