Getting through the long work day is tough. The last thing you need is to be falling asleep at your work desk. Keep your energy up from clock-in to clock-out by always keeping healthy snacks for the office on hand. Packing snacks that are good for you doesn’t have to be hard. Look for foods that are high in protein and fiber. The more portable-friendly, the better. Don’t skip snack prep when doing your weekly meal prep. Avoid foods that are high in sugar to prevent a sugar crash and remember to always snack mindfully. Here are some great ideas for healthy snacks for the office that you can keep on you always!
Celery is often the most unappreciated snack. However, with creamy nut butter and juicy raisins, you can transform this vegetable into a delicious snack that’s perfect for the office. Ants on a log are super easy to make and can be done ahead of time. The hardest part is chopping the celery, or maybe resisting the urge to eat the peanut butter straight from the jar. Not a fan of raisins? Try pieces of bite-sized dried pineapple. You’ll be shocked what a great flavor combination it is. Don’t just limit yourself to nut butter and dried fruit. Try low-fat cream cheese and blueberries. Or pair pretzels with hummus.
Yogurt parfaits are an excellent, energy boosting snack that packs a ton of nutrients and delicious flavor. Make any flavor combination you choose. Opt for low sugar yogurts that do not use artificial sweeteners. Try to make at least two layers of your parfait fruit. Healthy dark chocolate and granola are always a good addition. Use anything from mason jars to old (clean) peanut butter containers. Alternatively, you can find super convenient parfait containers for a great price at places like Walmart, Target and Amazon. The layering formula for a perfect parfait is 1. yogurt 2. fruit 3. something crunchy 4. fruit 5. yogurt 6. something crunchy.
Clif bars have stood the test of time when it comes to energy bars. There are so many different varieties that please every taste bud. Clif also has sub-brands, such as Luna and Clif Kids. Each bar is sweet, tasty and nutritious. Clif comes out with a new flavor or variety so often that you will never get tired of them. When it comes to portability, you can’t get better than a Clif bar. Just one of these bars will keep you full and satisfied between meals. Pair with some fruit, like strawberries, or a veggie, like carrot sticks, and you’ve created a mini meal full of nutrients.
Everybody loves ranch, there’s no denying it. However, most ranch dressings and dips are packed with fats that are not good for your body when consumed in large quantities. Instead, make your own ranch dip by getting plain Greek yogurt and adding ranch mix. Alternatively, make your own ranch seasoning with common household herbs and spices. Sliced cucumbers are perfect for dipping in ranch and they are packed with nutrients. The protein from the Greek yogurt will help keep you energized throughout the day. For an added flavor boost, mix Sriracha sauce into your dip.
Don’t knock it until you try it. Rice cakes don’t have to be plain and flavorless. They are a great alternative to starchy bread and act as a perfect substitute for toast. Rice cakes are low in fat and satisfy your craving for something crunchy. With several different varieties available at nearly every grocery store, you can change up your flavor combos everyday of the work week. Flavor combinations that are easy to take to work include: chocolate rice cakes with a small snack-sized pack of peanut butter; ranch rice cakes with hummus; or plain rice cakes with cream cheese and salmon.
Trail mix is a great work snack because it’s portable and packed with nutrients. If you are not a fan of nuts, you can go fo a Chex-Mix kind of vibe by substituting nuts for gluten free chex cereal. Add dried fruits and something sweet and you have the perfect snack for work. You can make tons of delicious varieties of mixes with ingredients you already have in your pantry. You can be as creative as you want with your mix, just make sure it’s not only M&Ms!
Watermelon is a summer staple. This bright red juicy fruit is so sweet and delicious, you’ll look forward to snack time everyday. Paired with crunchy cucumber, this snack salad will make you feel super refreshed to help you get through the day. Cucumber has potassium which is good for maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Add mint for an exciting boost of flavor. Pro tip: add salt to your watermelon to make it taste even sweeter.
Crackers, in moderation, can be one of the most convenient healthy snacks for the office. They’re also the perfect food for topping with low-fat cheese. If you are gluten intolerant, try a gluten free rice cracker variety. Make sure your choices are low in sodium to avoid unnecessary bloating. For your toppings, Laughing Cow cheese is perfectly portioned for spreading on crackers. Alternatively, cut cheese cubes from a block of cheese for a cost-friendly option.
Oatmeal does not have to only be for breakfast. Oats are filled with nutrients such as fiber and healthy carbs for energy. Oatmeal cups are super work friendly; just make them ahead of time and pop them in the freezer. All you need are oats, your choice of flavor options and a muffin tin. When the afternoon rolls around and you are on your last leg, a couple oatmeal cups is all you need to give you that extra boost of energy.
Don’t be afraid of this flavor/texture combination. The juiciness of sweet mandarin oranges perfectly compliments the subtle sourness of cottage cheese. When choosing from your selection of cottage cheeses at the grocery store, don’t be fooled by low fat varieties. Cottage cheese is packed with healthy fats and proteins to help you feel full. For your mandarin oranges, go for ones that are in their own juice instead of artificial syrups. Cottage cheese pairs well with a number of healthy foods, so you can have a different combination every day.
Tzatziki sauce is a Greek and Mediterranean food staple. The dip is simple to make by combining grated cucumber, yogurt and dill. Chop up some veggies like carrots and celery and pack a little container of sauce for the perfect work day snack. Throw in a couple triangles of whole grain pita bread, and you’ve got yourself a delicious mini meal.
This is one of the best freezer-friendly healthy snacks for the office that combines two of the world’s best foods. Bananas are high in potassium and keep you full. Go for dark chocolate for added nutrients. All you have to do is chop up one banana and melt some dark chocolate chips. Cover with nuts for extra nutrients and flavor. Then, dip the banana and stick it all in the fridge or freezer until it’s hard.
Almond butter is super delicious and easy to make at home. All you need are almonds and a high power blender or food processor and you’re on your way. Apples are the perfect pairing for this tasty spread. Be careful, this nutritious snack is addicting. Pack only a serving size instead of bringing the whole jar.
Popcorn one of the easiest healthy snacks for the office to make. Look for low fat varieties that are not covered in butter. Popcorn gives you that crunch you crave while also giving you energy. Popcorn is easy and inexpensive to make at home. Simple flavors like olive oil and sea salt take this snack to the next level. Just be sure to hide it from your co-workers who will surely want to eat all of it! The sky is the limit when it comes to delicious popcorn toppings.
This one of the most tried and true healthy snacks for the office that will leave you energized and satisfied. Carrots and hummus are super portable and healthy. Opting for vitamin filled carrots is a much better idea than dipping pita chips into your hummus. With so many different hummus recipes out there, it can be fun and easy to make your own. All you need are a few ingredients to make this super healthy dip.
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