What are healthy snacks to eat at work? How can we help employees make better decisions when it comes to snacking in the workplace?
People spend a great deal of time on the job. About a third of their lives! It’s tempting to purchase processed snack packs or give in to candy. Not the healthiest options. And, a little each day really adds up over time.
It happens, right? Your employees work hard. Sometimes, they’re stressed or just drained. They need fuel or a “pick-me-up” to keep them going strong and performing.
But would they give their best if they snacked on the best instead? It’s worth considering. Today, we’ll give you a few office snack ideas that taste delicious and bring nutritional value to the table – or to the desk, in this case.
Benefits of Healthy Snacks for Office Workers
So, what are the benefits of healthy snacks at work? Let’s look at how healthy snacks for the office kitchen positively affect employees on the job.
The article by Harvard Business Review, “What You Eat Affects Your Productivity,” encourages us to have healthy snacks for work. Productivity rises when we do. Managers, listen up! These are your people. Help them make good snacking decisions.
Healthy in Mind & Body
Fresh snacks for the company matter. It’s easier to graze on good foods when they’re readily available. Your employees need access to delicious and nutritious whole foods. This way, they’ll likely avoid mental fog and sluggish behavior. Food is fuel. We often compare our bodies to Ferraris in this analogy. But would you feed your Ferrari the cheap stuff? You can. But don’t expect top performance.
Energy, Mood & Focus Boosts
Candy bars aren’t cutting it. Employees are facing the afternoon slump and sugar crashes. Grazing on nutritionally rich snacks for office workers makes a difference. Energy is high. Mood improves, and your office maintains healthier bonds. The crew feels good, and they work together. They focus on creating solutions.
Confidence All Around
If your office has access to healthy snacks, you’re helping them take healthy steps in their lives. They feel better. They can even begin to look better, gaining confidence. This confidence can give root to healthier relationships around the workplace.
Your customers and/or clients may even notice the shift. When workers eat better, they perform better. When they have clear minds and energy, they make smart and even creative decisions.
Free & Appreciated Office Perk
Most of the time, post-lunch is the most difficult time of the day. The workday wears on, and we’re just trying to keep up. Healthy afternoon snacks for the office will be accepted and appreciated. More and more, people are taking charge of their health. They will reach for the banana or apple if it’s provided. Many offices use corporate fruit delivery to keep workers supplied with fresh fruit. Help your office establish better snacking habits. It’s a worthwhile investment.
8 Best Healthy Office Snacks
A quick scan shows you a fruit-forward list. And that’s the healthy direction we’re headed in. These are, without a doubt, some of the best healthy snacks to have at work. We’ll give you a brief description that explains why.
According to Live Science, here is the rundown:
1. Bananas
Great source of fiber and potassium; sweet and curb appetite; excellent for weight loss
2. Apples & Pears
High in fiber and Vitamin C; low in calories with no sodium, fat, or cholesterol; helps with bone health, GI protection, and weight management
When are apples in season? Find out in our recent blog post.
3. Oranges & Clementines
Known for Vitamin C; improves heart health, skin, cholesterol levels, and immune system
4. Avocados
Praised as a superfood; loaded with Omega-3s, protein, potassium, fiber, and vitamins; low in sugar and great for cholesterol and heart health
5. Grapefruit
Good source of antioxidants and fiber; helps with immune system and digestion; boosts weight loss and lowers cholesterol
6. Grapes
Filled with nutrients and antioxidants; great for the heart; good source of fiber, Vitamin K, B, and copper
7. Strawberries/Blueberries
Small punches of antioxidants; studies show that berry intake is linked to lower risk of cognitive decline (in older adults)
8. Mangoes
Known to boost the immune system, as well as eye and blood health; low-calorie snack with high fiber and vitamins A and C
All of these are great snacks to have at work. Make your office kitchen, break room, or conference area inviting. A rainbow of healthy snacks can do just that!