Healthy Work Snacking

It’s 3 pm and you’re in the mid-day work slump. You are having a hard time focusing, you are fighting off sleep, and a nap under your desk sounds positively heavenly. What you need a quick jolt or pick-me-up and lucky for you, a co-worker just sent an inter-office email broadcasting the Belgian chocolates on their desk, free for the taking. Don’t fall for it! Sure, you’ll have a rush of energy but chances are you’ll feel worse off than before when the sugar high wears off. Instead of the chocolate, try these other healthier options.

First and foremost, understand that this mid-day lull could be caused by your body simply not being fueled by what it needs to start out the day. That’s right, in your rush to get to work…you know, when you skip breakfast and grab a cup of coffee instead…you are actually cheating your body of the essential energy it needs to kick start the day. So, a great way to ward off the nap-worthy feeling around 2 – 4 pm, start your day with an actual breakfast! But, if that didn’t happen and you need a snack, here are a few to make sure you have the office fridge or in your desk:

Sliced apples & peanut butter
Baby carrots & low-fat ranch dressing
Celery & peanut butter
Low-fat yogurt
Instant oatmeal packets
Breakfast cereal, high in fiber, low in sugar – Cheerios is a good option
Granola bars

All of these options are high in protein and healthy carbs. The key is not to fill up on sugar and caffeine (so at the vending machine, think water and trail mix…not soda and candy bar!)