Snacking Right At Work

It happens to all of us, somewhere between breakfast and lunch, our stomach offers a loud reminder that it needs to be fed. It can be tough to stick to healthy eating when you're on the job. Between the occasional lunch meeting, the daily vending machine temptation, candy bowls at the front desk, and a constant parade of homemade holiday goodies, even the most disciplined dieter may find restraint difficult. It's just much easier and quicker to grab a snack from the vending machine or fast food. You know you'll pay a price, but you simply don't have the time.

You know that tempted feeling you get when faced with tough workplace choices. You keep telling yourself that tomorrow will be different. Don't worry! You can help set a positive example for others and improve your health at the same time by making smarter choices in Woodbury MN.

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Escape the cycle in Woodbury MN

There are ways to escape this vicious cycle. It's a matter of taking a few extra minutes to prepare a healthy snack vs. a packaged snack. The problem with many packaged foods is that they contain preservatives to maintain freshness and add flavor. But these preservatives add more than flavor-tacking on calories, sugar, and fat. Packaged snacks are convenient. But in the long run, they do more harm than good.

Plan Ahead: Prepare healthy snacks ahead of time at home. Pre-chopped fruits and vegetables can be stored and grabbed from the fridge when needed. Apple wedges, carrot sticks, and broccoli florets are portable, healthy options.

You want to eat foods that will keep you fuller longer. Fruits and vegetables offer great sources of fiber, in addition to other health benefits. Try dipping in these healthy alternatives;

• Organic Almond Butter
• Hummus
• Greek Yogurt
• Cottage Cheese

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If You Are Craving Something Salty

Try a Healthy PB&J

• organic, natural, or homemade peanut or almond butter
• no-sugar-added jelly or fruit spread
• whole-grain bread

Some Crunchy Options Include:

• Pita chips or high-fiber crackers with a side of hummus
  Celery sticks or cucumber slices with cottage cheese
• Popcorn: Don't fall victim to the buttery, salty microwaved bags at the office. Snack freely by air-popping your own at home.
• Customize your own trail mix by blending different types of raw, unsalted nuts-such as almonds, walnuts, or pistachios-with dried cranberries, cherries, or raisins and a sprinkling of pumpkin or sunflower seeds. Just remember watch your portion sizes; healthy ingredients can still add up! A quarter-cup is all you need for a healthy amount of protein and fiber.

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If You Are Craving Something Creamy

• Satisfy your sweet tooth while packing in the protein with low-fat Greek yogurt topped with berries or walnuts and drizzled with honey. Greek yogurt is creamier and thicker than other versions and also contains more protein and less sugar. Store it in the freezer for a filling, frozen treat.
• Try avocados which contain fiber, potassium, and a host of essential vitamins and nutrients. They're also rich in good fats, which help lower bad (LDL) cholesterol levels.
• Pre-portioned cheese: Having some spreadable or string cheese on hand is a good idea for the dairy-lovers out there. Cheese brings protein and calcium to your snack-time routine.

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Tips

• Pack your own lunch so that you can control what and when you eat.
• Stock your desk drawer with healthy snacks like nuts, cereal, trail mix, and rice cakes to avoid vending machines and candy.
• Keep a list of healthy restaurants nearby at your desk and encourage co-workers to join you at these places instead of unhealthy fast-food chains.
• Suggest a "good eats" potluck where participants bring healthy foods such as salads, fruits, and low-fat appetizers instead of the usual cupcakes and cookies.