David Samadi, MD - Blog | Prostate Health, Prostate Cancer & Generic Health Articles by Dr. David Samadi - SamadiMD.com|

View Original

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: 

  1. Use a standing desk to sit less
  2. Get an office plant to increase your productivity
  3. Keep a piece of fruit on your desk to ensure you eat a healthy snack
  4. Drink tea, which can help you have 2-5 minutes of meditation and relaxation
  5. Stress ball to relieve tension
  6. Doodle pad to boost memory and creativity
  7. Under desk stepper to increase your heart rate as you work
  8. Air purifier to keep air clean in an open office