Working from home is great, but staying focused and energized can be tough without the right food. The good news is we have you covered with healthy snacks for working from home that will curb your cravings and boost your productivity. These snack ideas, from energy-boosting sweet treats to savoury power bites, keep midday slumps at bay. Hello, snack time!
Table of Contents
Quick Hits
- Energy-Boosting Sweet Treats: Dark chocolate, apples with nut butter, homemade oatmeal cookies, berry smoothies – sustained energy without the sugar crash.
- Savoury and Satisfying: Nuts, seeds, Greek yogurt with veggies, hummus with whole-grain crackers – full and focused.
- Nutrient-Packed Power Bites: These quick and nourishing power bites contain nuts, dried fruits, oats, chia seeds, and flaxseeds.
- Quick and Easy: Greek yogurt parfaits, veggie sticks with hummus, custom trail mixes – healthy snacking made easy.
- Refreshing and Hydrating: Fresh fruits, smoothies, mixed nuts – stay refreshed all day.
Energy-Boosting Sweet Treats
Staying energized is key when you work from home. Sweet treats can fuel your day without the sugar crash later. Here are some healthy, sweet snacks and energizing:
Dark Chocolate
A small piece of dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) is a guilt-free indulgence. Packed with antioxidants, it’s a quick energy boost and brain food.
Apples with Nut Butter
Apple slices with a tablespoon of almond or peanut butter are a balance of natural sugars, fibre, and healthy fats. This combo will give you sustained energy and keep hunger at bay.
Homemade Oatmeal Cookies
For bakers, homemade oatmeal cookies sweetened with honey or maple syrup are a satisfying indulgence that won’t give me a mid-afternoon slump. Another yummy option is a smoothie with frozen berries, a banana, and a splash of almond milk. It’s a burst of sweetness with essential nutrients that will boost my energy and keep me productive throughout the day.
Savoury and Satisfying
Moving on from energy-boosting sweet treats to savoury and satisfying options, I find that having a variety of protein-rich snacks can keep me full and focused throughout the day. When it comes to savoury snacks, here are some options that will satisfy my taste buds and give me sustained energy to get through my tasks:
- Nuts and Seeds
- A handful of almonds, walnuts or pumpkin seeds. Protein, healthy fats and omega-3s to keep you energized and brain healthy.
- Greek Yogurt with Veggies
- Dip carrot and cucumber sticks into Greek yogurt seasoned with dill or parsley—protein, fibre and probiotics for a healthy gut.
- Hummus with Whole-Grain Crackers
- Hummus is a healthy snack that can be eaten on whole-grain crackers or as a dip for bell pepper slices. It contains complex carbohydrates and protein, which keeps you full longer.
Power Bites
For a quick, no-bake snack that’s easy to make, try making your power bites:
Homemade Energy Balls
Combine rolled oats, chia seeds, flaxseeds, nut butter, honey and dried fruits like dates or apricots. Roll into balls and refrigerate. Perfect for a grab-and-go energy boost.
- Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup nut butter (almond or peanut)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup chia seeds or flaxseeds
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or dried fruits
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Roll into balls.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before eating.
These power bites are protein, fibre and healthy fats, perfect for sustained energy and curbing hunger.
Quick Snack Ideas
Time is of the essence when you’re juggling tasks. These quick snack ideas are convenient and nutritious:
Greek Yogurt Parfait
Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh berries in a glass or bowl.
Veggies with Hummus
Keep pre-cut veggies like carrots, celery, and bell peppers in the fridge. Pair them with store-bought or homemade hummus for a fibre-rich snack.
Custom Trail Mix
Make your own trail mix by combining your favourite nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. For sweetness, add a few dark chocolate chips.
- Dark chocolate chips
- Suggested Ingredients:
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Pumpkin seeds
- Dried cranberries
Refreshing and Hydrating
Hydration is just as important as nutrition. These snacks help with both:
Fresh Fruit Salad
Mix different fruits like watermelon, oranges, and grapes. They have high water content to keep you hydrated and natural sugars for quick energy.
Green Smoothie
Blend spinach or kale with pineapple, mango, and a splash of coconut water. This green smoothie is packed with vitamins and hydrating electrolytes.
Mixed Nuts and Seeds
A small bowl of mixed nuts and seeds for a crunchy snack, magnesium, and vitamin E.
Working from Home Snacking Tips
- Keep Snacks Visible: Keep healthy snacks in sight and hide the unhealthy ones.
- Set Snack Times: Don’t snack mindlessly by scheduling your snack breaks.
- Portion Control: Use small bowls or snack-sized containers to avoid overeating.
- Stay Hydrated: Sometimes, thirst is mistaken for hunger. Drink water often.
- Listen to Your Body: Eat when hungry, not bored or stressed.
FAQs
What Are Some Tips for Staying Motivated and Focused While Working From Home?
Having a routine, taking breaks and staying connected with colleagues can help you stay motivated and focused. Create a dedicated space and self-care to boost productivity.
How do I balance work and life when working from home?
Balance work and life by setting clear boundaries between work and personal time. Schedule breaks, create a dedicated space and do things outside of work hours that you enjoy.
Are there snacks that can help with concentration and mental clarity?
Yes, snacks like nuts, seeds and fruits like blueberries can help with concentration and mental clarity. Add these to your snack routine to stay focused and energized during the day.
How do I avoid mindless snacking when working from home?
Avoid mindless snacking by setting snack times, keeping healthy options in sight and staying hydrated. Being aware of your eating habits helps regulate energy and prevent overeating.
Can you explain portion control and mindful eating when snacking throughout the day?
Portion control and mindful eating is key to healthy snacking. Listen to your body’s hunger cues, choose healthy snacks and be aware of portion sizes to fuel productivity without overeating.
Try these snacks at home, and you’ll be satisfied and focused!