Healthy snacks for your work days!
Most people with office jobs have almost no access to healthy snacks. Truth be told, not many office cafeterias stock up on healthy food items such as salads - primarily because they don’t have a large fan following. And ordering out healthy food can pinch your pocket. Instead, you can look at our healthy snack ideas, and pick something that will not only satiate your hunger pangs but also keep you lean and healthy.
Healthy snack ideas to curb hunger pangs
Here is a list of healthy food for office workers. All of them are easily available, easy on the pocket and are extremely beneficial for your health.
Nuts
Nuts like pistachios, walnuts, peanuts and almonds are packed with ‘healthy’ fats and are a great source of fibre, vitamins, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Rich in proteins and vitamins, nuts are also an excellent alternative to meals if you are in a hurry. They boost immunity and help keep illnesses like the cold at bay. Just ensure that you eat a handful. Because nuts are calorie-dense foods, eating too much can hike your daily calorie intake substantially.
Roasted Chickpeas
Roasted chickpeas make for a nutritious bite at work. Half a cup contains 10 gms of protein and 5 gms of fibre and a high amount of amino acids. Roasted chickpeas are also available in the form of sattu (ground roasted chickpeas). Commonly found across India, a concoction of sattu and water is a nourishing drink that supplies energy to your body in high amounts. Usually, a dash of black salt, pepper, and lime are added to it, making it a delicious and easy to digest drink.
Popcorns
Popcorns are satisfying, nutritious snacks – low in calories, high in fibre. Two cups of air-popped popcorn provide 62 gms of calories only. Moreover, popcorns are packed with polyphenols, which can help keep cardiovascular diseases at bay.
Fruits and Cottage Cheese
A bowlful of fresh fruits topped with protein-rich cottage cheese is loaded with nutrients but low in calories. Half a cup of cottage cheese contains 12 gms of protein and 10% of the daily recommended dietary allowance for calcium. Add fruits to it, and you have a dish packed with antioxidants, minerals, and Vitamins – all vital to keeping your body healthy and illness free.
Oatmeal
Munching on a packet of unsweetened, plain oatmeal is a great way to curb hunger pangs. Plain oatmeal contains high soluble fibre and complex carbohydrates, which help improve your bowel movements and provide a steady supply of energy throughout the day.
Dark Chocolates
Dark chocolates are packed with flavonoids – compounds that can help lower bad cholesterol levels and blood pressure. They are high in antioxidants that scavenge free radicals and keep your skin healthy. Opt for the ones without any additional sugar and milk to draw the maximum benefits.
Protein Bars
Protein bars, as the name suggests, supply you with protein to keep you going through the day. Unlike carbohydrates, protein is much more filling when it comes to satiating hunger pangs. A protein bar is sufficient to keep you satiated for 3-4 hours.
Greek Yoghurt
Unsweetened, plain Greek yoghurt is yet another healthy food for office workers. A portion of low-fat Greek yoghurt (200 gms) contains 17 gms of protein and only 140 calories. Moreover, it is rich in calcium - essential for stronger teeth and bones. To enhance the taste, you can add herbs such as basil.
Hummus and Carrots
This one requires a bit of preparation but is totally worth it. Carrots are rich in Vitamin A that ensures good vision. Protein-rich hummus is anti-inflammatory and enhances the health of your gut. Collectively, they pack a punch that is hard to beat.Remember to control your portions. Excess of anything – be it protein bars, mixed nuts, or cheese – could be too much for the body to take in. ConclusionFood cravings at work can be annoying, especially if you are in the midst of something important. These healthy snack ideas can help you combat such cravings without compromising on health. [av_promobox button='yes' label='Consult a dietician on MediBuddy' link='https://www.medibuddy.in/?utm_source=blog_cta&utm_medium=blog' link_target='' color='blue' custom_bg='#f00' custom_font='#ffffff' size='large' icon_select='no' icon='ue800' font='entypo-fontello']Snacking is a common prerequisite especially when glued to your system, hard at work for hours at end. But not all food options are good for you. To know more about the best food options and which foods to include in an effective nutrition plan, consult a dietician through MediBuddy.[/av_promobox] Sources:Healthline