One of the fun things about working in an office is when people bring in snacks and treats for everyone to enjoy. They may bring you something special from a vacation spot they’ve just been to, or perhaps something they baked or prepared themselves at home, or even just something they picked up while grocery shopping that they thought we’d all love.
While there’s often a focus on pure taste when it comes to shareable office snacks, there’s no reason at all you can’t make it more health-focused. Not only can healthy snacks be terrifically tasty, but they are also more likely to help focus and stay more productive while at work. Here are some ideas for healthy and tasty snacks for the office.
1. Nuts
These are a great choice for an office snack because you can buy them in large quantities without them going bad as they are non-perishable. They’re also affordable, with even bulk almonds for wholesale at affordable prices being possible. Nuts are packed with nutrients, including key vitamins, as well as antioxidants.
One problem with buying nuts, however, is that it’s easy to fall into less healthy nut traps such as purchasing heavily processed nuts that are salted, dry roasted, or otherwise coated in sugar-rich and fatty additions that may make them taste fantastic, but are not conducive to a healthy snack experience at work.
2. Dried Fruit
Those looking for a better alternative to leaving candy out on the front desk, or who want to keep something sweet in their drawer for a snack should look to dried fruit. These fruits retain their natural sweetness, but also many of their original nutritional benefits. They are filling, easy to eat, and a great source of healthy carbs and fibre.
Just as with nuts, there are things to be careful about when buying dried fruit. Once again, one should steer clear of overly processed products that are packed with added sugar. Dried fruits that are augmented by being dipped in yoghurt, for example, are also not going to tick the box when it comes to being healthy.
3. Baked Chickpeas
If you don’t want something straight out of a packet and have a bit of time on your hands, then baked chickpeas are an excellent and healthy alternative. Just 125 grams (half a cup) of chickpeas can deliver up to 10 grams of protein and an added 5 grams of fibre. What’s more, nutritionists often point to the higher-quality nature of the protein in chickpeas when compared to other legumes.
To prepare roast chickpeas, all you need to do is pour out a can of chickpeas, pat them dry, then season them in olive oil with salt and whatever spices float your boat. They take about 40 minutes to bake at 180 degrees.
4. Beef Jerky
For meat-lovers in need of a serious protein boost, beef (or other meat) jerky is the perfect option. A single ounce of beef jerky delivers a whole 8 grams of protein while only costing you 70 calories in your daily count. The best sort of jerky for a healthy option must be low in sodium and made with the minimum number of ingredients possible. Check labels and ask your store for which are the most healthy jerky products they have. Labels with the shortest ingredients list are a good place to start.
5. Edamame
Finally, another great healthy snack to share around the office is edamame, or immature soybeans. They come in their green shells and look a lot like peas, but after being steamed, and with just a touch of added salt for flavour, they become a protein-loaded and deeply satisfying snack to enjoy and share.