10 Smart Ways to Snack Healthier at Work
I’m a big time snacker, especially at work. When I’m in focus mode and my mind is working hard, that’s when I feel hungry the most. While snacking can help me take the edge off of hunger and provide me a bit of energy boost until my next meal, I’m careful not to go overboard so I don’t end up consuming too many calories throughout the day.
It’s best to choose wisely when snacking which means choosing healthy over junk and it’s a lot easier when you plan ahead and take a smart approach to snacking. Here are 10 “smart” ways to snack healthier at work:
1. Read the Labels
It’s always better to eat foods with no label like fruits and veggies but if you do plan to eat a snack with a label, read the label first. Not only do you want to check calorie intake, amount of sugar, and etc., you also want to make sure you’re eating the correct portion size.
2. Don’t eat from the package
It’s a bad habit that I do sometimes, especially if I’m reading or watching TV. Instead, put the recommended portion size on a plate or in a baggy if you’re heading out.
3. Plan your snacks ahead of time
Plan healthy and plan ahead by making your snacks for the work week at home on Sundays. Then when you’re ready to leave, all you have to do is grab and go.
4. Use small bowls
Using smaller bowls can help you from going overboard when eating any snack.
5. Add a little protein
Nuts like almonds and peanuts are heart healthy so bring along a handful.
6. Snack on whole fruits
Not only should you snack on fruits, snack them with the skins still on. Fruits like peaches, apples, and plums has fiber on its skin which will help you feel fuller longer.
7. Combine protein and carbs
Pairing protein-rich foods with carbs is what I call smart snacking. Carbs provide both your body and brain with energy, and protein-rich foods will help fill you up because they break down more slowly in the body.
8. Drink a glass of water with your snack
Liquids like water and decaffeinated tea and coffee can help you feel full and increase cell metabolism so drink a glass or two with your snack.
9. Stash healthy snacks in your desk
If I forget to bring a snack from home, I want to make sure I have something healthy on hand so I don’t reach for any junk and you should too. So stash a couple a healthy snacks in your desk.
10. Bring snacks that won’t spoil quickly
High-fiber snack bars, nuts, or a cup of dry fruit are perfect options to bring to work. Even better, a spoil-free snack with real fruits and nuts like goodnessknows snack squares.
goodnessknows snack squares are becoming my favorite snack of choice when I’m working at home or on-the-go. It’s a delicious and amazingly satisfying snack that is crafted with the goodness of whole nuts, real fruits, toasted oats and dark chocolate. It contains no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners and comes in three tasty flavors: cranberry, almond dark chocolate; apple, almond & peanut dark chocolate; and peach & cherry, almond dark chocolate.
I love these little bite size snacks! goodnessknows is divided into four snack squares – all for 150 calories. It has everything I want in a snack, it doesn’t take up too much space on my desk, and it’s healthy.
goodnessknows is now available nationwide. Head to the goodnessknows website to find where you can pick one up near you.
Resources: Web MD, Eating Well
Disclosure: This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of goodnessknows. The opinions and text are all mine.
