The 9 Best Workplace Snacks
/Snacking throughout the day is not a bad habit, so long as it's conducted in moderation and with healthy choices. Good-for-you snacks can be part of a healthy diet if snacking is done in a sensible way —hence not eating the entire bag of dark chocolate Hershey Kisses. The truth is what you snack on in between meals goes a long way, especially in keeping your metabolism burning. If you have a regular exercise routine, it can also help continue to tone your muscles throughout the day.
1. Banana with Nut Butter of Choice: Whether your favorite is almond butter, pecan or walnut butter, having a banana will satisfy you enough to not excessively snack. If you're craving something sweet, this is also a great choice.
2. Dark Chocolate
- Rich in antioxidants
- Cocoa flavanoids have been linked to heart health
- Can lower blood pressure and increase blood flow in the body
- Helps control blood sugar and protect against type 2 diabetes
- Boosts alertness and cognitive performance
- Improves mood
- Reduces stress
- Boosts immune system
- Reduces risk of premature aging
10. Rich in vitamins and minerals
3. Veggies and hummus : This is also incredibly satisfying and filling due to the high-fiber intake. Stick to a 1/4 cup of hummus to keep the calories in check. For dipping, choose high-water content veggies like celery and cucumbers which help keep you hydrated as well.
4. Hard Boiled Egg: Take two hard-boil eggs for a great snack and enjoy 12 grams of protein for only 150 calories. Their fat will help keep your satisfied and focused according to a study published in Nutrition Today.
5. Plain Greek Yogurt: Full of probiotics, meaning fulled with good bacteria, and can help relieve digestive problems. It's also high in protein which helps keep you fuller longer and great for maintaining a healthy diet. It's low in calories and focus on buying plain yogurt and add healthy additives like almonds and blueberries versus buying the sweetened versions.
7. Cottage Cheese: This savory or sweet snack is high in protein, calcium (helps bone strength), magnesium, potassium and zinc. It's also a low carb food that helps regulate blood sugar, improves digestion and is rich in antioxidants.
8. Blueberries: We've talked about the health benefits of blueberries a lot on the blog. They are one of the best sources around for antioxidants which helps fight inflammation that can lead to a number of chronic diseases. They're a superfood that you can enjoy anytime as a snack. Add them to your smoothies or yogurt. They're packed with vitamin K, vitamin C and fiber.
9. Almonds: The perfect snack, a handful of almonds is packed with B vitamins, Vitamin E, monounsaturated fats, calcium, magnesium and potassium. The almond contains about 26% carbohydrates, 12% of which are dietary fiber. About 20 percent of a raw almond is made up of high quality protein, containing essential amino acids. An ounce of almonds, which equates to about 25 almonds, contains 12% of our necessary daily protein! Eating high-protein snacks help keep you fuller longer, and curb your appetite.
Other tips for a healthier workplace:
- Use a standing desk to sit less
- Get an office plant to increase your productivity
- Keep a piece of fruit on your desk to ensure you eat a healthy snack
- Drink tea, which can help you have 2-5 minutes of meditation and relaxation
- Stress ball to relieve tension
- Doodle pad to boost memory and creativity
- Under desk stepper to increase your heart rate as you work
- Air purifier to keep air clean in an open office