It’s 3pm, and you know what that means. The Snack Attack! You feel hungry, so you grab whatever is accessible. If you have healthy snacks or a piece of fruit in your desk, then that’s great. However, more often than not, it means a trip to the vending machine, office kitchen or local shop to pick up a chocolate bar, a handful of biscuits or a packet of chips.
If you have healthy snacks at work, your health and productivity will both benefit.
Benefits of snacking
The hungrier you are, the greater chance is that you will reach for whatever food is available. Let’s face it – quite often, that will be junk food. However, by choosing a healthy snack, you can keep hunger at bay while adding some important nutrients to your diet, without too many kilojoules. A filling snack will also mean you shouldn’t be famished when it’s meal time, so you will be less likely to overindulge then too.
A well-balanced snack can not only increase your energy levels but maintain them for longer. Yes, sugary snacks will give you an energy spike, but your energy levels will quickly drop and soon you’ll be feeling sluggish and looking for another pick-me-up.
A healthy snack between meals can also help to increase focus and performance. People are able to better comprehend and retain information when their bodies are fueled correctly, as well as being more mindful and efficient in completing tasks.
What’s a healthy snack?
Chocolate might have its benefits, but we have some other suggestions which are far more healthful and just as tasty. Anything with high quantities of sugar and fat is better avoided and although confectionery can be a pleasant occasional treat, these other options are more beneficial:
- Seasonal fruit like bananas, apples, pears and mandarins
- Raw vegetables, like carrots or celery, with a low-fat dip or hummus spread
- Crackers, nuts, or pretzels
- Individual portions of plain popcorn (best to avoid the butter though)
- Dried fruit or trail mixes
- Low or no sugar muesli, fruit and seed bars
Don’t forget about healthy beverages as well, such as green and herbal teas and fresh drinking water.
Snack Safety
If you plan to share your snacks, be aware that people will have varying dietary requirements. Be sure to ask about any food allergies or sensitivities. This will help you to choose snack options that can be safely enjoyed by everyone.
Nuts, dairy and gluten are common food allergens, and while most people can simply avoid eating it, anaphylactic allergies are something to be taken very seriously. Having an allergic person on your team doesn’t mean avoiding snacks though, and there are plenty of safe options.
Eat for the good of the business
If you’re considering offering healthy snacks to your team, remember – the benefits might extend beyond happy and healthy staff. The whole business might start looking healthier too as productivity soars!
Placing snacks in a communal area will give people a reason to leave their desk and taking even a small break from a task can help improve focus. This also offers the chance for staff from different teams to meet, improving camaraderie and encouraging the sharing of ideas and information.
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