7 High Energy Foods to Get You through the 3 P.M. Slump

7 High Energy Foods to Get You through the 3 P.M. Slump Has your work day ever made you feel like you need an afternoon power nap just to make it to 530? Food is your bodys fuel, and in order to keep going at the schreibstube all day long, its important to have some high energy foods within easy reach to combat that afternoon slump (not only the typical fruit, energy bars and green tea, which are great for boosting your energy level, but wont fill you up).Look for high-energy foods that contain nutrients such as healthy fats, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, natural sugars and high-protein foods, and beware of processed carbohydrates, like cookies,ascarbohydrates will give a quick, serotonin-boosting high because youll be coming down hard long before the workday ends.But wait isnt it best to limit snacking so you dont ruin your dinner and unintentionally gain weight? In short, no, because studies show that healthy snacking on high-energy foods improves your overall health by boosting y our energy and brain power, reducing cravings, improving your mood and fighting weight gain.Here are seven high energy snacks packed with healthy fats, vitamins and other nutrients your body needs keep going strong all-day long.Nuts160 caloriesper serving (raw, mixed nuts)Nuts are a slow-burning food that can provide energy over a long period of time. In addition to being a high-energy snack, nuts can be good for heart health (the no. 1 killer of women). Nuts are also high in calories, so make sure youre aware of how much youre eating and consider buying prepackaged nuts for easy portion control.Chickpeas268 caloriesper servingThe main ingredient in hummus, chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, are a type of legume that are packed with plant-based nutrients and offer a number of health benefits. They can help control blood sugar levels, support weight loss, improve digestion and protect against heart disease and cancer.Edamame189 caloriesper servingAnother member of the legume family, edama me is a boiled green soybean harvested before it reaches fully maturity. It provides essential amino acids our bodies cannot produce themselves and are considered a healthily fat, and its among the other energy-boosting foods on this list because it can seriously ampenergy levels. Theyre also high in protein, can help lower cholesterol, wont raise your blood sugar, are rich in vitamins and minerals and may even reduce the risk of breast cancer, menopausal symptoms and bone loss. How about that for a healthy diet?Hard boiled eggs80 caloriesper servingHigh-protein foods that are good for you? Look no further than hard-boiled eggs. Hard-boiled eggs are easy to make (or buy pre-boiled) and store for later, and new research has revelated that there is no evidence of eggs increasing risks for heart attacks as thought in the past. Hard-boiled eggs are great for eyes, hair and nails, help maintain your brain cell membranes (which are key to brain function) and can help you manage your weigh t as a texas tea protein. Theyrehigh-protein foods that are perfect for those looking to work on high-protein diets thatll boostenergy levels.Peanut butter94calories per servingPeanut butter is considered a good fat, meaning its full of the heart-healthy monosaturated fat. This also means it can help you lose weight and maintain energy throughout the day with itsvitamins and minerals. Research also shows that eating peanuts (and peanut butter) can decrease the risk of developing chronic diseases.Cheese72-339 calories per serving (varies by type)Eat more cheese. Cheese is full of butyrate, which is an anti-inflammatory fat critical to keeping your digestive system healthy and keeping your energy level up. Butyrate is also linked to supporting weight loss, protecting against cancer and soothing inflammatory gut diseases.Dark Chocolate170 calories per servingYou read that right. If you eat dark chocolate, it not only has the magical power to boost your mood (am I right, ladies?), but c an give you a burst of energy and protect against free radicals by providing antioxidants, improving your heart health, cholesterol, blood sugar and pressure, boosting brain function and can even protect against cancer. DidI really have to tell you to snack on chocolate though?These are just a fewenergy-boosting foods to improve your office diet and give you an energy boost. What otherenergy-dense foods do you eat to give yourself anenergy boost? Whatenergy-dense foods do you recommend as office friendly?--Samantha Smoak is a journalist turnedPR professionalbased in Nashville, Tennessee. For sports jokes and dog pictures, follow her on Twitter and Instagram at samanthaksmoak.