Healthy Snacks For Work - International Nurses Association

You know you are going to need a pick-me-up during your work shift, in fact, probably several. There is always an ample supply of vending machines, but healthy choices--not so much. So, if you think you may feel a little guilty lecturing the importance of healthy eating to your patients, and then cramming down a candy bar and chips, vow to change that and take some healthy snacks to work.

Invest in some snap tight containers, and some zip close baggies. Always make sure you refrigerate perishable foods and write your name on all containers. There is wash away labels available that you can write what's inside, they simply wash away in the dishwasher or sink.

Early-Day Snacks

Going in at 7 does not allow for a leisurely breakfast. Eat a little something and have a snack at break time, usually around 10.

1. Yogurt and graham crackers will fill you up, offer some sweetness, and a good supply of carbohydrates to get you moving.
2. Banana and peanut butter on whole wheat bread will supply great protein and carbs.
3. Smoothie- make ahead at home, 1 peach, sliced, 1 container peach yogurt, 8 ounces almond milk, and crushed ice. Blend until smooth and freeze the night before. Keep refrigerated at work until ready to consume.
4. Tortilla with hummus is filling and good for you.
5. Grits are very filling and instant grits in a pack have 90 calories. Just mix ½ cup hot water and add a slice of cheese.

Mid-Day Snacks

• Lean deli meat rolled in a tortilla makes a great protein packed a snack.
• Vegetables such as celery and carrots, with a low-fat yogurt dip, make a great crunchy snack.
• Tortilla with baked apples and cinnamon is a healthy version of apple pie.
• Yogurt shakes can be made in advance, using yogurt, fruit, almond milk, and ½ cup orange juice. It tastes similar to those high-calorie orange slush shakes.

Other healthy snacks that are simple to pack and carry include nuts, seeds, raisins, dried fruits, and trail mix. Just read the label to ensure it's healthy. Some people overlook things such as a mini ear corn on the cob, or a small microwaved potato with salsa. Both are healthy and can supplement your need for food until your next meal. Avoid butter and sour cream. Go for a butter spray and salsa for toppings.

While in the checkout lines at stores are often stocked with candy bars, many are converting to at least 30 percent healthier choices. Many display shelves at checkout lines now feature trail mix, packs of almonds or mixed nuts, sunflower seeds, or low-fat dehydrated meat snacks. There are some vending machines now that offer the same healthy choices, in fact, some are being tested in offering fruit in addition to other snacks. It would be a great option to trade a candy bar for an apple if given the choice.

Think of what you are drinking as well. Sugared soda can taste great; makeup, however, it can give you a drop in blood sugar later. Your best drink of choice is water, of course. After all, you need to stay hydrated. If you’re looking for a caffeine boost, try iced unsweetened green-makeup water bottles ahead of time and add a little fruit to the bottle to give it a unique flavor. Try lemons, grapes, berries, or orange slices. You can avoid those high cost flavored waters and instead make your own.

Lose the mindset that the snack has to be a morning or afternoon snack. If you want a boiled egg at 3 pm, go ahead. Eat up, enjoy, and be healthy. Resource:- International Nurses Association