The Easy Secret to Healthy Snacking at the Office

Time: 4 p.m.

Location: Your desk

Stomach: Growling

When afternoon hunger hits at work, and it always does, it can be tough to resist the siren call of the vending machine and all of the cookies, chips and candy bars stocked there. So how do you? Two words: Plan ahead. By bringing your own healthy snacks to work, you can avoid those high-fat, high-calorie treats and stay satisfied until dinner.

A perfect snack should be less than 180 calories, high in protein and low in saturated fat without having any trans-fats. The protein is key—studies find that it will keep you full longer, so you won’t need another snack in an hour. For inspiration we came up with some snacks that fit the bill.

Part-skim string cheese and 1 cup of grapes: 122 calories; 3 grams fat; 6.5 grams protein

½ cup low-fat cottage cheese and a pear: 177 calories; 3 grams fat; 14 grams protein

An orange and 14 dry-roasted almonds: 141.5 calories; 7 grams fat; 4 grams protein

An apple with 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter: 175 calories; 8 grams fat; 3.5 grams protein

6 thin slices of turkey deli meat rolled up with 1 slices of low-fat Swiss cheese: 164 calories; 6.5 grams fat; 23 grams protein

½ cup dry-roasted edamame: 130 calories; 4 grams fat; 14 grams protein

1 cup plain, nonfat Greek yogurt with ½ cup fresh strawberries: 163 calories; 0.5 grams fat; 23.5 grams protein

(Source:ahealthiermichigan.org)