Do you ever felt a bit guilty about snacking on chips, cookies, and candy bars at work, but struggle to find healthier snack options?
Juggling meetings, emails, and deadlines may make it difficult to eat healthy. The vending machine down the hall is really appealing, providing fast offerings for your hunger and cravings. However, processed snacks are high in calories, sugar, and fat, which can make you feel slow and sleepy.
In this blog, we’ve compiled a list of the top 9 healthy snacks for work. With few ingredients, you can quickly prepare these healthy snacks at your workplace or home. These simple and delectable snacks can help you stay productive throughout your working hours and avoid those 3 p.m. cravings.
Benefits of healthy snacks
40% of Australians admit to snacking during the day.
If you find yourself craving a bite in the afternoon, choose healthy snacks that are low in sugar and high in fibre.
1. Keeps you focused
If you’re feeling hungry while working on an important project, it can really mess with your focus and productivity. Snacking on nuts, fruits, or dark chocolate can improve your memory and focus.
2. Reduces absenteeism
According to research, Australians with unhealthy diets miss work up to nine times more frequently than their healthier colleagues each year. This shows how harmful processed foods may be to your health.
3. Avoid the mid-day slump
When 3 p.m. hits, you may find yourself feeling sluggish and sleepy, making it difficult to focus on your important tasks. You could even feel agitated. Dehydration is a common cause of the afternoon slump, so have water and nutritious foods on hand to stay hydrated, happy, and on top of your game.
4. Makes you happy
According to research, eating fast food, processed snacks, and sugary treats may raise your chances of feeling sad. On the other hand, making healthier choices can improve your mood and raise your self-esteem.
Healthy snack ideas for work
Below are some healthy snack ideas to keep you full and energised while you work.
1. Fruits
Are you craving something sweet? Put down the candy bar and grab your favourite fruit. Try a fresh fruit every day to keep things interesting.
2. Cucumber
A great substitute for crackers is sliced cucumber. Add cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or feta on top for a delicious, crunchy snack.
3. Nuts
If you’re into crunchy snacks, go for nuts instead of chips. They’re packed with heart-healthy fats, fibre, protein, antioxidants, and a wide range of vitamins and minerals.
4. Popcorn
Popcorn is a great healthy snack. It’s low in calories, high in fibre, and loaded with antioxidants. Plus, it tastes great.
5. Yogurt
Yogurt isn’t just for breakfast; it makes an awesome afternoon snack too. It’s loaded with vitamins, minerals, protein, and probiotics. Yogurt is great for digestion, helps strengthen bones, can lower blood pressure, and boosts your immune system.
6. Smoothies
Looking for something thicker and creamier than cold-pressed juice? Go for a smoothie. Just whip one up with some milk, and you’ve got a super easy treat to enjoy at work.
7. Eggs
Cook up a batch of hard-boiled eggs to grab throughout the week. Cut the egg in half and add avocado and a pinch of spices for a flavourful snack.
8. Oatmeal
If you’re craving something warm and filling, pop a packet of plain instant oatmeal in the microwave. It’s a quick and satisfying snack. Top it with nuts, fresh fruit, or a little honey for extra flavour.
9. Healthy beverages
When the 3 p.m. slump rolls around, try swapping out a can of Coke for something healthier like water, green tea, black coffee, or juice.
Eating healthy snacks at work is a fantastic way to maintain your energy levels and stay productive throughout the day. The healthy snack ideas given above are easy to prepare, carry, packed with nutrients, and can be kept at your desk or in the office kitchen. They’ll definitely help you stick to a healthy diet whether you’re at home, at work, or out.
Healthy eating isn’t enough!
A healthy diet is super important, but it’s not the only thing you should be focusing on. Research shows that improving your eating habits can lower the risk of early death. However, focusing on just one aspect isn’t as effective. If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s important to stay active. Even a little exercise—like 10 to 75 minutes a week—can make a big difference. But remember, don’t overdo it too quickly. You don’t want to hurt yourself or get too tired. Look for fun activities or sports that you enjoy and try to make them a regular part of your routine.
Choose a healthy lifestyle with Angelo Anestis Aquatic Centre. Reach out to us today and become a member.
