Healthy Snacks for Your office Desk Drawer and Heart
We all know that it can be hard to be healthy when we work long hours. With tasks piling up, and only a few breaks during the day, it's easy to turn to sugary snacks to stay energised throughout the day. But there is a way to make sure you get the energy boost you need while still being mindful of your health - snacks!
Healthy snacking can be a great way to get the nutrients you need during your working hours. Not only are there plenty of options out there that have the beneficial vitamins and minerals you need, but they're also conveniently packaged for on-the-go snacking.
So if you're looking for some healthy snack options for your desk drawer or heart, here's what you need to know. From protein bars to veggie sticks, we'll share some of our favourite snacks perfect for every type of office snacker.
Protein-Packed Work Snacks
The secret to healthy snacking at work is finding snacks that are tasty, but also protein-packed. Protein will help keep you full and energised throughout the day, so it’s a key component of any successful desk drawer stash. The good news is that there are plenty of delicious snack options that fit the bill. Here are some of our favourites:
- Oats Cranberry Cookies
- Dark Chocolate Cookies
- Granola Bars
Stock up your desk drawer with these healthy snack options, and you’ll never have to worry about going hungry again!
Healthy Fats and Fiber for Quick Snacks
Finding a snack that not only has great taste, but also a good mix of healthy fats, proteins and fibre for sustained energy is essential for your mid-day slump. Snacks with healthy fats and fibre can help keep you full and provide the nutrients your body needs.
Here are some easy snacks that are low in sugar, full of flavour and offer a combination of healthy fats and fibre:
- Nuts: Nuts are a classic office snack that offer both protein and healthy fat. Pistachios, walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds and cashews have the added benefit of being packed with vitamins and minerals.
- Avocado: Not only is avocado loaded with nutrients like Vitamin K, folate and potassium, it’s also rich in monounsaturated fat which helps keep hunger pangs at bay.
- Seeds: Whether it’s hemp seeds or flaxseeds—these tiny miracle workers offer ample amounts of protein, essential fatty acids (EFAs) and fibre to keep you sustained throughout the day.
- Veggies & Hummus: Chopping up some raw veggies is an easy way to get your daily intake of fibre (think carrots & celery). Paired with a tasty hummus or guacamole dip takes it to the next level for flavour!
As you can see, there are plenty of nutritious snacks that can be packed away into desk drawers without having to sacrifice flavour. So grab a handful of nuts or make yourself some hummus with vegetables – healthier snacking has never been easier!
Re-Thinking Office Sweet Treats
Just because it's snack time doesn't mean you need to reach for that candy bar! Believe it or not, there are plenty of delicious, wholesome snacks out there that are both good for your body and your taste buds.
So what should you reach for instead when those afternoon munchies hit? Here are some easy office snack ideas:
Nuts & Seeds
Nuts and seeds are full of healthy fats, proteins and minerals, making them the perfect mid-day refuel. Plus, they're so versatile - try adding them to fruit bowls or yogurt bowls, or enjoy a handful on its own.
Hummus & Veggies
Seeking an energy boost? Dip some fresh or frozen veggies into this delicious dip full of protein and fibre. You can also use multi-grain crackers as an alternative for chips – just top them with hummus for a nutrient-packed snack!
Dried Fruits & Dark Chocolate Chips
Dried fruits provide a great shot of natural sugar — not to mention some other awesome nutrients like fibre and antioxidants — while dark chocolate chips add a bit of sweetness with the added benefit of flavonalols that can help increase blood flow to the brain. Plus, they taste great together!
Next time you reach for an unhealthy snack in the office, give yourself an upgrade with these healthy alternatives!
Heart Smart Snack Ideas for the Office
If you're looking for heart-friendly snack ideas for the office, you've come to the right place! Eating healthy snacks can help keep your cholesterol levels in check and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Nuts
Nuts are a great source of healthy fat, protein, and vitamins—all essential to maintain a healthy heart. Walnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, and pistachios are enriched with omega-3 fatty acids that are good for your cardiovascular system. Try snacking on an ounce or two of nuts throughout the day to keep your energy levels up and keep your cravings at bay. Plus, they're portable and easy to store in your desk drawer!
Fruit
Fruits are loaded with antioxidants that can help protect blood vessels from inflammation, plus they contain healthy sugars that provide energy without crashing mid-workday. Apples and oranges make excellent snacks because they stay fresh for longer periods of time. You can also get creative by packing smoothie ingredients like spinach, banana, almond butter or chia seeds into a mason jar for a quick snack anytime during the day.
Air-popped Popcorn
Swap out salty chips for air-popped popcorn as a low-calorie alternative that's also high in fibre. Unsalted air-popped popcorn is available at many convenience stores or you can easily pop it on your own at home. Top it off with some melted dark chocolate chips or sprinkle some nutritional yeast on top for a cheesy taste with added B vitamins.
Healthifying Late-Night Desk Munchies
When those late-night hunger pangs hit and you find yourself rummaging through your desk drawer for something to snack on, we’ve got the perfect solutions for healthifying your munchies.
Making Time for a Nourishing Lunch Break
It’s no secret that taking a lunch break is important for both your physical and mental health. But too often, lunch can get forgotten or pushed aside in favour of pressing deadlines and tight budgets.
That’s why it's extra important to make sure you make time for a nourishing lunch break! At the very least, try to step away from your desk during the midday lull. Not only will it give you time to relax and recharge—but it gives you time to enjoy some of those delicious snacks you keep handy in your desk drawer!
Not only will these snacks help fuel your body — but they will help fuel your mind as well. So grab a snack, take a break — and make sure you take care of yourself!
When you equip your desk drawer with healthy snacks that satisfy your cravings, you’ll have the power to make smart choices every day—without sacrificing your health or your performance. So stock up on your favourite healthy snacks and keep your heart, body, and mind in tip-top shape. You won’t regret it!
