Feeling Eleven O’clockish: Good Snacks that Give You Energy

We might have outgrown Winnie-the-Pooh, this cute, silly bear with a round tummy, but we do sometimes feel a bit eleven o’clockish, when the breakfast calories are over, while the lunch is 2 or 3 hours ahead. That fuzzy time calls for a little energy support in your day.

At HerbEra, we love that charming little phrase: eleven o’clockish. It reminds us how gentle, everyday needs — like a snack or a sip of herbal tea — can bring us back to ourselves. In this article, we’ll explore what’s a good snack that gives you energy and 5 herbs for vitality that help transform that sleepy moment into radiant momentum.

5 Good Snacks for Energy

We all know that low-energy slump. Instead of reaching for sugar or screens, think of real food snacks that are convenient, tasty, and power-packed.

Granola

Crunchy, wholesome, and endlessly customizable, granola is an excellent pick-me-up. Rolled oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit make for a nutrient-dense combo: complex carbs slow-releasing energy, healthy fats sustain fullness, and fiber keeps your stomach gentle.

You can easily make granola yourself. Mix oats, natural sweetener (honey and maple syrup are great), and some oil for crispiness. That’s the base, but you can also add seeds, nuts, dried fruit, coconut flakes, or spices to your taste. Roast the mixture in the oven until ready, let it cool, and enjoy.

Pack a small jar for easy all-day refueling — perfect with yogurt or milk.

Trail Mix

A classic that needs zero prep. Nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and perhaps a sprinkle of dark chocolate or gummy bears, come together in a satisfying, portable snack.

Healthy fats, along with a touch of sweetness make trail mix a balanced energy source. Keep it handy in your purse or desk drawer for an instant feel-good moment — not “crash and burn”.

Energy Balls

They are also known as bliss balls or energy bites. Mix peanut butter, oats, nuts, and some sweetener like honey or maple syrup — for the taste and extra stickiness. You can also add chia or flax seeds, chocolate chips, or coconut flakes.

Make balls, cool them in the fridge, and enjoy.

They’re protein-rich, travel-friendly, and easy to make at home. Blend, shape, chill—and you’ve got a snack that’s as comforting as it is energizing.

Smoothies

The blender is one of our favorite secret weapons. A well-rounded smoothie — think greens (many of them are rich in iron), frozen berries, nut or seed milk, a spoonful of protein or oats — can feel like an edible battery for your body.

Bonus tip: add a spoonful of chia seeds or flax for fiber that keeps your energy steady over the afternoon. 

Peanut Butter and Fruit

Simple yet always satisfying. This is a very good snack for energy. Crisp apples or sweet bananas with a smear of peanut or almond butter offer a combo of complex carbohydrates, natural sweetness, protein, and fat. Every bite is a little energy hug — perfect for that mid-morning or mid-afternoon pick-up.

Top 5 Herbs for Energy

Once you’ve got your healthy snack covered, you might add a bit of herbal energy support to your eleven o’clock (or whatever time you need it) ritual. These time-honored herbs bring vitality, without the jittery spike.

Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)

Eleuthero is a classic adaptogen — an herb used to help your mind and body gracefully handle occasional stresses and demands. Traditionally used in Asia and Russia, it promotes a gentle support for energy levels that feels supportive rather than sped-up.

A sip of eleuthero tea may help maintain energy levels during the day. Another way to consume it is by taking it in an Eleuthero Tincture.

Asian Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

Different from eleuthero yet also revered as an adaptogen, Asian ginseng brings warm, nourishing energy. It’s long been used in traditional practices for vitality without the nervous buzz.

Enjoy a small cup of ginseng tea alongside your granola or smoothie for a composed, confident energy support. You can also take it in an Asian Ginseng Tincture.

Maca Root

Grown high in the Andes, maca is not only rich in flavor (malty, earthy, with a hint of spice) but a root historically used to foster stamina and balanced energy.

Mix powdered maca into smoothies, overnight oats, or even energy balls — it brings sweetness, nutrition, and a mild natural lift. You can also consume it by taking it in a Maca Tincture.

Guarana

From the seeds of an Amazonian vine, guarana is more caffeinated than coffee, but slower to absorb — giving a sustained, smooth energy that’s long-loved in Brazil. 

Mix guarana powder with yogurt or smoothie, or infuse it with herbal teas. It would make a great addition to the trail mix. You can also consume it by taking it in a Guarana Tincture.

Yerba Mate

A South American tea drink with caffeine, theobromine, and antioxidants. Yerba mate delivers energy with clarity and warmth, without the jittery edge of coffee.

Brew it traditionally or enjoy it as a cold infusion alongside your apple and peanut butter. Another way to consume it is by taking it in a Yerba Mate Tincture.

Conclusion

We all sometimes feel eleven o’clockish, and it could be any time of the day. It’s a moment that calls for softness and nourishment, not hustle. With the right snacks and herbs, especially rich in caffeine or minerals like magnesium, we can gently guide our rhythm back to joyful momentum.

At HerbEra, we encourage combining easy, wholesome eating with botanical support to fill the day with mindful energy. Think granola or energy bites, a cup of yerba mate or eleuthero tea — and you’re set to enjoy a glowing pause in your day, grounded in nature and your gentle rhythm.

Next time the clock ticks “owl time”, take a moment to nourish — and let your energy unfold naturally.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.