Snack Much? Healthy Options for the Office
It's 3 p.m., and you're feeling the mid-afternoon slump. You are low on energy and losing concentration. Lunch was three hours ago, and dinner isn't for another three hours. You need to refuel just enough to get to the work day finish line at 5 p.m. The vending machine options include a bag of salty & crunchy goodness, a chocolate bar of sweetness, and a boring, bland-looking string cheese. Which do you choose? Having healthy snack options on hand at the office will help you stay fueled and focused when you need it most. Need some ideas? Check out the list below.
Quick, easy, and inexpensive healthy snack options:
- Almonds and pistachios: These nuts are a good source of protein and healthy fats. Just remember to consume in moderation!
- Popcorn: A low-calorie alternative to chips with just enough saltiness and crunchiness. Both of our Stoneridge offices have a popcorn machine that provides an endless supply of fresh popcorn -- how lucky are we?!
- Fresh fruit: Packed with natural sweetness, vitamins, and minerals, fruits are my favorite go-to snack.
- Protein bars: Debatable as a good snack option, not all protein bars are created equal. Some bars can be high in calories, fat, and sugar. Be mindful to check the nutritional label and ingredients list before purchase and consumption!
- Pretzels: A good low-fat snack, pretzels offer carbs that can be high in sodium. Consume in moderation!
- String cheese: The winning vending machine option! String cheese is a perfectly portion-controlled source of protein and calcium.
- Hard-boiled eggs: Another favorite of mine, eggs are a great source of protein. Just be respectful of your colleagues while consuming -- the smell can be offensive!
- Yogurt: A staple in my personal fridge, many yogurts contain probiotics or "good bacteria", which is helpful for your digestive tract. Sugar content can be high on some, so please check the nutritional label.
- Nut butter: Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter -- oh my! Nut butters provide healthy fat and protein (like the nuts itself), which stabilizes blood sugar levels. Spread it on apples or toast for a tasty snack! Try to limit yourself to two tablespoons per day!
- Jerky: For the meat lovers, jerky is a great source of protein to keep you full and satisfied.
In writing this post, I suddenly felt a pang of hunger and the urge to snack. I opened my desk drawer, and lo and behold...
… healthy snacks await me!
Being prepared with your own healthy snacks may deter you from making unhealthy choices at the office. If you forget to stock up, choose wisely at the vending machine.
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