Healthy Office Snacks That Won't Pack on the Pounds

by Aviva Natural Health Solutions December 13, 2007

Dr. Kristie Leong

You're working on a big project at your desk when you're suddenly overcome by hunger. Should you head for the break room and indulge in the box of donuts that was brought in earlier in the day? Hopefully, you have a stash of healthy office snacks hidden somewhere in your drawers to help you through your bout of hunger. It pays to be prepared if you want to live a healthy lifestyle. Why not prepare your own healthy office snacks? Here are some quick and easy healthy snacks for the office that you can make at home:

Nuts

While nuts aren't the lowest calorie option for a snack, they are a healthy snack choice due to their high concentration of heart friendly fats. Plus, their higher protein content means you'll feel satisfied after eating them. You just don't want to go overboard since they're not a low calorie food. Prepare a few individual packs of mixed nuts including walnuts, pecans, almonds, and peanuts and keep them in your desk in the event of a snack attack. Try to restrict each portion size to no more than a handful of nuts.

Dark Chocolate

More and more studies are showing the health benefits of dark chocolate. This is another snack that's not low in calories, so portion size will be important, but even a small square of dark chocolate can be satisfying as a mid afternoon snack. Buy a large dark chocolate candy bar (not milk chocolate) and cut it into small squares of no more than 100 calories and keep them in your desk when you need a quick pick me up.

Celery or Apples with Peanut Butter

Prepare some cut up celery or apples and smear them with a thin coating of peanut butter for a delicious and satisfying office snack. You'll be satisfying a fruit and vegetable requirement while getting some protein which should help to keep you full.

Yogurt

If you have a refrigerator at work, stock it with a few containers of fresh yogurt. Be sure to choose a brand that's not loaded with sugar and carbohydrates. Not only will you be getting your daily calcium, you'll also get active yogurt cultures which can aid digestion.

Chopped Vegetables and a Healthy Dip

Carrots Slice some healthy raw vegetables such as broccoli, celery, carrots, and cauliflower. Place them into plastic baggies and take them to work along with a healthy dip such as salsa, hummus, or fat free French onion dip. When the urge to snack hits you, you'll be satisfying your hunger as well as eating a serving of vegetables.

Low Calorie Breakfast Cereal

If you choose your cereal wisely, breakfast cereal can be a healthy and nutritious snack. Look for a whole grain cereal with less than six grams of added sugar that's high in fiber and protein. Place your cereal into individual snack packs and keep them in your desk.

Next time you're hungry, bypass the office donuts and treat yourself to one of these heart healthy office snacks. Your body will thank you.