Eating snacks may be the most tempting way to get an energy boost, but while they do increase energy levels initially, snacks high in refined carbohydrates and simple sugars, such as cookies, chocolate bars, or potato chips, can later lead to a crash and fatigue. Choosing healthy whole foods as snacks, on the other hand, can balance energy levels and prevent overeating for long-term sustenance.

Here’s a list of eight tasty and healthy snacks to boost your energy:

1. Nuts. Plain nuts have a variety of health benefits if you include them in your diet. They are known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and their protein and fiber content help us feel full and maintain long-lasting energy levels.
2. Kale chips. If you’re craving the crispiness of potato chips, kale chips are a wonderful alternative. Kale is loaded with fiber and antioxidants, and equipped with plenty of vitamins, so including it into your diet as a snack can help reduce inflammation and fatigue in the body.
3. Greek yogurt and berries. Adding blueberries or raspberries to a serving of Greek yogurt makes for a really nutritious snack. On top of being protein-rich and low-calorie, Greek yogurt is also good for your health because it provides healthy bacteria for the digestive tract. Berries, in turn, are loaded with antioxidants.
4. Hummus with carrot or celery sticks. Paired with vegetables, hummus is a nutritious way to obtain your recommended daily servings of legumes. Made from chickpeas, hummus is super nutritious and packed with plant-based protein. Eating sufficient protein helps you maintain balanced energy levels. For added nutrients, try eating hummus with raw carrots or celery sticks.
5. Boiled eggs. Rich in protein and low in carbohydrates, eggs provide essential nutrients, including zinc, retinol, vitamin A and vitamin E — nutrients which may be deficient in many people with a Western diet.
6. Seaweed. Research shows that seaweed contains comparable amounts of protein and amino acids to beef when compared gram for gram. It is also a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. By eating seaweed snacks, you also reap the algae’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant health benefits.
7. Fresh coconut. This healthy snack contains medium-chain triglycerides, which may help reduce cholesterol, manage weight, and reduce cognitive decline. Eat fresh coconut after you exercise or to avoid hunger pangs, and don’t forget to drink the water inside which is a source of electrolytes that replenishes minerals after a workout.
8. Edamame beans. These are the young soybeans that farmers harvest before they have ripened. Edamame beans are both tasty and nutrient-rich, containing high amounts of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.