Healthy Mid-Day Snacks

By: Sarah Holvik, B.Sc. Nutritional Science
 
We all know the feeling at 2 pm when our stomach starts to growl for an afternoon snack. It seems to be that there are always snacks available at the office or at the local coffee shop, but not always the right ones. If you are working on sticking to your New Years eating regime it can be frustrating to be constantly tempted by forbidden foods. Here are a few snack ideas to keep close by to satisfy those afternoon cravings in a healthy way.
 
“He who has health has hope. And he who has hope, has everything.”
-Proverb
 
Baby Carrots and Hummus – If you have an office fridge, this is a great snack for mid-day hunger. The carrots are easy to grab-and-go and hummus can be bought at your local grocery store or pre-made at home. Carrots are a rich in dietary fibre and hummus is high in protein. A great combination for a healthy snack!  
 
Almonds – Almonds are a great source of fibre and protein. Throw a handful of whole almonds in a reusable plastic bag and keep them in your purse for times when you feel like you need a snack.
 
Fresh Fruit – Always make sure you have washed fresh fruit available for a snack. Not only is it fast and easy, but you will also satisfy one of your fruit and vegetable requirements for the day.
 
Celery Sticks w/ Almond Butter – For a great twist on the traditional peanut butter on celery sticks, try spreading a thin layer of almond butter on a celery stick. You can even add some raisins on top to add extra flavour and nutrients. You will be getting a single serving of vegetables for the day as well as a considerable amount of protein. For a more natural approach, try making Homemade Almond Butter.
 
Probiotic Yogurt – Yogurt is probably one of the easiest snacks to have as they are already pre-packaged and measured for you at the supermarket. Throw a couple of yogurts in your work fridge and dive in when you are having a snack craving. Try to choose probiotic yogurt from the supermarket as it is not only a great snack but it also helps to promote a healthy digestive tract.
 
Granola – Throw some homemade or store-bought granola into a reusable plastic container to eat as a healthy afternoon snack. Eat it with milk, yogurt or by itself. Depending on the ingredients in your granola you can be getting a variety of nutrients. A full serving of grains for your daily requirement as well as a considerable amount of protein and fibre.
 
Veggies and Dip – Cut up an assortment of vegetables, such as, broccoli, peppers and cauliflower and eat it with a homemade low-fat dip. You will be surprised how fast a few veggies with dip will satisfy your mid-day cravings. Vegetables are an important source of many of the nutrients required for your body to function properly.
 
Cottage Cheese and Berries – Combine some cottage cheese with mixed berries for a delicious treat for your afternoon break. The berries act as a great immune-booster helping you fight colds circulating the office and the cottage cheese with satisfy one of your dairy requirements for the day. Use reduced-fat cottage cheese for an option that is lower in fat. 
 
Dried Fruits – Pre-packaged dried fruits can be found at any grocery store. Pick up dried mangos, apricots or cranberries and keep them in your desk for when your hunger starts to distract you from your work. Dried fruits are high in fibre which helps lower your risk of diabetes and heart disease.
 
Vancouver Nutritionist Sarah Holvik is the owner of nutrition consulting company Manna Health Group. She welcomes questions at sarah@activelivingprogram.com.