We all have times at work when hunger strikes and we wish we had a snack to carry us through the next few hours. While the vending machine may seem like a last resort for these occasions, we can plan to deal with these situations so both our body and wallet feels healthier and happier.
Nuts are a great option and they are my favorite snack at work for several reasons:
- A handful of nuts is packed with protein and healthy fat that helps curb hunger. One ounce serving of 23 almonds provides 160 calories and 6g protein.
- They have a good shelf life and can be stored in my office drawer for a reasonable length of time. I like to keep a small container of nuts in my office and refill it at home when I finish it. Buying single serve packs is also an option but may cost more than buying a big pack and portioning it yourself.
- There is a wide variety to choose from – almonds, walnuts, peanuts, cashews, pistachios or just about any nut that you like. You can choose plain or roasted. Mix them up, rotate through different types, roast and flavor them yourself, or just stick with your favorite.
- They are ready to eat – no washing, cutting or prep is needed before eating.
I have to admit that I used to be a fan of granola bars for my snack but no more. Ever since I switched over to nuts there have been no more granola bar boxes in my grocery cart. Why eat a processed bar that most likely has unnecessary sugar and ingredients I may not even recognize when I can enjoy the goodness of plain, simple nuts.
Try snacking on nuts while staying within your overall calorie budget – you won’t regret it!