When you need a boost, don’t reach for something unhealthy like a canned energy drink or packaged bar full of sugar. It’s quick and easy to whip something up yourself, from a simple veggie-packed breakfast wrap to a tray full of no-bake energy bites. Oats, peanut butter, flax, hemp, quinoa and eggs are among the powerhouse ingredients in these 10 recipes that will give you the energy you need to get through the day.
Raw Energy Salad
Superfoods like quinoa and pomegranate molasses come together with fresh vegetables and crunchy seeds for a colorful energy boost that’s as pleasant to look at as it is to eat. Get the recipe at Food Lovers New Zealand.
Green Energy Smoothie
Leanne at Healthful Pursuit came up with this light, low-calorie smoothie recipe packed with fiber and ‘hidden’ veggies for a boost anytime you need it. The delicate flavors of cucumber and spinach are balanced with honeydew melon, green tea and fresh ginger.
Coconut Banana Hemp Protein Bars
Hemp protein powder adds even more energy-boosting power to a tasty energy bar recipe from Polka Dot Tree. This recipe includes coconut, cranberries and other dried fruits, chocolate chips and nuts.
Energy Salad with Avocado, Ginger and Goji Berries
This recipe from Mind Body Green has an ideal balance of everything you want in a salad: lots of nutritious greens, creaminess from avocado, crunchy sunflower seeds and a touch of sweetness from goji berries and asian pear.
No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Energy Bites
Quick, simple and portable, these no-bake energy bites from Gimme Some Oven are the perfect snack when you need a pick-me-up, especially just prior to a workout. Oats, seeds and peanut butter satisfy hunger so you’re less likely to overeat at your next meal.
Spiced Breakfast Quinoa
With more protein than any other grain or seed, quinoa is a nutritional powerhouse. Eat it for breakfast in this warming spiced recipe from Eating Well, and you’ll stay full until lunch.
Banana Almond Smoothie with Flax Seeds
Refreshing for hot weather, this thick and sweet smoothie packs bananas, almond butter, flax seed and honey for a delicious combination of flavors that will also satisfy cravings and give you a little extra get up and go.
Flaxseed, Fig and Walnut Crackers
With just the right blend of salty and sweet, these homemade crackers contain walnuts and whole and ground flax seed for energy, and figs for fiber to keep you feeling full.
Mediterranean Bulgur and Chickpea Salad
Another sweet-and-salty dish from A Couple Cooks pairs pistachios with currants, alongside protein-packed chickpeas and nourishing, filling bulgur.
Garden Breakfast Wrap
A great way to start the day, this breakfast wrap recipe from Organic Gardening includes eggs, feta cheese and lots of spinach for protein and vitamin C.

