10 Ideas For Healthy Snacking at Your Desk

During long workdays, it's crucial to pack healthy snacks to break up the day and avoid the afternoon energy slump. Yet, many busy professionals struggle to find nutritious and tasty snacks that stay fresh for hours. At EffyDesk, we're dedicated to enhancing the desk work experience for our customers. With our adjustable standing desks, desk accessories, and ergonomic desk chairs, all that remains is establishing a healthy snacking routine for the perfect day.

Seeking some fresh snack ideas? Continue reading for our top 10 suggestions for healthy desk snacks.

Nuts are an excellent choice for desk snacking. Nuts are rich in protein and healthy fats, making them ideal for staving off hunger. Additionally, their compact size and extensive shelf-life make mixed nuts some of the most portable snacks to bring on the go. With a variety of delectable options like almonds, cashews, and Brazil nuts, desk workers can stay satisfied all day. We recommend keeping a jar of mixed nuts on your desk for a nourishing snack anytime you need it.

If you find yourself craving a light, crunchy, and low-calorie snack at work, consider packing a container of veggies and dip. This easy option can be prepared in just a few minutes before you leave for work. Simply chop up a variety of vegetables such as carrots, cucumbers, and celery—any favorites will do—and complement them with a small portion of hummus, tahini, babaganoush, or your preferred dip. Vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, hydrating water, and filling fiber, ensuring prolonged satisfaction. Should your chosen dip contain dairy, make sure you have access to a workplace refrigerator so that you can keep your snack fresh.

If you prefer a sweet snack, we suggest substituting veggies and dip with sliced fruits paired with your favourite nut butter. Whether you lean toward almond butter, peanut butter, or another variety, these spreads offer ample protein and pair well with crisp fruits like apples or pears. What's more, nut butters are a suitable choice for workplaces that do not provide access to a refrigerator.

Overnight oats offer a convenient and light snack option, requiring less than five minutes of preparation the prior evening before your workday. This nourishing desk snack can be made by combining oats, frozen berries, nut butter, honey, and non-dairy milk in a jar, stored in the fridge overnight. After a few hours, the oats absorb the liquid, resulting in a flavorful and nutrient-rich treat boasting complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and protein. Opting for non-dairy milk extends the duration during which the snack can be left out, accommodating commercial offices without refrigerators. Furthermore, this recipe is highly versatile with nuts, chocolate chips, yogurt, and many other ingredients as optional additions.

Many desk-bound professionals encounter challenges in meeting their daily protein targets during working hours. Among the best sources of protein functioning as a convenient desk-side snack, hard-boiled eggs stand out. Much like with overnight oats, hard-boiled eggs can be readied in advance, stored in the refrigerator, and grabbed while heading out the door.

For those pressed for time and averse to the task of prepping nutritious snacks beforehand, there are readily available pre-packaged choices at your nearby grocery store. Among these, granola bars stand out as exceptionally convenient options for desk-oriented individuals, fitting neatly into bags or right on desks. These snacks boast an extended shelf life and a blend of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Nevertheless, we recommend inspecting the ingredient list to ensure the absence of excessive added sugars or trans fats, as these ingredients can significantly diminish the health benefits of granola bars.

Cheese and crackers rank among the top choices for health-conscious professionals, and for good reason. This snack not only requires minimal preparation but also boasts an array of cheese and cracker varieties catering to individual tastes. Whether you lean toward a basic cheddar and rice cracker duo or gravitate to a more elevated pairing of brie and crostini complemented by fig jam, the selection knows no bounds. Opting for whole grain crackers enhances the snack's nutritional value, infusing a wholesome medley of fats, protein, and complex carbohydrates.

For those who relish spicy flavors, consider incorporating wasabi peas into your collection of store-bought desk snacks. These dried and roasted peas get their vibrant green hue from a zesty wasabi paste, delivering a punch of flavor and heat. Beyond their signature crunch and savory taste, these snacks provide a substantial serving of plant-based protein, making them a nutritious addition to your repertoire.

Should you find the time for some light meal prep during evenings or weekends, there are a wealth of recipes for homemade protein balls that are ideal for snacking at your desk. Elements like oats, flax seeds, protein powder, and nut butter seamlessly bring these no-bake treats together. The inclusion of protein powder in your snacks serves as an effective strategy to fend off afternoon fatigue and maintain a feeling of fullness.

Sometimes, a modest nibble is enough to navigate the workday and remain focused. Popcorn is a high-volume snack that professionals can continuously munch on while avoiding a calorie overload. It is however, important to avoid adding excessive butter or sugar while preparing your popcorn. Stripping away these high-fat components, popcorn's caloric count can shrink to as low as 30 calories per cup. A healthy substitute for butter and sugar is seasoning, which can add a range of different flavors to suit your taste buds.

From standing desks to desk accessories, desk workers can find a range of top-rated products from EffyDesk. Contact us for more information on how to optimize your office experience.