If meetings, deadlines, and relentless projects leave no time for a break at work, you are not alone. According to a recent study, only one in three American workers has time to take a lunch break — leaving 65% of employees either eating at their desks or not at all. This all-day fasting can lead to dips in blood sugar, leaving you drained and unproductive. Here are 10 snacks that you can keep at work to help keep you going all day.
- Almonds have the perfect balance of fats and protein to fill you up and give you an afternoon energy boost. One oz (about 12 nuts) has 90 calories and omega-9 fatty acids (the kind associated with good heart health).
- Peanut butter and celery is perfect for the kids’ lunches and yours. Peanut butter is available in single-serving containers, making it a convenient, high-protein snack. Two stalks of celery topped with 2 Tbsp of natural peanut butter has only 8 grams of carbohydrates (3 of which are fiber). If celery isn’t your thing, peanut butter goes great with apples.
- Protein bars indulge your palate with the sweetness it craves and the protein it needs. And Medi-Weightloss® offers a variety of flavors to keep your taste buds happy. Peanut butter, and chocolate, and blueberry – oh my!
- Hard-boiled eggs have only 70 calories and 5-6 grams of protein. Boil eggs on Sunday and use them throughout the week. Enjoy them with a little salt or remove the yolk and replace it with 1 Tbsp hummus.
- String cheese has only 80 calories and is high in protein. Eat it alone, with a small apple, or a handful of blueberries.
- Healthy treat? It’s true with the Crispy Marshmallow Dream. Just 100 calories and 11 grams of protein, these bars are shelf stable so you can hide them in your desk until hunger strikes.
- Cottage cheese is low in carbs and contains probiotics to aid digestion. Eat it plain or top with 1 Tbsp of chia seeds for an extra 5 grams of belly-filling fiber.
- Walnuts contain fewer carbohydrates than almonds, peanuts, pistachios, and cashews. Plus, they have more antioxidant power than any other nut. Fourteen walnut halves (about 1 oz) contain just 4 grams of carbohydrates, 10 percent of your daily intake of magnesium, and 2½ grams of healthy omega-3 fats.
- BBQ Zippers are a low-carb, high-protein alternative to salty, calorie-laden potato chips that ruin your waistline. Keep a box in your desk for when the munchies strike.
- A snack recipe for you. If you’ve got an hour after work or on the weekend, you can snack smarter all week long by utilizing this Crispy Roasted Edamame recipe. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Rinse edamame (12-oz frozen bag) under cold water to thaw. In a large bowl, mix 1 Tbsp olive oil, ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss edamame in mixture and then spread edamame on baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes or until crispy and golden. Let edamame cool and divide into 1/4 cup servings and place in plastic zipper bags.
This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be an exhaustive examination of the subject matter nor a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your primary care physician or healthcare provider before beginning any diet or exercise program. Active Medi-Weightloss® patients should consult the experts at their location on whether the snacks are appropriate for their stage of the program.
