
Healthy snacks should be stacked up at work, rather than all the junk food we normally gorge. There are some simple foods which make for wonderful snacks at work. Let’s see what are they.
There is a line of thought that snacking between meals leads to weight gain. However, this is a misconception. Snacking between meals is important to keep the metabolism going strong and also to prevent overeating at meal times. But this does not mean you snack on unhealthy junk food. You should have healthy snacks every 2 to 3 hours.
One strategy which you have to implement is to plan ahead. This will make sure you have some snacks that you can pack for work. They also help when you do not have the time for an elaborate lunch. Fiber and protein makes for great snacking option at office. Some healthy carbohydrates can also help to maintain blood sugar level and take care of hunger until you have your next meal.
Nuts
Nuts are a nutritious snack. They are high in calories and fat, but a few nuts will go a long way to keep you satisfied. They are power food and provide ‘healthy fats’ along with some fiber. When you choose nuts, choose the unsalted variety. Along with nuts, you can also have some dried fruits like walnuts and almonds for your dose of fiber and nutrition.
Fruits
You can choose from a variety of fruits. Apples can be counted among the healthiest snacks. Citrus fruits give you the required vitamin C and not to forget fiber. Melons, strawberries, grapes, etc., also work as a good snacking option. Having fruit juices is not recommended as most canned juices come with added sugar. Besides this, eating the fruit will keep you full for a longer period of time.
Vegetables
Like fruits, you can also stack up your office table with salad vegetables. Cucumber, carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, and celery are some of the most healthy snacks for office hours. You will get the required roughage from them. Hummus can also be used as a dip with the vegetables.
Low Fat Cheese
Low fat cottage cheese, reduced fat cheese, etc., are high protein snacks. Vegans can opt for tofu instead. All of them are powerhouses of protein. They can also be combined with vegetables for a balanced and light snack.
Sprouts
Sprouts make for a healthy breakfast at work. They are rich in protein and fiber. Add different seasonings to the sprouts to make them taste different every time you make them. Vegetables can also be added to the sprouts to make them more interesting. You can also use dried peas for healthy snacking and will not be bored due to the different seasonings they come with.
Popcorn
Air popped popcorn is also a great late afternoon snack and is healthy for adults and children alike. However, the pre-packed popcorn often contains trans fat which is certainly not healthy.
Whole Grain Sandwich
They make for great healthy diet snacks for breakfast. Vegetables, cottage cheese, tofu, tuna, chicken breast are some of the options that you can use to make your sandwiches. However, make sure you do not include mayonnaise in them.
Along with healthy snacks, you should ensure that you have healthy beverages. The best calorie free drink is mineral water. The other healthy options are herb or regular tea without sugar, or caffeine free coffee without sugar. Once in a while, you may want to opt for non-fat or low-fat beverages like light hot chocolate or café latte.