“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

– 1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV

Do you ever find yourself starving around 10:00 in the morning or being sluggish in the afternoon? I have found this to be true for me quite often during the week. I started looking for foods that would help me to keep up with my active students at school, and carry over into the evening, so I could be at my best with my family. I found some foods that are great for snacking, lunches, and easy to eat on the go for busy teachers. All this talk of food is making me hungry, so let’s get to it!

You Are What You Eat

It is amazing when I started looking at what I was putting in my lunch, and how much of it was empty calories from processed foods. The foods, drinks, and snacks that I was consuming allowed me to be full and have energy for a little while, but an hour or so later I was feeling sluggish again.

I needed to find something or a variety of foods and snacks that would help me have the energy I needed to get me through the day. I did not like the idea also of eating a lot of processed foods. I have since done some homework and have found some foods that will help me sustain the energy I need as a busy teacher in the classroom.

Snacks that Help Keep Your Energy Up

During the school day, I seem to be always craving something to eat. The problem is that I am always on the go between my classroom and in classrooms that I co-teach with. Unfortunately, the snacks that I usually find are chips, candy, and chocolate (my weakness). While everything is good in moderation, I needed to find some new snacks that would give me the energy I needed.

After some searching around, reading reviews, and doing some taste testing, of course, I found some snacks worth keeping around in my desk and lunch box:

• Jerky- While not all of us may be fans of jerky, the 12 g of protein, 80 calories, and 1 g of fat per serving is a great choice for me to fill me up on the go. Jack Links offers a wide variety of flavors, so give some of them a try.
• Popcorn– I love popcorn because it is easy to transport, and to eat on the go. Also, popcorn is a great source of fiber and leaves you feeling more full than eating some chips or other snacks. Skinny Pop is a good option for folks who are watching their calories as well.
• Nuts-Pistachios, almonds, peanuts, etc. make for an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and are energy dense snacks. Making a trail mix is also a great way to incorporate nuts and other snacks for when you are on the go. Check out these 21 different recipes for trail mix! Just be aware of any nut allergies in your room before you bring any into school.
• Fresh Fruit and vegetables-Fruits and vegetables are nutrient rich and high in fiber and are very filling. These nutrients will help give you energy and the vitamins you need for the day.
• Drink plenty of water– 8- 8 ounce glasses of water a day is the recommendation, but the Mayo Clinic says that this could depend on many factors. Based on where you live, how much exercise you get, and your overall health, you might need more or less water per day.

Healthy Lunches to Get You Through the Afternoon

Along with the snacks listed above in your lunch box, you may also want to add some other foods to your lunch. Some people love the ready-made lunches that all you have to do is put them in the microwave. If you buy five of those for a week you are all set! Others prefer to bring leftovers from home, and others still go out to eat. Whatever your preference, being concious about what you are putting into your body will help you to sustain energy for the entire day.

As I was searching around for some new ideas for my own lunches, I found these 50 Healthy Lunch Ideas for Teachers. I have not tried a lot of them yet, but they look good! It does take some planning, but I feel they would be worth it. Some of my colleagues enjoy packing healthy frozen meals that are super easy to just put in their lunchbox and head out the door. If this is you, you really cannot go wrong with Amy’s Light and Lean brand. They have healthy no-hassle meals that will provide great energy and are low on calories. If you are looking for a new lunch box to go with these great ideas, check out a few of these from the article, The Best Teacher Lunch Bag, by We Are Teachers.

In order to have more energy for ourselves, students, and our families, I am working on being more intentional about what I put in my lunchbox and what I have as a snack throughout the day. After all, I am what I eat.

Check Out Our New Book- Teaching For God’s Glory

Pre-orders are still going strong for my new book, Teaching For God’s Glory- Daily Wisdom and Inspiration for New Teachers. This 180-day guide walks new teachers through that first year of teaching providing practical advice and encouragement during the school year. Each Friday is a place to reflect on what went well, areas of growth, prayer requests, notes , etc. Check out the link to order a copy or to learn more. Feel free to contact me as well. I would love to connect! Thank you for all you do to support students. Have a great week!