4 Low Calorie Snacks When You’re In The Office

We’ve long known the importance of exercise and a well-balanced diet, after all, keeping that calorie count in check and ensuring that you’re taking on the right nutrients can not only aid in maintaining a healthy weight, but also assist in keeping your mind focused and functioning at its best. 

The problem is, with over 863,593 Americans bound to their desks in office-based jobs, it can be hard to find the time to exercise and enjoy a healthy work-life balance, and even harder to avoid high-calorie snacks throughout the working day. 

According to research by DealDrop, 25% of people order food online.Some studies show up to 80% of office workers are guilty of over-snacking, with a further 55% deeming themselves overweight as a result. So, rather than banning snacks altogether, today we’ll be unveiling our favorite hunger cheat-codes in the form of four low calorie snacks when you’re in the office. 

1. Seasoned popcorn 

Who said that popcorn had to be a guilty pleasure? When you remove the butter, salt and over-the-top flavorings found in your average movie theater popcorn, you can actually be left with a fairly healthy and reasonably low calorie office snack.  

Take this Safe + Fair brand pickled popcorn for example, a completely vegan and gluten-free treat with absolutely no trans fats, preservatives or any artificial ingredients at all. We particularly love the savory tang of their dill pickle flavor, which is perfectly paired with sandwiches, soups and salads. 

At only 130 calories per 1 ounce serving, there’s no need to feel too guilty about snacking down on these bites throughout the day, and with the added bonus of dietary fiber, potassium and iron included in every kernel you can be looking out for your body whilst keeping that mid-morning hunger at bay. 

2. Nuts and dried fruit 

A super simple snack to whip up for the busy office worker, though one that will keep you full and energized all day long. A hearty mix of nuts and dried fruit will have you covered in terms of macronutrients, healthy fats and protein, alongside a little sugar fix as a well-deserved reward.  

Pop in a few almonds to boost your calcium levels, walnuts for good heart health and to balance your cholesterol, and consider stocking up on a supply of dried dates and raisins for their high levels of iron, essential antioxidants and potassium, the latter of which over 97% of Americans are deficient in. 

Perhaps the best part of this healthy office snack is the large amount of dietary fiber found in both key ingredients (around 24% of your daily allowance per 100g on average), which has been shown to promote feelings of fullness and reduce hunger pangs, lessening the desire to snack between meals.  

3. Roasted chickpeas 

Our next low-calorie snack does require a little prep work, though when you hear about the health benefits roasted chickpeas can bring to the table, we’re sure you’ll see the value in cooking up a couple of batches of this healthy treat for your next working week. 

Roasted chickpeas are particularly high in both fiber and protein, as well as containing healthy doses of vitamins A, E and C, all of which have been shown to help protect your cells, strengthen the body’s immune system and even aid in the maintenance of your blood vessels, bones and cartilage.  

Just ½ a cup of roasted chickpeas contains around 5 grams of fiber and 10 grams of protein, helping to improve feelings of fullness between meals, and best of all this tasty treat is non-perishable, so you’ll be free to whip up a batch over the weekend to keep you going throughout the week ahead. 

4. Apples and peanut butter 

Recent studies show that as little as 22% of Americans drink the USDA’s recommended 8-10 glasses of water a day, with the average person instead consuming only half this amount. If you’re guilty of forgetting about water during busy days, why not try adding a few apples into your diet? 

Not only are apples made up of around 86% water, they also contain high amounts of copper and potassium, as well as being a great source of vitamins C and K. These nutrients have been proven to help maintain a healthy metabolism, which can aid in weight loss, and at only 95 calories per apple you’ll be free to chow down all day long. 

To sweeten the deal, try adding a little peanut butter to each bite, as when eaten in moderation this delicious spread offers a great source of both protein and healthy fats to keep you fuller for longer. 

Final thoughts

Remember when it comes to feelings of hunger, look for fiber and protein to help promote feelings of fullness, and if you’re craving something sweet then a little fruit is always the way to go. Make sure to keep an eye on your water intake if you want to stay alert, and steer clear of any processed sugars and carbs if you’re looking to keep the weight off.