6 Healthy Fixes For Desktop Snacking

With us Brits snacking more than ever before, it’s no surprise that office-goers are looking for quick fixes to help with their desktop munchies throughout the day.

Trying not to snack at work can be really difficult, but we’re all guilty of it. We may try hiding our treats in our top drawer, or promising ourselves we can have that bar of chocolate once we’ve finished a certain task. But do these tricks actually work?

We understand the need for fast, easy and healthy treats that’ll keep you going, which is why we’ve gathered our top tips to lend you a hand when it comes to desktop snacking.

1. Plan ‘snack o’clock’

Ever heard the expression ‘little but often’, well this couldn’t be more relevant when it comes to snacking habits. This clever technique is a simple but effective way of monitoring your intake during work hours. If you are having a break of more than 4 hours in between food, then it’s recommended that you enjoy a healthy snack to satisfy your craving and keep your body functioning as normal[1]. Create a little grazing tray full of all your favourite healthy snacks which will avoid you heading for the biscuit cupboard when you start to feel peckish.

2. Prep some ‘make-a-head’ snacks

Meal prep can be time consuming, but it’s one of the best ways to track how much food you are eating on a daily basis. Consider things you could prep the night before – boil a few eggs, make a fruit salad or cut up some cheese and apple slices. Putting your food into sizeable bags and containers means all you have to do in the morning is remember to pick them up. If you’re bored of the normal healthy snack suggestions like carrot batons and grapes, consider other, more adventurous fruits and veg such as crispy kale, baby cucumbers, mini bell peppers, sugar snap peas, dates and zucchini chips which will all help to cure your craving, and also save you from spending more money on your lunch hour! Next time you head to the supermarket take a little longer in the fruits and veg isle and you’ll see there are plenty of snacking options. This is often where you’ll find all the nuts, seeds and dried fruits too which are also great for grazing on at your desk.

3. It’s all about keeping the skin on

There’s a reason why many fruits are eaten with their skin on, and it’s a fact that’ll make you want to put down the office peeler. Fruits such as, apples, pears, nectarines and plums are often eaten with the skin on to gain an extra source of fibre. With this benefit in mind, the nutritious skin will keep you feeling fuller for much longer[2].

4. A little peanut butter never hurt anyone

Get your daily protein fix by adding 1-2tbsps of crunchy peanut butter onto crackers or even fruit, such as bananas and apples. Peanut butter is not only a healthy source of energy packed food but it also promotes healthy digestion and helps to fight diseases. As well as being full of great nutritional values[3], the nut-based filler is also absolutely delicious!

5. Are you really hungry? Or are you actually just thirsty?

It’s relatively common for people to mistake their hunger for thirst. Therefore, quite often people can satisfy their hunger after having a drink of water. Whenever you think you’re feeling peckish, try drinking a glass of water and waiting 15 minutes. If this satisfies you, you were just thirsty. If you still feel your stomach grumbling, you’re probably hungry and this is the time to consider a snack. If you’re not so excited by a glass of water, consider herbal teas or natural juices – try to avoid having too much caffeine!

6. Avo-go at something new

If you’re looking for something a little unique to add to your snack drawer, then have a go at making your very own avocado crisps – just when you thought avocado couldn’t get any better! These healthy treats are simple to make in the comfort of your own home, just slice your ripened avocado into wedges, add a seasoning of salt and pepper, a splash of olive oil and put in the oven to bake for 10-12 minutes4. You may want to keep these hidden from your colleagues, as once they catch sight of them we guarantee they won’t last long!