It’s 2pm and you are three hours away from being done with your work day. 

If you’re hungry, low in energy, or feeling lethargic from a heavy lunch, then a healthy afternoon snack can give you that extra energy to finish your work day and avoid overeating at dinner. 

Snacking has had a bad rep in the past because the word “snack” conjures up images of  chips or candy bars. 

However, snacks can and should be healthy and one of the most important parts of your day. 

When choosing a snack, try to include carbohydrates, protein, and fat.  The carbohydrates will give you immediate energy while the protein and fat will satiate you.  Aim for about 100-to-200-calorie snacks to give just the right amount of energy without making you feel too full. 

Snacks are a good way to add more nutrients to your diet as well.  Fruits and veggies are hard to fit in throughout the day so incorporate them into your snacks. 

Here are some healthy, 200-calories-or-fewer snack ideas from Midtown’s own Registered Dietician, Jenny Maloney: 

• An apple with 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
• 4-6 oz. yogurt with ½ cup berries
• light string cheese and an orange
• handful of trail mix (nuts, dried fruit, and dark chocolate chips)
• ¼ cup hummus with raw carrots
• ¼ avocado, tomato slices, and 4 whole wheat crackers

What’s your healthy go-to mid-day snack?