What to Bring to Work for Snacks?

It might be difficult to find time to eat properly when you’re juggling the demands of a busy schedule. The temptation to snack on free doughnuts and chips from the vending machine might be especially difficult while you’re at work. The good news is that there are a wide variety of fast, nutritious snacks that may be taken to work for a midday snack. It’s possible to keep certain snacks at your desk all day without needing to keep them refrigerated.

The ten best office snacks are discussed in this article. We also discuss what constitutes a healthy snack and what to look for when deciding what to eat for lunch or dinner in the office.

1. Nuts and Dried Fruit

To get the most out of your snack, combine nuts and dried fruit with macro-nutrients, healthy fats, and protein. Nuts and dried fruit both provide fiber, which aids absorption of essential nutrients, and dried fruit also contains carbohydrates, which power your system. These nuts are rich in nutrients that are beneficial to your health. Nuts are a nutritious but calorie-dense snack, so keep your total serving size in check. Nuts and dried fruits may be kept at your desk at work for a quick pick-me-up throughout the day.

There are around 333 calories, 15 grams of fat, and 40 grammes of carbohydrates in one serving of nuts and dried fruit, made up of 14 cups of nuts and 13 cups of dried fruit.

2. Plain Unsweetened Greek Yogurt With Honey

In addition to being low in calories, Greek yogurt is rich in protein and calcium, both of which are essential for bone health. You can’t have a healthy heart, muscles, or nervous system if you don’t have enough calcium. In contrast, honey has been linked to several health advantages, including better cardiovascular function. Fresh fruit may be added for an additional dose of flavor. You can’t go wrong with strawberries. They’re a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.

For a wonderful snack, mix one spoonful of honey with a single serving of plain Greek yogurt. 194 calories; 4 grams of fat; and 24 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

3. Popcorn

There are a plethora of beneficial minerals and carbs in popcorn, making it a nutritious and filling snack. For a fast snack, what more could you ask for? Polyphenols, another kind of antioxidant found in popcorn, have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and other chronic illnesses.

If at all feasible, use air-popped, low-sodium popcorn for your treat. You may also purchase plain popcorn and season it with salt and olive oil to taste. You can keep a bag of popcorn on your desk since it is shelf-stable.

Popcorn that has been air-popped provides 31 calories, 0 fat grams, and 6 carbohydrates per cup.

4. Avocado and Sourdough Toast

Each loaf of sourdough has a slightly different taste due to variances in the dough’s “starters,” sourdough’s substitute for yeast. Those who have stomach problems or bloating after eating bread may find that sourdough contains less gluten than any other kind of bread. Avocado boosts your energy levels by providing fibre and good fats.

Slather a quarter of an avocado on a piece of sourdough bread. Toss in some salt and pepper, olive oil, or even a piece of tomato if you’d like! There are 325 calories in each serving, along with 17 grams of fat and 42 grams of carbohydrates.

5. Hard-Boiled Eggs

To keep you going until your next meal or workout, consider eating an egg for a quick source of protein. In addition, they are rich in vitamins A, B6, B12, and D, as well as other minerals such as iron, calcium, choline, and folic acid. In addition to slicing it in half and adding salt and pepper to your hard-boiled egg, you may also sprinkle it with heated olive oil. Do you like your snacks to have a bit of extra oomph? Try sprinkling in some of your favorite spicy sauce!

In terms of caloric content, one hard-boiled egg provides 78 calories, 5 grams of fat, and 1 gram of carbohydrates.

6. Cottage Cheese and Fruit

When paired together, cottage cheese and fruit form a low-calorie, high-protein snack. Both cottage cheese and fruit are rich in calcium, and both are packed with essential minerals. Blueberries and strawberries are good sources of antioxidants. Blueberries are abundant in antioxidants, potassium, and vitamin C, making them an excellent source of these nutrients. Strawberries are also an excellent source of vitamin C, fiber, manganese, and potassium, all of which are essential nutrients.

Snack on this low-fat cottage cheese and fruit combination. About 120 calories, 3 grams of fat, and 10 grams of carbohydrates are included in this snack.

7. Jerky

To keep jerky handy at work, you may store it in an airtight container. Beef jerky is the most common variety, although there are many more. You may also experiment with turkey, chicken, and salmon, among other options. Uncured, low-sodium jerky with just a few basic ingredients is the best choice for a healthy snack.

Jerky has 82 calories, 5 grams of fat, and 2 grams of carbohydrate per serving.

8. Ants on a Log

In the United States, celery sticks, peanut butter, and raisins are often used to make ant-on-a-log. As a result, it is low in calories, but high in beneficial fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and fiber due to celery’s high water content. Put peanut butter and raisins on two stalks of celery, then eat it like an ant on a log.

There are 302 calories in this snack, 16 grams of fat, and 36 grams of carbohydrates, on average.

9. Veggies and Hummus

Vegetables are an excellent source of nutritious carbohydrates and minerals, while hummus is produced from chickpeas; both are high in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Sliced bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or sliced cucumber may be paired with your hummus for a tasty snack.

A half-cup of sliced bell pepper and two tablespoons of hummus each have 95 calories, 4 grams of fat, and 9 grams of carbohydrates.

10. Smoked Salmon on Whole Grain Crackers

Blood pressure may be lowered by eating salmon, which contains a lot of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon, which has anti-inflammatory characteristics, may also lower your risk of heart disease and depression. The nutrients in whole grains, on the other hand, include protein, fiber, B vitamins, antioxidants, and traces of several minerals and other trace elements.

Each of the following: three big whole-grain crackers, three tablespoons of lightly salted smoked salmon (around 160 calories), and four grams of fat (12 grams of carbohydrates).

What to Look For in a Snack

Snacking on foods heavy in protein, carbohydrates, and/or fibre is the best way to keep yourself satiated and energised at the same time. Snacking on high-protein, low-calorie foods may help you lose weight by reducing the number of calories you consume during the day. Snacks that are heavy in sugar or saturated fat might make you sleepy and sluggish at work, so it’s important to choose wisely.

There are times when it’s best if you choose high-quality snacks whenever possible.” Choosing products that are local, organic, or non-GMO is beneficial to your well-being. If this isn’t an option, make as many snacks as you can at home to save money. When it comes to batch cooking, Brittany Ford, RHN, recommends it. “When food is prepared at home, it is healthier and less processed.” In addition, the substances you employ are completely up to you. It’s a good idea to make or bake a large batch of food on a Sunday before the work week begins. When it comes to on-the-go foods like bagels and granola, you can whip up your own at home.

When selecting a nutritious snack for the office, keep the following aspects in mind.

High Protein

Because protein helps control appetite, it may help you both maintain and reduce weight at the same time. Protein also aids in blood sugar stabilization and concentration, allowing you to put more effort into your task.

High Carb

Despite the lack of nutritional content and processing of refined carbs, naturally occurring carbohydrates may be quite healthy. In order for your body to function properly, it requires carbohydrates, which are the major source of energy. Low-calorie but high-carbohydrate snacks might give you an energy boost in the middle of the day.

Healthy Fats

In addition to providing energy, they protect your organs, aid cell development, and keep you warm. In addition to aiding in the absorption of nutrients and the production of necessary hormones, healthy fats are critical to your general well-being.

Fiber

Fiber, like protein, will keep you feeling filled for longer, making you less likely to overeat. Soluble fibre, on the other hand, may suppress your appetite, which means you’re less tempted to overeat during the day. Fiber also has the ability to reduce blood sugar and cholesterol.

Calcium

Calcium is well-known for its role in building strong bones, but it also serves a variety of other purposes. Calcium is essential to the functioning of the body, heart, and nervous system. Despite popular belief, calcium supplementation isn’t only for developing children’s bones. Adults, too, may get the benefits of calcium.

Other Nutrients and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals such as potassium and magnesium are also important to watch out for. These two nutrients, together with calcium, aid in the development of strong bones and the maintenance of healthy blood pressure levels.

FAQs

What’s the point of consuming healthy snacks?

While the act of snacking may have a poor reputation, it is critical to your health to eat small, nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day. Having a healthy snack in the middle of the day or while working out delivers a burst of energy. Healthy snacks may provide you with more than just extra energy; they can also enhance your cognitive performance, sharpen your attention, and improve your emotional well-being.

What foods should I stay away from?

Potato chips, candies, and cookies are all examples of “junk food” that should be avoided while attempting to maintain a healthy diet. Saturated fats and sugars might make you feel lethargic and lethargic. Eating a lot of these things might make you gain weight.

What are the consequences of consuming sugars that have been added?

You may raise your triglyceride level by eating too many added sugars, such as those present in most “junk food.” Increased levels of triglycerides, a kind of fat present in the blood, may raise your risk of heart disease. Adding sugar to your diet may potentially cause weight gain or blood sugar issues.

Is it possible to have a low-calorie snack and yet feel satisfied?

Calories aren’t that important. It’s important to create snacks that are complete, with proteins that are of high quality; fats that are of high quality; and complex carbs that are both nutritious and filling (whole food based like yams, carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin). Try to integrate plenty of fermented foods, like sauerkraut and pickled beets, into your diet as well. In addition to being abundant in vitamins and minerals, these foods taste great.

What can I do to improve my job performance?

Protein-rich snacks and protein shakes are excellent ways to improve your energy levels when you’re feeling low. Maintaining a steady supply of energy is made easier by remembering to eat at regular intervals. If you’re still fatigued, doing jumping jacks or strolling up and down the stairs will help if you’re still fatigued. Taking a walk or jogging might help alleviate tiredness by circulating blood and oxygen to the brain.

Staying hydrated and moving regularly throughout the day can help you stay healthy. As a result, you’ll be able to stay focused, energetic, and in control of your emotions.

Conclusion

With so many unhealthy alternatives and a hectic work schedule, it might be difficult to locate a nutritious snack throughout the day. With a little research and planning, you can easily discover a snack that both you and your body appreciate. For a rapid energy boost, look for low-calorie, high-protein snacks packed with nutrients. Choose a healthy work-time snack by including vegetables, fruits, nuts, and lean meats. If you’re not sure what to eat, check out the list above and pick something tasty to eat today.