Top 9 Healthy Work Snacks For That Afternoon Slump
Picture this - its the 3 o’clock hour at work. You just had lunch a few hours earlier, but it's too early for dinner. Yet you still have a craving for some type of snack. Do you just break down grab a donut from the break room or candy bar from the vending machine? You can do better than that.
If you plan ahead for this afternoon craving, you can make healthy choices to keep you satisfied and prevent you from making the wrong snack choices.Whether you're looking to lose a few pounds or maintain a healthy weight, stocking up on healthy snacks for work is essential. Fueling your body with quality nutrition will increase energy levels, helping you feel more productive, and also stave off fatty and sugary cravings. Here's some ideas for healthy snacks that you can keep in your desk drawer or break room fridge.
- 1
Fresh Fruit
You can't go wrong with fresh fruit at the office! Put your favorite sliced fruits and berries together in a beautiful salad for the office fridge, so you can scoop out the perfect portion to enjoy all week long. If that sounds like too much effort, pack low-maintenance picks like apples, oranges, and pears, so all you need to do is wash, pack and go.
- 2
Veggies:
Bring a tub of baby carrots, celery sticks, or already steamed edamame to the office. You can easily find prepackaged options at your grocery store, but skip the ranch or blue cheese dressing, and opt for a small side of hummus instead to offer your body some protein.
- 3
Pistachios
Pistachios can give us fiber, protein, and healthy fat. Peeling the shells can also be a good pass time for a monotonous day.
- 4
Healthy Bars
Unfortunately, not all bars deemed "healthy" are created equally. Look for bars that are relatively low in sugar and high in fiber and protein, with simple ingredients. If you eat a bar that's all carbs and sugar, then chances are you'll experience a crash after eating it, just as if you'd munched on a candy bar.
- 5
Single Serving of Trail Mix
Take the issue of portion control out of the picture, and buy smaller prepackaged portions of trail mix, or package your own into small baggies at home. Not only will you save money, but you'll also be able to keep tabs on exactly how much you're eating. Trail mix, dried fruit and nuts are a yummy and filling snack, just keep portions small, since they can be high in fat.
- 6
String Cheese
Having some string cheese or preportioned cheese on hand is great for the dairy-lovers. Cheese adds protein and calcium to your snack-time routine.
- 7
Whole Grain Crackers
Whole grain crackers are also a much better idea than snacking on a bag of fried chips, and they offer the crunch you're looking for. For a perfect midday, post-workout snack, string cheese can be served up with some hearty crackers to deliver an ideal blend of protein and carbs.
- 8
Protein Pudding or Shake
Just bring your favorite protein powder to the office, mix with water or milk and you have a healthy and filling on-the-go snack that can give you a mid-day boost. Combine it with a piece of fruit for some additional carbs and you have the perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
- 9
Yogurt
A cup of yogurt is one of the easiest healthy breakfasts out there, and it's also an ideal snack. This protein-rich food can feel like a treat when some fresh fruit or even a light drizzle of honey isadded,
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