Your inbox is full. The phone is ringing. The paperwork is piling up. You’ve been powering through all day, you’ve got this covered… That is until your stomach decides to present the ultimate distraction: hunger.

You need to stay focused and a grumbling gut is definitely not going to help you; being hungry can affect your productivity, your ability to concentrate and your overall mood. Therefore, snacking at work can provide that energy boost you need to keep going.

Wait! Before you reach for the crisps or the biscuits, remember that the foods you choose to snack on can have a massive effect on your mind and body, so when you snack, you need to be smart. Here are some healthy superpower foods to boost energy and provide you with that extra fuel for the rest of the day:

1. Fresh Fruit

Yes, fruit seems like an obvious choice, but many of us dismiss it as boring. However, fruit is bursting with natural sugars, carbohydrates, alongside vitamins, minerals and antioxidants – it’s time to embrace it! The more different colours you eat, the more nutrients you get, so mix things up; try different, exotic fruits, make a batch of fruit salad or even fruit kebabs. There are many different ways to make fruit more exciting, and by incorporating it into your everyday snack regime, you will feel healthier and have more energy.

2. Raw Vegetables

The nutrients in vegetables are great for your health. They can help reduce the risk of strokes, cancer, heart disease and type-2 diabetes. Humble veg is so versatile and there are so many varieties giving you infinite snack ideas to embrace.

You can quickly slice up some crunchy veg (such as red and green pepper, carrots, broccoli), pop them into Tupperware and take them to work with a pot of something tasty to dip them in. Organic low-sugar peanut butter, hummus or cottage cheese are good options. Raw veggie wraps are also easy to prepare in advance and to eat on the go; simply shred some vegetables, add some dressing and roll them in long, wide and thin strips of vegetables such as cucumber or carrots. Delicious!

3. Nuts

Nuts are high in protein and fibre and rich in energy and nutrients which make them perfect for giving you a boost at work. They are also a great source of good fats that your body doesn’t get elsewhere, but this is why they must be eaten in moderation. Unsalted, roasted or raw nuts are a healthy snack that is easy to pack and ideal for munching on both at your desk and on the move. Due to the high amounts of healthy fats and amino acids, they are also good at satisfying cravings for unhealthy foods such as fried food or bread. Walnuts, cashews, almonds, Brazil nuts, and pecans are some of the best options.

4. Greek Yoghurt

This is a secret weapon in the battle against your sweet tooth. If you have a fridge at work then Greek yoghurt is a great snack option. You can add honey, nuts and/or fruit for a delicious, healthy snack without reaching for the sweets or a slice of cake. It is also high in protein, which will help to keep you full, and calcium.

5. Dark Chocolate

Chocolate is undoubtedly the mother of all cravings. If your body is screaming for chocolate you’re either looking for a boost of the happy hormones, endorphins, or you’re running low on magnesium. Sadly, your usual chocolate bars don’t really count as a healthy snack and are full of refined sugar that will leave you in a slump an hour or so after indulging. However, dark chocolate, in moderation, will not only satisfy those cravings but is also high in antioxidants and iron.

Snacks are important throughout the day for maintaining steady blood sugar and keeping energy levels up. Choosing the healthy options will not only be beneficial for your health but will also have a positive impact on how you perform at work.