Healthy Snacks for Work
No matter your occupation, applying yourself at the office requires focus and enduring energy. A cup of coffee or a sugary snack may supply a sudden burst of zeal- but it’s often short lived and lacking in composure. Selecting the right snack to satiate your hunger and restore your wits as lunch so languidly approaches is absolutely essential.
But, let's get real.
In addition to a snack that revitalizes, most of us want a munchie that is as palatable as it is practical. The good news is- it's not difficult to find a snack that fits both of these characteristics. But- the first step in finding the right snacks for the office is knowing what you need while snacking at the office.
What Makes for a Good Snack in an Office Setting?
When reaching for a treat, we often do so out of boredom. Snacks can keep us satisfied with something tasty to chew on, but aimless indulgence can result in overeating and, consequently, weight gain.
Instead of the typical reasons we do eat snacks, most people would prefer to their keep snacking habits limited. If you're anything like thos of us here at Nuts.com, you keep snacks around the office in order to assuage an uncompromising appetite and to enjoy the boost of productivity that follows the addition of this newfound caloric fuel to their metabolism’s fire.
To feel full, it’s important that your snack contains the right nutrients; protein is one element to examine in your snack selection that can significantly support that satisfied sensation you seek. This is what makes nuts, which are packed with protein, such a superb candidate for office snacks.
As for extra energy, it’s important to ensure your diet is dense in rich nutrients and provides plenty of unsaturated fats and complex carbohydrates — or starches. While carbohydrates provide the bulk of your energy, it’s essential to select the complex varieties that will metabolize slowly for lasting energy rather than the simple types that are common to refined grains (like white rice), fruits, and candies. Complex carbohydrates can be found in abundance in whole grains and starchy vegetables.
Making Sure You Restrict Your Portions is Essential
Even with healthy snacks, if the treats are truly tasty- it can be difficult to keep your portion control in check. We've all overeaten, and the risk of doing so is even greater when you are mindlessly snacking as you focus on the demands of your job. Luckily, there are simple tips to employ that can help you keep your snacking in check.
Strategy is key to eating healthy. To prevent a simple bite from turning into an all-day affair, as well as to evade the additional ails of crumbs in your keyboard, set aside a designated portion of your favorite snack foods and simply focus on eating for a few minutes rather than continually nibbling throughout your day.
By setting aside designated portions, you become aware of exactly how much you are actually eating. While you still may find yourself seeking refills, the action of doing so is a good reminder to slow down. Sometimes, waiting fifteen minutes after eating is all you need to feel satiated from your first serving.
Another helpful tip is to ensure that you are drinking a healthy amount of water. Staying hydrated can help you feel full, which can in turn prevent you from overeating.
Try these simple tips out with any of the incredible snacks below. Each snack was selected based on its nutritional properties and flavor profile to ensure that you can find an energizing snack that pleases your palate, no matter your preference.
Healthy Work Snack Recipes
Picking the right snack for work requires proper preparation; while you learn about what makes a snack healthy and revitalizing, you can also learn how to save big by preparing your own mini-meals in advance. Find some of our favorite recipes for revitalizing with foods formulated by our resident Registered Dietitian below!
Homemade Granola Bars Recipe {gluten-free}
For those that prefer a compact snack, a beloved classic for getting anyone through the day is the hearty granola bar. Our recipe offers a sweet savor with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients: Dried mulberries, dried strawberries, raw cashews, organic peanut butter, ripe bananas, raw sunflower seeds, hemp protein powder, gluten-free rolled oats, chia seeds, flaxseed meal.
Total Time: 40 minutes
| Yield: 12 bars
No-Bake Granola Bars Recipe {gluten-free, vegan}
Variety is the spice of life, so try a second granola bar recipe that removes the need for baking with this easy-to-follow, nutritious recipe.
Ingredients: Gluten-free rolled oats, peanut butter, dried tart cherries, pistachios, flaxseed meal, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, agave syrup. unsweetened applesauce, melted cacao nibs or dark chocolate.
Total Time: 15 minutes
| Yield: 8 - 10 servings
Banana Bread Recipe {gluten-free}
Take a break with a simple snack that is soft and savory and treat yourself to this gluten-free bread. Whole grain flour helps provide the complex carbs you need to stay pumped!
Ingredients: Overripe bananas, eggs, coconut oil, applesauce, almond milk, honey, vanilla extract, brown rice flour, coconut flour, walnuts, gluten-free rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder.
Total Time: 1 hour
| Yield: 12 servings
Chocolate Goji Berry Bars Recipe {gluten-free}
The chocolate included in this recipe results in a taste resembling candied confections rather than an energizing superfood; but don’t let that fool you, these berry bars will keep your motor running!
Ingredients: Pitted dates, almond butter, quinoa puffs, goji berries, raw pistachios, coconut oil, dark chocolate chips.
Total Time: 20 minutes
| Yield: 8 bars
Blueberry Crumb Bars Recipe {gluten-free, vegan}
These saccharine confections are created with whole grain flour to support slow absorption of sugars and a gradual release of energy for that steady vitality you need.
Ingredients: Almond flour, coconut flour, coconut oil, agave syrup, water, baking soda, blueberries, arrowroot powder (or cornstarch), brown rice flour, ground cinnamon, sugar.
Total Time: 1 hour
| Yield: 12 bars
Our Registered Dietitian Top Picks
For a more convenient snacking experience, you can find some of our most healthy and best-tasting products below to treat yourself at work without the hassle of added preparation. Each product was hand-selected by our Health Nut and Registered Dietitian based on its wholesome nature, so you can be sure that each option offers what you’re searching for! And, if you're ordering snacks for the entire office, be sure to check out our healthy office snacks for your business.
