What is an office-friendly snack, you ask? One that requires little to no preparation, carries little to no odor, and ideally can be tucked into a desk drawer for the moments throughout the day when hunger calls.
Studies have shown that people tend to select healthier foods for themselves when purchasing them in advance, versus when selecting food they plan to immediately eat. The lesson there is to pack a lunch whenever possible instead of making a trip to the grocery store or ordering take-out for lunch. The same goes for the snacks you store in the office. When that 3:00 PM hunger hits, you want to crush your cravings but also provide the necessary energy to get you through the rest of the day at optimum efficiency.
Finding foods that accomplish all of the above aren’t as difficult as you might think. The biggest challenge is to stock your office with them and stay away from the heavier snacks that could lead to a sugar-induced coma.
1. Nuts
Most nuts, when eaten in moderation, provide a filling and healthy snacking alternative. Walnuts lower bad cholesterol, and are linked to reduced biomarkers associated with stress.
Almonds can also help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. They are a source of vitamin E, copper, magnesium, and high-quality protein; they also contain high levels of healthy unsaturated fatty acids along with high levels of bioactive molecules.
2. Peanut Butter
Whether on a piece of toast or spread over apple slices or celery, peanut butter is a delicious way to snack and stay focused, providing healthy fats and vitamin E.
3. Blueberries
Blueberries are an easy snack to store in the fridge, can cure a sweet tooth, and have been linked to improved short-term memory in animal studies.
4. Dark chocolate
In small doses, dark chocolate provides a decadent and beneficial pick-me-up. It offers a little caffeine, a lot of flavonols, and antioxidant-rich cacao.
5. Seeds
Like nuts, several different kinds of seeds are a convenient snack that can be stored in a desk drawer. Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, which can help boost memory and cognitive function. They also contain magnesium, B vitamins and tryptophan, which is a precursor to serotonin, a mood-boosting brain chemical.
6. Avocado
Never considered avocado as a snack? You should! It’s easy to pack and prepare, and it’s full of monounsaturated fats and is an excellent source of vitamin E, which research suggests might help lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s. There are lots of ways to transform avocado, too. If making it ahead of time, you can add tomatoes, jalapenos, lime juice and seasoning for a quick guacamole, or dice and spread on toast with a drizzle of olive oil and dash of salt and pepper.
