Oftentimes the ever-changing schedule of a freelancer doesn’t lend itself well to regularly scheduled eating. Sometimes all we need is a wee pick-me-up to get us through until mealtime and/or to fuel our entrepreneurial endeavors. Next time you are in need of swift kick of energy, why not try a few of these easy to transport, high-powered snacks! Heck, throw them all into a baggie and make your own trail mix!

While some of these snacks may seem odd at first, I chose them because of their specific nutritional profile. Fast burning carbohydrates allow for a quick burst of energy, while high protein foods will enable you to feel fuller longer. Also, they are all nut and gluten free! The nutritional profiles and price per pound references are from here, a great provider of snacks of all shapes and kinds.

Medjool Dates ($7.99/lbs)

Photo by Mariluna

Serving Size: 24g
66 Calories
2g Fiber (6% DV)
16g Sugars

At a glance, the date may not seem like much. However, dates are jam-packed with energy! They are high in dietary fiber, carbohydrates and potassium (3 times the amount as bananas!), and almost completely free of fat, cholesterol and sodium. Additionally, just one handful of dates counts as one entire serving of fruit!

Dried White Mulberries ($8.99/lbs)

Serving Size: 40g
130 Calories
4g Protein
5g Fiber (18% DV)
18g Sugars
190% DV Vitamin C
30% DV Iron
10% DV Calcium

Guys, can we like seriously talk about all of the vitamin C, iron and protein in these things? Additionally they contain anti-inflammatory properties and improve blood circulation. These mild, sweet morsels are sure to have you kicking the rest of your day in the teeth.

Pepitas: No Shell Pumpkin Seeds ($4.99/lbs)

Photo by Glane26

Serving size: 28g
180 Calories
9g Protein
3g Fiber (17% DV)
15% DV of Iron

The almond is often touted as the snacking nut to end all snacking nut. Well, I say, nuts to nuts, let’s talk about seeds. Pepitas, or no shell pumpkin seeds to be exact. Not only are pepitas far less expensive, but also they contain higher levels of protein and iron.

Chia Seeds ($8.99/lbs)

Photo by Stacy Spensley

Serving Size: 28g
137 Calories
4g Protein
11g Fiber (42% DV)
14% DV Iron
18% DV Calcium

Speaking of seeds, chia seeds are something that Americans have known about since 1982, when our well-meaning grandmothers thought that chia pets would make good gifts because they were whimsical and you weren’t allowed to have a dog. Other folks however, have known about their less whimsical, nutritional properties for some time. These little powerhouses contain more Omega-3 than salmon, and are chock full of protein, fiber, iron and calcium. They can be eaten raw, or used in a variety of ways, from drinks to pudding!

Dry Roasted Edamame; Unsalted ($3.99/lbs)

Serving Size: 50g
210 Calories
18g Protein
4.5g Fiber (18% DV)

Edamame is but a young soybean, picked before it reaches full ripeness. They are delicious in just about any form, however, in lieu of a steamy bowl of edamame pods, dry roasted edamame is a pretty great alternative. They will satisfy your need for a crunchy snack and also your need for protein and micronutrients like folates, manganese and vitamin K.

Freelancers, what are your fatigue fighting foods?