Between holiday shopping, cooking, preparing and attending holiday parties your energy levels may be less than optimal. If you’re feeling like your energy hits below zero mid afternoon or you feel cranky or even spacey once 2 or 3pm hits it may be time to recharge your diet! Maximize your energy throughout the holiday season and choose the right snacks to maximize your energy!

Small, healthy meals and snacks can actually improve your energy levels. The key is to include both protein and complex carbohydrates to keep your energy level high throughout the day. Tip: Be sure to eat breakfast, it really is the most important meal of the day.

In addition, drink plenty of water or other beverages such as unsweetened teas or fat free milk.

Today, try one of the energizing snacks below – or create your own healthful protein-and-carbohydrate snack to enjoy when your body needs it.

• Sliced apple with 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• Turkey and tomato on 1 slice of whole-wheat bread
• Low-fat cottage cheese and a peach or pear
• One hard-boiled egg and a piece of fruit
• 1/3 cup unsalted almonds and ¼ cup dried apricots
• Cranberry Trail mix (recipe below)
• A yogurt and fruit smoothie
• ¼ cup Hummus and baby carrots
• Low-fat yogurt and fresh strawberries
• Small Baked sweet potato with low fat Greek yogurt
• Baked corn tortilla chips (about 10) and ½ cup low-fat bean dip
• 1 ½ ounce Reduced fat cheese and 5 whole grain crackers
• Half a almond butter (1 tablespoons) and banana sandwich