Should I snack throughout the day?
Working from home and stuck on what to have as a snack? We have you covered. In this article we will share our top two snacking tips, as well as our favourite snack foods.
Having a fully stocked kitchen in our workspace means you are more likely to be drawn to it. So what can we do to ensure we don’t clean it all out in one day? Having a snack or two throughout the day can keep our energy levels consistent, as well as help regulate our appetite and mood - a satisfied stomach is a happy brain.
Tip 1: Choose satiating snacks
Satiation is the feeling of fullness or satisfaction after you’ve eaten a meal. Your hormones and the stretch receptors in your stomach send signals to your brain telling you that the meal is over. Satiating foods are those which you can’t devour all in one go (and not because they aren’t delicious). You could eat a whole bag of crisps right, but could you eat a 1L tub of Greek yogurt?
Our most satiating foods tend to be high in protein and are fibre-rich. These foods will fill you up and keep you satisfied for longer, meaning you won’t need to snack every hour. Examples include whole wheat crackers or veggie sticks with hummus, Greek yogurt, boiled eggs and nuts.
Tip 2: Keep very well hydrated
You may be thinking “how will water take away my hunger”? Well, it doesn't, but did you know that many of us mistake dehydration for hunger? So, making sure you are well hydrated throughout the day will reduce your urge to devour the pantry.
Why not keep a water bottle on your desk, and if possible choose one with a straw. Now this isn’t scientifically proven, however doesn’t it seem more convenient to not have to screw the lid on and off? Being able to pick your bottle up and take a sip whilst typing may help you drink more water! Herbal teas and cold infused teas are also great options if you find it hard to drink a lot of water.
Here are our top 10 snack suggestions when working from home:
4 rectangular or 6 round vita wheat crackers with 1-2 tbsp hummus, or thin slices of cheese.
Cucumber and carrot sticks dipped in 1-2 tbsp hummus.
¾ cup of greek yogurt topped with unsalted nuts and berries.
Sliced apple dipped in 1 tbsp of 100% peanut butter.
Protein or bliss ball - check out our choc chip cookie dough balls.
¼ cup (or small handful) of unsalted nuts.
½ cup of roasted chickpeas (you can make your own - just rinse canned chickpeas, toss with olive oil and spices and bake until golden and crunchy).
Home-baked good e.g. banana bread or a muffin.
Piece of grainy bread topped with ricotta and cinnamon.
Home-made popcorn (go easy on the salt though).
If you haven’t already, go take a look at our eating when working from home blog. This blog will give you a good idea of how to prevent yourself from either grazing constantly throughout the day, or forgetting to eat entirely. Putting these tips in place will lead to a more productive day ‘at work’, regardless of being at home or at the office.
If the current climate of information-overload has you feeling overwhelmed and in need of extra support and guidance towards a balanced nutrient- and fibre-rich diet, book in with one of our Dietitians via Telehealth today.
