Remaining consistent in healthy eating habits while at work can seem like a second job! With all of the time, energy and planning that goes into preparing healthy snacks, hitting a drive-thru can seem like the easier option. Although opting for convenience may sometimes feel like the better choice, after eating a high carb meal energy and productivity levels pay the price. By keeping healthy snacks on hand in the break room, you and your employees will be able to conveniently stay on track and on task.
By keeping healthy snacks at the office, you will likely notice an increase in employee engagement and productivity. Here are 5 easy healthy snacks that can be left out for your staff to enjoy throughout the day.
1. Dried Fruit and Nuts
Nuts and dried fruit make for a healthy, non-perishable snack mix. This filling combination has an outstanding balance of all three macronutrients, with healthy fats and protein from nuts and good carbs from dried fruit. Both of these snacks are loaded with fiber, which will leave your team feeling full between meals. By keeping your staff’s carbohydrate intake low, you will likely see a jump in employee engagement.
2. Greek Yogurt with Granola or Fruit
It’s sometimes difficult to peer into the fridge and look past what could be a delicious, but energy draining snack and opt for the Greek yogurt instead. But by offering a healthy alternative, you give your staff the chance to choose a snack high in protein and calcium. If you keep granola and fresh fruit on hand, employees can customize their Greek yogurt even more, too! There are numerous options for different types of granola, meaning each day they can incorporate a different flavor into their plain Greek yogurt.
3. Dark Chocolate
Who doesn’t love a snack that tastes like a treat? Dark chocolate is an often-overlooked super food with many benefits. The top one? Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants that fight molecules called radicals that damage cells and are linked to various chronic diseases. Opt for dark chocolate covered nuts or a protein bar to create a savory yet sweet mid-day snack.
4. Jerky
Jerky is a shelf-stable high-protein snack that can curb hunger during the workday. It is rich in iron, an important mineral for maintaining blood health and energy levels. By keeping a stock of jerky available, you provide the opportunity for employee engagement to sky-rocket.
5. Popcorn
Popcorn is also a nutritious and satisfying snack for work that’s high in fiber and low in calories. What’s more, it contains antioxidants called polyphenols that may help protect against chronic conditions like heart disease.
By implementing healthy snacks for your team to enjoy throughout the day, your employee engagement and productivity levels can quickly improve. Do you have additional snacks you would add to the list?
For more recommendations on increasing employee engagement, read additional articles on our blog today! Or, if you’re looking for a new position, see our current job listings!