9 to 5 jobs can be draining and most people tend to have snacks stashed in their under table compartment or up their sleeves so that they can sneak a bite when nobody’s looking. Munching on snacks can quickly pass time and work as a quick stress reliever.
For the longest time, our drawers were filled with comfort food such as chips, chocolate bars and the occassional gummy bear so that everytime we needed a little perk me up, we would be instantly gratified. Sure enough, with very little exercise, all those candy bars started going down to the hips yet we just can’t bring ourselves to let go of our munchies. What would a day at the office be without them?
Here are some easy and quiet snacks which you replace your fattening snacks that are healthy and don’t smell overpowering in the office!
Nuts
Nuts are a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fiber. Different nuts have different nutritional values and some cost dearer than others. For example, almonds are high in vitamin E and have more magnesium compared to macadamia nuts which cost more and don’t contain as many nutrients. Try flavoured roasted nuts in flavours such as paprika, orange, barbeque or honey if you can’t stand having them bland.
Apple and Peanut Butter
If you’ve watched the popular Disney movie The Parent Trap back in the 90s starring Lindsay Lohan, you’d remember that she once mentioned to her twin (whom she also played) that the best way to eat Oreos would be to dip them in a creamy jar of peanut butter. While we totally agree, we can’t seem to stomach all those calories so we’re replacing those Oreos with some sliced apples instead!
Edamame
Everytime we’re in a Japanese eatery, we can’t stop popping these creamy peas into our mouth until the whole basket is gone! You can actually purchase a large pack of these at any store selling Japanese ingredients (Jusco and Cold Storage have them too!) and keep them in your office’s refridgerator. Whenever you feel peckish, just pour some out into a bowl, pop them into the microwave for three minutes, sprinkle some salt and eat up!
Mixed Salad
Pack a box of your favourited mixed vegetables from carrot sticks to cherry tomatoes alongside with your favourite dip!
Yogurt
You can use yogurt as a dip or dressing for your mixed salads. Add some oats, honey or fruit to your yogurt for some extra munch.
Fruit Chips
If you must have chips, go for the healthier air dried fruit chips that come in a variety of flavours from apple to nangka to yes, durian.
Dried Fruit
If you don’t have a fridge in your office to store your fresh produce, get dried fruit like apricots, prunes, mangoes or raisins instead. These contain plenty of fiber, antioxidants and vitamins to give you enough energy to last through the day.
Granola Bars
Also known as energy bars, one of these will keep fatigue at bay as your rush from one meeting to another but these should not be used as meal substitutes. It’s just a little extra energy you need to keep you going throughout the day. Pick from Crunchy Granola Bars to Dried Fig and Nut Bars and DIY Nutri-Grain Fruit and Nut Bars.
Tea
If you’re saving yourself for a good dinner later on, keep yourself away from food by filling yourself up with tea. From greens to blacks to herbal teas, you’re spoilt for choice. Add a mint leaf or lemon slice to your tea to spice it up!
So there you have it, some quick bites that’ll keep you occupied (and happy!) and won’t stink up the office. Do you have any other great snack ideas? Share it with us!
