It’s very rare that we go through the working day without thinking about the all-important snacks. It’s as if we refuse to let go of the joys of nursery school ”˜snack-time’ interludes and let’s be honest, why should we? They are nutritious, delicious and necessary to survive a long day. Gone are the days where a hearty breakfast, lunch and dinner was enough. Now we want nut butter on our apples, avocado on our crackers, and a whole lot of dried fruit and nuts stashed away. The possibilities are endless and the combinations are more creative than ever.
This is my ultimate healthy snack list of 20 delicious treats that you can take into work that not only taste good, but are good for you.
This is part of my Savoir Flair series all about health, fitness and food!
Two oatcakes, half an avocado and just a few slices of cheddar cheese. Avocados are full of healthy fats but also come with a high calorie price tag, so stick with half an avocado a day so to not ruin your evening appetite. Nairn’s oatcakes are a safe choice and they have a gluten-free option as well as fancy flavours to boost taste.
2. Kale Chips
Kale is King, or so the tale goes. Loaded with vitamin K, A, C, B, along with the rest of the alphabet, it really is a superfood powerhouse just waiting for you to eat it. You can make Kale chips yourself and bake them at home, recipe here, or head to your local health store for an array of healthy chip selections. Snacking on these healthy and low calorie treats will satiate hunger and boost energy.
3. Protein Shake
A new kid on the block but one of best healthy snack options. Go for a Raw Vegan protein blend, which cuts the unnecessary additives and gets the job done. Buy a plastic protein shaker, load it up in the morning and simply add water when the hunger kicks in. A little shake and you’re ready to go.
4. Apple slices and nut butter.
A much-loved classic. We find the crunch and sharpness of a Granny Smith goes best with the smooth sweet nut butters. Just a little drop on each apple slice will do perfectly and ensures that this ultimate healthy snack stays exactly that. Feel free to experiment with a variety of nut butters, from almond, to cashew to peanut; they are all deliciously sweet and nutritious.
5). Edamame beans with chili and lemon
Perfect for the Vegetarians amongst us who are looking for a high protein snack. The lemon juice cleanses, the chili boosts your metabolism and the edamame beans are a fail-safe. Totally moreish and nutritious, don’t expect them to stick around for long!
6). Greek Yogurt bowl with goji berries and flaked almonds
Cup-a-tea, Bowl-a-yogurt. Add in some sweet and chewy goji berries, with flaked almonds and your afternoon snack has been transformed. Aim for a small yogurt pot, around 150g to keep the calories low but satisfaction high.
7). Sticks and Dips
Celery sticks are a classic healthy snack but be sure to mix up the flavours with a variety of dips to keep your taste buds tantalized. Whiz up some avocado, red onion and lime for a creamy guacamole and don’t be shy with adding chili to your tomato salsa.
8). Apple and cottage cheese
With its slightly salty flavour, cottage cheese is the perfect spreadable partner for sweet apple slices. Whether it be early morning or mid-afternoon cravings, these simple slices go a long way. They are also high in protein so serve well as a post-workout bite.
9). Dried fruits and nuts
These come in all shapes and sizes with a variety of flavours and nutritional benefits. The best option is pick’n’mix style where you can combine your favourites in one. Pay attention to the labels because although nuts contain healthy fats, without realising it you can consume your daily calorie allowance in one. A mixture of almonds, walnuts and brazil nuts provide a solid nutritious platform but be sure to use in the ratio of 3:3:1 as brazil nuts are incredibly high in calories. Around 15 nuts and 15 chunk-size dried fruit pieces is perfect.
10). Dark Chocolate
Aim for a 85% Cacao solid dark chocolate for a rich and satisfying taste that will keep the sweet cravings at bay. Dark chocolate is a great substitute for the afternoon digestive biscuit, with a high level of antioxidants and proven health benefits for lowering heart disease. Take two to three squares into work to eliminate the temptation for more!
11). Roasted Chickpeas
An unexpected but wholesome-appetizing snack. It’s as simple as roasting chickpeas in the oven and tossing them in spices or herbs. From smoky paprika to lemon and rosemary and garlic and parmesan – they taste great!
12). Celery nut butter boats
Image Source: www.Greatist.com
For an all-in-one healthy treat, cut celery sticks into thirds and spoon in some crunchy nut butter. It’s simple, hassle free and hits the spot every time and the healthy fats from the nut butter will last you through till meal time.
13). Dates stuffed with almonds
Large in both size and flavour, Medjool dates are a great natural sugar hit. Grown on date palm trees, these sweet fruits originate in the Middle East and make for the ultimate delectable snack. Replace the fruit stone with an almond for texture and crunch to compliment the soft and gooey date. Due to their naturally sweet taste, three or four dates does perfectly.
14). Hard Boiled egg and cottage cheese
Hard-boiled eggs make for the perfect healthy snack. High in protein and only around eighty calories per egg, they will keep you full whilst feeding your body with essential vitamins and minerals. Spread a little cottage cheese over the egg for added taste and creaminess.
15). Oatcakes topped with banana and chia
Image Source: Apple and Beans
Chia seeds have been propelled onto the superfood scene as one of the most nutritious foods available. The seeds alone don’t have much taste but these will add a bundle of health benefits to a simple snack. Top two oatcakes with banana slices and sprinkle over a tablespoon of chia seeds.
16). Homemade Granola bars
When you’re craving a snack of real substance, a hearty granola bar hits the spot. Homemade bars cut out the unnecessary added refined sugars and turn a typical granola bar into one of the ultimate healthy snacks. Make it with oats, nuts, dried fruit and coconut, and this filling treat not only powers-up your energy levels but also is a delicious, nutritional powerhouse.
17). Superfood Chocolate bites
Rich, dark chocolate topped with tasty superfoods makes for a convenient (and beautifully looking!) snack. Bee pollen, goji berries, almonds, cashews, raisins and flax seeds are just some of the toppings you can use. Get choc-messy and creative!
18). Chicken Strips
Nope, I’m not talking about fast food, deep-fried chicken strips but wholesome, organic, free-range, lean chicken breast, cut into strips. Use the night before work to do a little preparation and toss chicken breasts in natural herbs and seasoning. A quick fry and they are the perfect snack for the next day and just as tasty served cold!
19). Banana Bread
Banana is the crème de la crème of healthy sugar substitutes. High in potassium, Vitamin B-6, Iron and other essential vitamins and minerals, bananas aid with everything from digestion to lowering blood pressure, and have a super-sweet natural taste. No-sugar baked banana bread is available in a lot of healthy cafes and health food stores but it’s just as easy to make at home. Have a look at this simple recipe here.
20). Lemon and Coconut Balls
No cooking required, just a bit of blending and rolling! These balls are so delicious and full of healthy fats to keep you going throughout the day!
And finally, some flavour boosting additions to make work snacks even better!
Good quality olive oil
Sea Salt
Cracked black pepper
Honey
Cinnamon
Share your favourite work snacks! Do you already use some of the above?
