Snack Hacks for the Office

by Simon Griffin, Marketing Content Consultant, Spectrum Health

If you do lunch in your office, as over 50% of Irish office workers do, then you know the struggle of snacking while you work. Rather than spending your cash on unhealthy foods however, why not consider some of the healthy, low calorie alternatives mentioned below. These office snack hacks boost your metabolism, lower the risk of disease, charge your memory and give you that boost of energy needed for that dreadful 3 o clock slump.

Snack Hack 1 – Fruit
Grab an apple, banana, pear, grapes, or other handy pieces of fruit as you dash out the door every morning. If you grab a different fruit every day (and change with the seasons), you’ll obtain a good variety of nutrients plus fibre, and won’t get bored with the same old snack. These nutrients also make sure you stay active and ensure your memory stays at its peak.

Snack Hack 2 – Nuts
Nuts are a great substitute for crisps or chocolate. They are rich in heart healthy fats but are calorie dense, so try pre-measuring an ounce or so and stick to that amount rather than feasting on the entire bag.
Almonds are particularly great because they have the highest rate of protein when compared to other nuts. They are also a naturally high source of vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and potassium and fibre.

Snack Hack 3 – Veggies
Why not go green and pack a container of fresh veggies like carrots, celery, or peppers etc. Raw vegetables fill you up because of their high water and fibre content. Cucumber is particularly known for its high water content. Why not try it tossed with Aleppo pepper, Maldon sea salt, and lemon juice?
If, like many, you struggle to eat vegetables raw or on their own, try  eating veggies in the buff, try dipping them into low-fat Ranch dressing, hummus, salsa or other yoghurt based dips.

Snack Hack 4 – Granola Bars
If you’re having a sugar craving and want to eat something that is tasty but isn’t rampant with calories, try a natural granola bar. Many companies offer a wide assortment of flavours and types for you to pack them in your bag as a filling treat. These bars are rich in fibre, low in sodium, loaded with vitamins and minerals, and are low in calories.

Snack Hack 5 – Instant Oatmeal
If you’re in too much of a hurry to grab the above mentioned items, just buy a couple of bags of instant oatmeal to keep at your desk. Just give the bag a stir in the microwave and add your own tasty toppings (say raisins). There you’ve have it! A perfect mid-day snack that is tasty and healthy at the same time. Being extremely low in calories and high in fibre, oatmeal will make sure your weight doesn’t cross limits and your heart and gut remain protected.