Avoid the sugary temptations.
Snacking at work can be difficult to get right. It’s all too easy to reach for the quick option; often full of sugar, processed and not nutritious enough to keep your body and mind on top of its game. Here are six wholefood snack suggestions that will boost your productivity, are easy to prepare and won’t leave you falling asleep at your desk.
Perfect for the 3pm energy drop. By spreading almond butter over the apple slices and dusting them in ground cinnamon, you are giving yourself a delicious and nutritious snack that will keep you fuller for longer and keep your blood-sugar levels stable. A much better option than the chocolate biscuit you’re craving.
Full of healthy, monosaturated fats, walnuts will satisfy you quickly and not leave you asking for more. They’re especially helpful for the heart, metabolism and brain. They’re terrific memory boosters, and they even look like brains!
Greek yoghurt can be eaten for more than just breakfast. It’s a high protein snack and when topped with berries can defeat those afternoon sugar cravings. Avoid buying yoghurt that has sugar or honey added, and choose frozen berries if fresh ones are out of season.
Looking to warm up? Keep a tub of fresh miso paste in your fridge at work and when hunger strikes, mix one teaspoon of miso paste with a cup of boiling water, add some nori flakes and sip away. You can also find some good quality miso sachets at most supermarkets, but ensure you avoid the processed brands to keep it nutritious.
A fancy way of saying: “dip celery sticks in hummus when your stomach starts to rumble”. It’s a high protein, low sugar snack full of fibre to keep you powering along. Alternative options for the crudité is carrot or capsicum.
Really in need of a chocolate fix? Raw cacao actually has a number of health helpers including magnesium and protective antioxidants. It also releases dopamine, so can boost your mood and relieve stress levels. 20 grams of raw dark chocolate is all you need to satisfy cravings and obtain the benefits your body needs. Look for a 70 per cent cacao chocolate or darker.
Roberta Nelson is a Melbourne-based naturopath and clinical nutritionist. For
for more information, visit her website here
