6 healthy foods that will keep your energy levels up—no coffee necessary

Want healthy snack ideas that will keep you going like the Energizer bunny? Watch the video.

There’s a reason why having free coffee at the office has basically become a human right—some days, it feels impossible to get through the day without it. Ditto a vending machine full of snacks that will give you a quick hit of sugar. (Sure, you may need a nap later, but for the 45 minutes after you eat that cupcake, you’ll be on fire.)

The only way to break the cycle of coffee-sugary snack-repeat is with…better snacks. Fortunately, You Versus Food host Tracy Lockwood Beckerman, RD, has your back. In the latest episode of Well+Good’s food-centric YouTube series, Beckerman shares the best foods for energy that will keep you going like the Energizer Bunny.

Her first pick: eggs. “They’re packed with protein, which is a steady source of energy because it does not cause spikes in blood sugar and insulin,” Beckerman says. She also points out that eggs contain a nutrient called leucine, which stimulates energy production.

Another energy-boosting food on her list: bananas—which just happen to be so trendy right now. “They’re a great source of high-quality carbs, potassium, and vitamin B6,” she  says, adding that the nutrients are natural energy boosters. While they’re still sweet, the sugar is natural, not added, and the fruit’s fiber means the body won’t get experience that rollercoaster high and low with other sugary carbs.

Check out the full episode for four more energy-boosting foods. It just may change what you reach for later. Happy snacking!

Looking for more You Versus Food brilliance? Check out her list of the best vegetarian protein sources, plus her recommendations of what to order at Chipotle.