Top Tips for Healthy Snacking at Work – Plus 3 Tasty Recipes

Posted by Hannah Rainey on October 22nd, 2019

The global wellness economy is now worth an astounding .2 trillion following rapid growth year on year – and it continues to grow. Healthy eating is at the forefront of increasing health and wellness efforts and thanks to the ever-increasing impact of technology, awareness of diet and fitness can be accessed by a quick swipe on a smartphone. Accessibility and awareness of mindful eating puts more of a spotlight on diet than ever before.

Snack well

Whichever career you choose, busy lifestyles can make it difficult to eat well whilst on the go. The office environment often presents a wealth of unhealthy snacks with staff celebrations, parties, events and even pick-me-ups throughout the week, but having healthier options on hand can be key to keeping your mind focused and your body fuelled.

Healthy snacks don’t have to be boring

Nowadays, there isn’t really an excuse for boring snacks. Gone are the days of soggy salads, tasteless oats or reaching for the nuts every time you’re peckish.

Colour and diversity in your diet can make healthy snacking seem both easier and more appealing, and there is ample opportunity to get creative. Not only are the supermarkets now full of healthier alternatives to common choices – think vegan and ‘free from’ ranges – which provide countless options for healthier snacks that you won’t be bored of after a week, but a simple social media search can provide recipe inspiration for days.

Healthy snacking for a healthy mind

When on the lookout for some different, healthier snacks, it’s worth steering clear of starchy or carb-heavy foods. These kinds of foods can negatively impact mindset and productivity, making us feel lethargic, sluggish, groggy and even anxious. At work – and all the time! – you want to feel ready, focused and energised.

Give yourself a break

Nowadays it’s so easy to eat on the go with most cafes, restaurants, tourist attractions, events venues and shops open and serving food around the clock . If you’re in a rush, it’s all too tempting to reach for the chocolate bars or a couple of biscuits but ensuring that you have enough time to digest your food – and enjoy it – is really important.

Make time for a proper lunch break and give yourself time to refresh throughout the day if you can. Suggest fresh fruit in the staff room which is there for the taking as an alternative to the crisps, and consider trying herbal teas or fruit infused water instead of caffeinated drinks to keep you energised throughout the day. You may think that caffeine is giving you a boost – and it will short-term – but the longer term impact will actually have you feeling worse.

Three healthy snacks to enjoy at work

1. Fruit infused water

Fruit infused water is a great way to stay hydrated and can make drinking water seem more appealing. Sipping on a glass of water with a fruity twist is a great way to get you wanting more water and is super easy to do. Get yourself some lemon, cucumber, strawberries – whichever fruits you love – and let it infuse some cold water overnight. Add ice if preferable and garnish with some mint if you’re feeling fancy, pop it on your desk and enjoy throughout the day.

2. Dips for days

Dips are a good way of adding something different to your food and can be improved to your taste if you wish. For example, try adding feta or mango to traditional guacamole for a tasty and fresh twist. Serve with fresh chopped vegetables or breads for a super speedy and delicious snack (also great for dinner parties!) or why not try adding your own take on family favourites like hummus, salsa or sour cream?

3. Energy balls

Energy balls have become a must have snack for on-the-go grub ever since Deliciously Ella brought them into our lives a few years ago, and they’re a great alternative to biscuits.

These are great if you’re on your way out to an event or working our way through a heap of paperwork. Take a look at our favourite homemade recipe!

Energy bites

Prep time: 10 minutes

Roll a mix of peanut butter, raisins, flaxseeds and nuts into balls for a healthy, energising snack

Ingredients:

100g Pecan

75g Raisins

1 tbsp ground flaxseed (or a mix- almond, Brazil nuts and walnut mix will work!)

1 tbsp- cocoa powder

1 tbsp agave syrup

50g desiccated coconut

2 tbsp peanut butter

Method

1. Blitz pecans into crumbs using a food processor. Add raisins, peanut butter, flaxseeds, cocoa powder and agave syrup, then pulse to combine.
2. Roll the mixture into golf sized balls using your hands and coat in desiccated coconut. Place on a tray in the fridge for 20 minutes to firm up, then grab and go for an energy boost!