Healthy Snacks to Keep at Work

So many of us spend a lot of time in the office. If you're familiar with the office environment, you're also undoubtedly familiar with the break room. There's something about heading to the break room to break up the monotony of the day. Taking a trip to the break room or vending machine feels like an escape, allows you to be social, and gets you up and moving. These are all great things -- and today, I want to share with you some of my favorite and simple healthy snacks you can keep on hand for those much needed snack runs. The crucial part is to find a mixture of protein, fat, and fiber, so your snack has a little bit of staying power. Feel free to mix and match any of these options to create a perfect snack for your cravings.

Seeds, nuts, and dried fruits are easy to keep on hand and store well, meaning you can buy a large bag and keep it in your desk or break room. Less time restocking means less opportunity to run out and needing to find a snack that will leave you feeling that afternoon crash.

Pretzels, popcorn, and crackers can be a great option if you need that crunch to create a fulfilling snack. It's easy to find organic, whole grain, or gluten-free options for most of these. Granola bars and homemade energy balls can be packed with protein and are quickly thrown together in a pinch. The ingredients needed are usually ones you already have on hand, and these require no baking. Quality cheese (there are great dairy free options now like TreeLine, and Follow Your Heart), tuna, and hard-boiled eggs feel more substantial when you're craving something that feels more like a meal.

Each option will fill you up and keep you feeling full for longer.  Apples, bananas, and avocados can sit for a few days on the desk and are easy to consume with little to no prep or mess. Dehydrated or dried fruit and vegetables can also be easy to keep on hand, as they have lasting power. This may be something like freeze-dried berries, veggie chips, or even wasabi peas. I like to keep some high-quality dark chocolate at my desk for the occasional sweet tooth for quick access.

These are the type of snacks that can provide you with the break you need while also fueling your body. Most can be found in any grocery store, and most are incredibly cost-effective. Those vending machine trips add up over time while lacking the nutrients your body is craving -- so with a bit of preparation and planning ahead, you'll be stocked and ready for your snack breaks throughout the day.