Nuts mix in a wooden plate
When “hanger” sets in mid-afternoon, it’s often quick and convenient to grab some unhealthy, processed fast food. But if you remember to leave a stash of healthy snacks on hand, you’ll save money while boosting your energy levels, focus and productivity during your shift.
Not sure what to stock up on? Try these delicious snacks that nutrition pros rely on to make it through the day.
- Kind Bars. Bonnie Taub-Dix, RDN, author of “Read It Before You Eat It,” recommends Kind Bars. She says she appreciates the transparent wrappers that allow you to see the whole ingredients clearly – like nuts, seeds, oats and dried fruit. “The decadent taste and sweetness from chocolate surprisingly only brings five grams of sugar, and it also gives six grams of protein and a whopping seven grams of fiber to help you feel fuller longer,” she says. She adds that if you’re only slightly hungry, Kind mini bars are a lower-calorie option that delivers on taste.
- Almonds.When Taub-Dix needs an afternoon energy boost, her snack of choice is a handful of whole natural almonds, which provide six grams of protein (equivalent to the amount in an egg!), 35% of your recommended daily value for vitamin E, and 13% of your recommended daily value of fiber, along with a hefty dose of healthy fats that may help reduce cholesterol levels. “It’s great as a travel-friendly snack or an afternoon pick-me-up that doesn’t need to be refrigerated, and it’s easy to store in the can it comes in for easy access when you’re working on a deadline,” she says. If you’re looking for a spicy kick to keep you alert, Taub- Dix suggests going for their Sriracha or wasabi soy flavors.
- Fruit and Almond Butter.A crunchy, fresh piece of fruit paired with a tablespoon of creamy, heart-healthy nut butter is very satiating. “An apple provides fiber and refreshing crunch, and the protein and healthy fat in almond butter help smooth out blood sugar levels when eaten along with the apple, and keeps you feeling fuller longer.”
- Crackers and Cheese.Impromptu charcuterie plate, anyone? Taub-Dix loves whole grain crackers. For an extra seven grams of protein and 20% of your recommended daily amount of calcium, pair the crackers with individually wrapped string cheese. You can keep the cheese in a small cooler.
- Popcorn.Kristin Kirkpatrick, RDN recommends popcorn for its high fiber and high antioxidant value, made with a dollop of grass-fed butter and sea salt.
Popcorn pile isolated on white
- Quest Protein Snacks.It’s hard to find a decadent-tasting snack that also stabilizes blood sugar levels. Quest protein bars and protein cookies, “are easy to grab on the go and satisfy my cravings when I’m looking for something that’s a little sweet but doesn’t make me feel like I’m cheating,” says Kirkpatrick. Quest cookies are certified keto-friendly, making them a great workday snack for those following a keto meal plan.
- Walnuts.“I always have walnuts in my desk drawer,” says Alexis Schulze, co-founder of Nékter Juice Bar and certified health coach. “I like raw walnuts because they have all the added enzymes for better digestion, and they’re rich in healthy omega-3s.” Since almonds are a common ingredient in many snacks, she tries to keep things interesting with this underrepresented nut.
- Pumpkin Seeds.Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are another one of Schulze’s go-to healthy desk snacks. “They’re actually loaded with calming magnesium and manganese, which helps with blood sugar,” she says. The Go Raw pumpkin seed brand is her go-to since they’re sprouted and thus potentially better for digestion. They also come in interesting, tasty flavors.
Pumpkin seeds on white background – isolated
- Vegan Rob’s Dragon Puffs.“I’m not a huge sweets person,” admits Schulze, “[but] I am all about the salty, so I admittedly love a good Cheeto. But, when I want something to satisfy that salty craving, I’m loving Vegan Rob’s Dragon Puffs,” adding that thanks to their spice, they remind her of hot Cheeto puffs.
Source:Well and Good
