10 Ideas for Nourishing Snacks at the Office
Healthy snacking can be a challenge in itself. Enjoying nourishing snacks may seem nearly impossible when you’re busy at work.
Fortunately, healthy snacking isn’t as far out of your reach as it seems. There are plenty of great choices for a pick-me-up snack that won’t make you crash and burn. They’ll also help prevent unnecessary weight gain and other health problems.
If you’re in search of nourishing snacks that will help you feel great and stop hunger in its tracks, look no further. We’ve got ten great snack ideas that will get you through your workday and keep you away from junk.
Read on to Learn more about Ideas for Healthy Snacks at the Office
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Cereal and Granola Bars
No time for a bowl of cereal or oatmeal? Cereal and granola bars take all of the goodness of those whole grain snacks and pack them into easy-to-carry bars that can be eaten whenever a craving strikes.
Because they’re made of whole grains, these bars stick around, keeping you feeling full. They also will prevent the sugar crash that comes from unhealthy, highly-processed snacks.
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Crackers with Nut Butter
Crackers are crunchy and tasty on their own, but they’re even better when you add your favorite nut butter.
Nut butters such as almond and cashew butter are high in good, unsaturated fats that keep you satisfied. They even come in single serving packets for convenience.
Spreading nut butter on crackers makes for a crunchy, long-lasting mini-meal that will pull you through your workday.
Choose baked cracker varieties and ones that contain whole grains and seeds whenever possible.
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Nutritional Fruit and Nut Bars
Bars are always quick, easy ways to make better food choices throughout the workday. They’re convenient, portable, and pack a nutritional punch.
There are many types and flavors to choose from, depending on your tastes and nutritional needs.
High-protein varieties are great for squashing hunger and building muscle. High fiber varieties keep you fuller longer.
Fruit and nut bars combine the hearty, sustaining good fats of nuts with the refreshing energy of fruit. Since they’re made with dried fruit, many of these fruit and nut bars have little to no additional sweeteners.
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Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are packed with heart-healthy, cholesterol reducing good fats and protein, keeping your hunger at bay and your energy levels sustained throughout the day.
Nuts and seeds are also great sources of antioxidant Vitamin E, immune system-fortifying zinc, and brain-boosting omega 3 fatty acids. The fiber in these snacks keeps your system regular as well.
You can choose from raw, roasted, or salted varieties. Mixes of different seeds and nuts are a delicious way to keep it interesting.
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Fresh and Dried Fruit
Fruit is a healthy way to get a great energy burst when the hunger pangs strike. It’s loaded with vitamins, minerals, and nutritious fruit sugars.
Fresh fruit helps you stay hydrated and full with a lot of flavor and fiber. If you don’t have fresh fruit available, dried fruit is a great portable alternative.
Dried fruits are great for conquering a sweet tooth. You’ll easily be able to avoid candy and other junk foods when you’ve got dried fruit on hand.
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Healthy Soup Cups
Soup cups and mixes are a convenient way to have a hot, delicious snack in minutes.
Some of these come in convenient microwavable containers, while others can be prepared in a coffee cup or disposable bowl. It’s like having a hot, flavorful meal whenever you feel like it.
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Healthy Noodle Bowls
Noodle bowls are a healthy and substantial snack that can easily be warmed up for an office snack. For those who don’t want something sweet or crunchy, these noodle bowls hit the spot.
From Asian flavor varieties to healthier ramen versions, soup bowls are a tasty choice that will keep you full until the next meal.
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Non-Dairy Smoothies
Smoothies are one of the best nourishing snacks you can have while at work. You can add a huge variety of fruits, green veggies, seeds, nuts, protein powders, and other nutritional additives.
Non-dairy smoothie varieties are easy on the digestive system and are a snap to make. You can use almond, coconut, soy, or rice milk mixed with your favorite combination of fresh fruits and veggies.
Smoothies provide hydration, a vitamin blast, and a hunger-eliminating protein boost.
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Pre-Cut Veggies
Taking time to cut up containers of raw vegetables is well worth your time. It only takes a little bit of prep work for a top-notch snack.
These veggies are low fat, low calorie, and high in vitamins, fiber, and water. They have a satisfying crunch and take a long time to eat and chew. You can fill up on pre-cut veggies with zero guilt.
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Baked Chips and Puffs
Everyone loves to grab a bag of salty chips or puffs to munch on when they’re feeling hungry. Unfortunately, most snacks of these types tend to be very high in fat, salt, and even artificial flavors.
Chips and puffs that are baked and not fried are an excellent substitute for greasy, unhealthy snacks. They have all the crunch and salty flavor with much less fat and calories.
Always look for the low fat, baked options when you’re reaching for a quick snack bag.
When the Vending Machine Calls
It’s possible to get healthy snacks, even from a vending machine. There’s almost always a healthy alternative in each machine.
Luckily, there are now entire machines devoted to providing healthier snacks for office workers.
These healthy vending machines are the future of workplace snacking.
Nourishing Snacks for a Productive Work Day
Nourishing snacks can make the difference between a day of fatigue, hunger and sugar crashes to one of steady energy and productivity. Your snack choices matter!
Choose wisely and focus on snacks that offer the most nutrition, the least unhealthy fats, and less added sugar. Your tummy and your body will thank you.
For more great tips and information on healthy eating, explore our other health posts.
