It’s 3 in the afternoon and you’re famished at work. You could grab a bag of chips or a candy bar from the vending machine, but it’s a new year and you’re trying to eat healthier. So, what can you do? To avoid finding yourself in this situation, have healthy snacks on-hand at your workplace. By proactively stocking up, you turn moments of hunger into opportunities to eat well and reenergize.
What counts as a good choice? A healthy snack is between 150 to 250 calories; contains at least 5 grams of protein, which keeps you fuller longer; and does not have more than 12 grams of fat.
Here are some examples of nutritious snacks: Walnuts, almonds and cashews are protein-packed and keep you full. Grocery stores often sell raw nuts in portion-controlled packages so that you only eat one serving size at a time. Another option is to pair an apple or banana with peanut or almond butter. If you’re craving something sweet, grab dried fruit, such as dates or figs, or a fruit cup filled with berries. The natural sugars quench your sweet tooth and the fiber keeps you full until dinner. If you need a crunch, grab a bag of butter-free air-popped popcorn, which is a naturally low-calorie snack.
When it comes to snacking, make sure you’re mindful of how much you eat. If you find yourself reaching for a snack while you’re not hungry, you could be snacking because of boredom or stress. In these cases, take a walk away from your work to distract yourself from the impulse to snack unnecessarily.
Snack well to achieve your wellness goals this year. With a bit of planning, you won’t miss the chips in the vending machine.