Isn’t January the worst? You’ve gotten a few weeks into the New Year, and all you want to do is eat your feelings while you browse travel sites for beach getaways that won’t break the bank. Instead of all that, try focusing on the here and now (and, fine, work). This year, try mindful snacking at work instead of mindless eating. You’ll be more productive (and avoid those neon orange Cheetos fingers, too).
(Photo Credit: katerha/Flickr)
1. Hummus
If you get tired of your afternoon gloom, try dragging something tasty through a carton of your favorite chickpea spread! You can dip the classics: carrots, celery, red pepper slices, and broccoli. Or, you can get a little crazy and spread that hummus ON something like a pita, a cracked pepper water cracker, a bagel, some gluten-free toast … a spoon. The choices are limited only by your imagination. With heart-healthy protein, fiber, and healthy fats, hummus is a great filler-upper that won’t leave you sleepy afterwards.
2. Hardboiled Eggs
If you make a few ahead of the work week and take a break in the afternoon to attack them, a hardboiled egg makes a great treat that you can gussy up however you like. Try an egg with a drizzle of Sriracha if you like it spicy (now available in convenient travel packets). If you want it savory, sprinkle an egg with some quality sea salt and fresh cracked pepper. If you want to get international, try your hand at Japanese-style shoyu tamago or soy-sauce eggs. Bad at boiling eggs? Here are some easy tips.
3. Apples and Nut Butter
This is a kid classic, but no less satisfying as a late-day snack. You can pick your favorite apple flavor (tart, sweet, or somewhere in between) and slice it up to pair with a tasty nut butter or your choice. Try almond or cashew butter for a quick change-up. Try a “nothing added” nut butter for less calories — the apple will have enough sugar, so you won’t have to use those store brands that can pack in the sweet. If you don’t trust yourself with an open nut butter jar in your desk, try travel packets, or a few tablespoons in a small container instead. With fiber and protein, you’ll keep yourself satisfied all the way till the end of the day.
4. Cheese
Whether you use a sharp cheddar, a handy mozzarella string cheese, a tangy chunk of feta, or a spreadable goat cheese — cheese of all types can be a great game-changer come the afternoon. Try pairing it with some low-calorie veggies like cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes or celery instead of crackers. Or, if you want to get a little sweet, add a spoonful of honey to your tangy cheese for a flavor sensation. You can even get a little exotic with these peppers.
5. Soup
Yup, soup. Single-servings of soup can really fill in the cracks when you’re hungry for something that feels like more than just a snack (plus, we’re really craving hot things when it’s cold). Try single-serving soups like this one you can buy, or make your own like this one or this one that you could even whip up in the office kitchen. Watch out for high sodium counts in some prepared soups, and for any hidden ingredients (like dairy) if you have any food allergies or aversions.
Tell Us What You Think
What snacks do you keep at work? We want to hear from you! Leave a comment or join the discussion on Twitter.
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