Can't stop the cravings at work?
Are you always running to the vending machine or having to resort to the crappy café downstairs when you need a snack? I get it. I used to do this all the time when I worked in a corporate environment. I would grab the nearest cookie or packet of chips and munch away at my desk, trying to get the energy to meet my deadlines for that day. It was exhausting not to mention frustrating, because at that time in my life I was trying to shed some excess weight.
Since then, I have learnt one key secret when it comes to eat healthy at the office. It’s all about PLANNING.
And I don’t mean spending hours in the kitchen preparing healthy snacks for the day. It’s more about organizing a few nutritious options to have on hand when those cravings kick in. Healthy options will also help to balance your blood sugar levels, control your moods, increase brain function and help with weight loss.
So, ready to start stocking your desk with the good stuff?
Here are my top 6 Healthy Snacks For The Office.
1. RAW CHOCOLATE
Yep I said chocolate! But I’m not talking about the Kit Kat, Snickers kind. The healthier option is unrefined, unprocessed chocolate. Not only is it dramatically lower in sugar, but it’s also full of antioxidants and contains serotonin which increases endorphins improving your mood. You will find lots of different varieties at your local Health Food store. This Pana Chocolate brand is one of my favourites.
2. POPCORN
When it comes to poporn, opt for the natural or organic pre-popped choice (not the microwavable buttery kind sorry guys.). If you buy it natural you can pop it at home using Coconut or Olive Oil and seasoning it with your favorite flavors like Himalayan sea salt, cinnamon, paprika and even chilli. Just divide the popcorn up into a few ziplock bags and it will keep for up to 3 days. If you love salted chocolate popcorn, then check out my delicious recipe here.
3. NATURAL TRAIL MIX
Trail mix is the perfect snack on the go, that will last for weeks on your desk. Just grab your favorite nuts, seeds and dried fruit and put into individual zip lock bags or a re-sealable jar. I usually make a batch of pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, goji berries, walnuts, almonds, cranberries and raw cacao nibs. Nuts and seeds are great for helping improve memory and concentration at the office. Check out my recipe here.
4. VEGGIE STICKS & HUMMUS
When you are really hungry at the office, this is your snack! Hummus is full of chickpeas which are not only antioxidant rich but also a great source of fibre to keep your digestive tract healthy. If you have a fridge at work you can leave a container of pre chopped veggies with some water or vinegar sprinkled on to keep fresh. There are many great natural hummus options at the supermarket or your health Food Store, but if you want to make your own I have 2 great recipes here
5. COCONUT WATER
Sometimes we can often mistake hunger for thirst. Which is why it’s always good to have water or healthy drinks near your desk so you can avoid snacking like crazy. Coconut water is great because it’s long-life so you can buy a few bottles and put them in your desk drawer to have on hand. It’s full of electrolytes to keep you hydrated throughout the day and also high in healthy fats which improves brain cognitive function. Plus they are YUM!
6. BLISS BALLS
These handy little snacks are not only really easy to make (or buy at your local Health Food Store) but are also gluten free, high in protein and low in carbs. They are great to give you a boost of energy when you hit a slump at the office and an even better snack to eat if you are heading for a workout after work. Check out my two bliss ball recipes here
