When most people think of food they instantly connect it to weight, health and maybe pleasure. But food is more than that. Food is the fuel for your body that keeps it functioning. Your food intake highly affects your productivity throughout the day and especially at work.
If you eat meals or snacks that are high in refined sugar, you will have spikes of energy that will quickly decrease, leaving you to feel sleepy and fatigued. If you eat fatty foods that take more time and physiological effort to digest, it can make you feel sluggish, bloated, and you might find it harder to focus and be productive.
Many of us tend to make unhealthy decisions in the office due to stress, boredom, or more likely due to the lack of time. Not everyone has the capacity to prepare their meals in advance and thus it becomes more convenient to resort to fast food and eating out. This lifestyle makes it so much easier to develop unhealthy eating habits at work.
Today we, at Bayt.com, are sharing with you 10 snack options that are healthy and easy to pack. Start 2017 healthier and more energetic.
1. Dried Fruit
Fresh fruit is always a great option, but if you want to try something different, try dried ones like apricots, figs, raisins, peaches, apples and pears. These snacks are high in fiber and they will satisfy a sweet-tooth.
2. Dates
Dates are not only a natural sugar hit, they contain essential minerals such as calcium and iron. Dates are also a great source of energy and fiber and have many health benefits like relief from constipation, intestinal disorders and heart problems.
Next time you have dates, try replacing the pit with an almond to give the taste a crunchy twist.
3. Nuts
According to many dietitians, all nuts are healthy additions to any diet and an easy way to get a dose of protein. Their mix of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and fiber will suppress your appetite and help you feel full.
Some of the best nuts for your diet are pistachios, almonds and cashews. They contain essential nutrients and have the highest amounts of proteins and fiber when compared to other nuts.
4. Yogurt
Yogurt is known as a power boosting protein and for its benefits for the digestive system, because of the probiotics it’s made of. It’s also rich in calcium, vitamins, potassium and magnesium. Yogurt also helps in losing weight and pushes off colds.
5. Popcorn
If you’re craving something salty this low calorie snack is a great option. Popcorn is is also very rich with fiber making it a very filling snack.
6. Dark chocolate
Cacao solid dark chocolate has many benefits for your health such as improving blood flow, preventing blood clots and lowering blood pressure. Aim for two squares of chocolate that are at least 75% cocoa to keep all the sweet cravings away.
7. Vegetables and hummus
Hummus is a great source of protein because of the chickpeas in it. Try it as a dip with some veggies, like carrots or cucumber. Both are filled with all the nutrients you need from carbohydrates to fiber. Hummus is also rich with protein and can help you stay full for a longer time.
8. Apples and peanut butter
This is one of the best snacks if you are in need of energy as it mixes the carbohydrates and fiber from the apples with the protein and healthy fat from the peanut butter. Cut the apples into slices and spread a little bit of peanut butter on top and you will be satisfied for a few hours!
9. Hard-boiled eggs
Boiled eggs are by far one of the best ideas for a healthy breakfast or a quick satisfying snack. It is full of protein and provides your body with the needed vitamins and minerals. For a little bit more taste, spice the egg or add some cheese on top.
10. Homemade granola bars
Ditch the energy bars you buy from stores that aren’t as healthy as you think; they are loaded with refined sugar. You can replace them with homemade granola bars. These are a great sources of vitamins and minerals, and will also keep you feeling full for a while. All you need is oats, nuts and honey or peanut butter.
We hope you find these snacks energizing and helpful for maintain great performance at work in 2017.
Do you have your own healthy office snacks? Share with us the goodness!
