Food cheers everyone up, especially after a long day or when faced with a bad case of Monday Blues. While there are standard lunch breaks in most companies, snacks are a great way to boost the office morale throughout the day. In moderation, it can help to keep the energy levels up and help people to stay focused on their work. The ideal snacks are high in protein and fibre, and should be around palm sized each serving, so being diligent about the right amount is crucial to staying both healthy and fuelled.
However, snacks come in many shapes and sizes, and it can be tricky when considering the mess or smells. If the company is air-conditioned or the floors are carpeted, then there are certain snacks that would not be ideal for the working environment. Snacks like chicken soup and crackers, grilled cheese toast, or even cup noodles, would be too much and intrusive to the shared working space. Instead, consider these healthy and simple alternatives to bring into the office for a quick munch between tasks.
RAW/ROASTED NUTS
Instead of keeping candies on desks, nuts are healthier and taste just as delicious. Whether they are raw or roasted, they are a great and simple way to have something small around the desk to munch on and keep the blood sugar level pumped. It is high in proteins and fats, plus it makes a great combination with a handful of string cheese. Nuts like almonds or cashews also don’t require any removal of shells or build up extra waste, allowing them to be the ideal office snack that can be personally enjoyed, or shared among colleagues.
PROTEIN BARS
There are all types of protein bars available in the supermarkets, from flavours to the actual types of ingredients (for example, fruits, nuts and granola) that make up the sticky bars that have become common substitutes for proper food. They are great for fulfilling multiple pillars of nutrients simultaneously with all the different components. Easily tucked in a bag or pocket, they are designed to be super handy and easy to consume on the go. It also satisfies the appetite significantly, as a single bar can contain enough servings for an actual meal.
DRIED FRUITS
Fruits are nature’s very own candies, but fresh fruits might be a bit tricky to prepare and eat in the office. Unless you have the time to cut fruits like apples or oranges beforehand, the whole process might get a bit messy. On the other hand, dried or preserved fruits are much neater to handle than their fresh counterparts. Dried fruits like apricots are naturally sweet and can satisfy any sweet tooth craving. To top it off, most of the dried fruits selection are loaded with healthy sugar and fibre, allowing for a speedy and satisfying nosh while handling paperwork.