At the most unexpected time during working hours, the desire to eat something gradually increases. This can be either soon after you reach work or after a long journey, just before lunch and mostly between 4-6 pm. The best mantra for this is not to ignore the hunger pangs, but to have some snacks. But not just any snacks, but healthy snacks. Besides giving your body essential nutrients, healthy snacks can satisfy your hunger in a handful.
With these nutritious snacks always on your desk at the office, you can avoid going to the vending machines altogether. Snacking on unhealthy foods is not recommended, instead snack on healthy snacking items as it is a great way to add a diverse set of nutrients to your day and keep you from getting hungry between meals. Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head-Dietetics, Max Healthcare, Delhi shares 3 healthy snacks that you can keep at your desk when you feel hungry:
Almond
Almonds are great because it’s a quick and satisfying snack to give you an energy boost.
1. Snack A handful of almonds is a good starting point, as they contain lots of nutrients, which make for a healthy snacking option and may even help boost people’s heart health. Almonds are a source of 15 essential nutrients like Vitamin E, magnesium, protein, riboflavin, zinc etc. Research also shows that regular consumption of almonds can effectively help lower LDL and total cholesterol, which over time will add to your heart health. ,
2. A handful of almonds May have satiating properties that promote feelings of fullness, which may keep hunger at bay between meals. It is important to have healthy snacks like almonds, so that you do not feel like eating unhealthy snacks. I strongly recommend keeping almonds at your desk so that whenever you feel hungry, you have your right portion of nutrients. Also, they are easy to carry and can be eaten on the go.
seasonal fresh fruits
What’s better than an extra dose of vitamins and minerals – nothing, right? Apart from eating almonds, a bowl of fresh fruits in the office is a great option. Fruits have a huge range of health benefits and are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that will strengthen the immune system and leave one feeling strong and healthy. You can add a variety of fruits like apples, oranges, pears, bananas or any seasonal fruit to your fruit bowl, add powdered spice mix like chaat masala and enjoy.
Makhanas
Makhana is a good source of protein and healthy carbs. Being low in calories, nuts promote weight loss, while their high calcium content makes them good for bones. Makhanas are also known to have anti-inflammatory properties3. The ideal thing I recommend is to dry roast them in large quantities and store them in a glass jar. If you wish, sprinkle salt/dry spices over them. A small box of dry roasted makhana can make for a delicious office snack every day.