If you are happy and nourished, you are in a better position to nourish your students. So, focus on these healthy and delicious snacks to get you through the day!

Skip the energy bars and go for something more wholesome and less processed, without any crashes from added sugar. Try for something that doesn’t require you to touch the food, since chances are your hands will have touched all kinds of surfaces and you may not have time to sanitize your hands as thoroughly as you’d like before you eat.

1. Smoothies with protein - My go-to favorite! I like to pack two for longer days——a fruit-based one for the morning, and a veggie blend for the afternoon or evening. Both should have some sort of protein. I recommend almond or peanut butter for the fruit smoothie, and almond powder for the veggie one. You can even sneak a hardboiled egg or avocado into your smoothie for some extra protein. 

2. Hardboiled Eggs - I try to keep my fridge stocked with hbe’s at all times. I make 6 or 8 at a time and keep them in a container in the fridge for a few days. Sprinkle with some salt, pepper and olive oil for some added flavor.

3. Dried Fruit - Nutrient dense and satisfying, this is the ultimate afternoon pick-me-up! You don’t have to worry about keeping it temperature regulated, and since most dry fruit is shelf-stable, you can keep airtight containers in your desk or bag so you are always prepared!

4. Peanut Butter Sandwich - I know, I know. Seems too obvious for the list, right? But taking into consideration the relative ease of preparation and eating this classic snack, I just had to include it.

5. Banana - Grab one on the go and keep it in a hard plastic container, otherwise it will get mushy and bruised in your tote. Better yet, in the morning, spread some almond butter on banana slices for quick bite-sized treats throughout the day.

6. Peanut Butter Pretzels - They tend to be bite-sized, which is so nice for a quick snack fix.

7. Baby Carrots with Hummus - Treat yourself to this power-packed snack! Baby carrots are satisfying and refreshing, and the hummus will give you some plant protein to get you through the afternoon. 

8. Microwaveable Snacks - In a pinch, try preparing some microwaveable snacks. When hunger strikes, you will be so happy to have those Trader Joe’s samosas or dinosaur chicken nuggets ready to go.

9. ‘Roll-Up’ Cold Cuts - Roll some turkey around a stalk of celery, a carrot, or a strip of fennel, and toss some pepper on top.

10. Jerky - If you like meat, you will probably find jerky to be a highly satisfying mid-day snack!

Stay nourished, so you can be a strong, effective teacher who isn’t distracted by feeling hungry. What are your favorite at-work snacks? Let me know in the comments!