A common question that I often get asked is what snacks do I eat throughout the day and what type of foods are good to take to work to fuel your mind and body? I think it’s safe to say we have all experienced the 11am stomach growl or the 3pm energy dip, so I thought I would tell you about five tasty snack ideas that I tend to eat throughout the day to keep me from grazing haphazardly. But firstly, avoid a hastily gobbled lunch at your desk – always try to take a full hour for your lunch break if possible. At the very least, make sure you are well away from your computer when eating as this is your time to re-charge your brain. By allocating time to eat lunch can actually mentally stop you from needing as many snacks throughout a busy working day. But back to snacks – the below snacks are all heathy ‘pop-in-your-drawer’ type options and a few require a fridge to keep ingredients fresh.
1. Apple with peanut butter
Spread peanut butter onto apple slices – it is a satisfying snack and has more than 10% of the RDA of magnesium, a mineral that can help reduce tiredness and fatigue. By adding the peanut butter, you are adding good fats into your diet and the apple gives you the sweetness in the snack.
2. Carrot sticks with houmous
A classic combo but a good one – houmous is rich in slow-releasing carbohydrates that help keep blood-sugar levels steady. A small portion of carrots (around 80g) provides you with your daily intake of vitamin A, which will help keep your immune system healthy.
3. A handful of nuts
Nuts are again a really good snack that is high in protein and fibre. Walnuts specifically do not get as much credit as often as other nuts do, but they are a great desk-drawer snack that will help curb hunger. Portion them into large handfuls and pop into snack bags! If you need something sweet, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon, as this gives the sweetness and will therefore help regulate blood sugar.
4. Celery sticks with almond butter
Another great combo that is tasty and satisfying is celery sticks with almond butter. By adding almond butter you are again adding good fats into your diet and you can mix up different crudities depending on what you fancy for instance celery, cucumber, carrot or pepper are my go to veggies!
5. Cottage cheese on thins
If you are in need of a slightly more filling snack then my go to has always been cottage cheese with rivet thins. Cottage cheese has a high percentage of protein in with very low fats, so it will give you a real energy boost. The thins give your body that extra bit of carbohydrates that it is lacking and should leave you feeling full and satisfied.
Enjoy trying out these ‘al-desko’ snacks and let me know what you think of them!
Olivia x