Chips, cookies and a few cups of lattes are the usual companions at work. But with them comes unhealthy, sugary fats and caffeine that can degrade your health.
Healthy eating at work sure sounds difficult but is not entirely impossible. All you need to do is switch from unhealthy, packaged foods to nutritious snacks.
Nuts and dry fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals and essential fats that nurture your wellbeing. They aid with weight loss, maintaining cholesterol levels, improving metabolism and more.
Replace your usual snacks with these healthy, tasty dried fruits and nuts:
Walnuts
These brown nuts are packed with healthy nutritions. They are an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids that are known to reduce risks pertaining to heart health.
Scientific evidence states these vitamin and mineral-rich nuts can help prevent cancer, reduce inflammation, improve gut health and brain functioning. Walnuts are also good for your skin and hair, thanks to their high antioxidant content.
Eat them raw or mix them in salads, either way they are delicious.
Almonds
Moms and grandmoms gave soaked almonds every morning for a reason. These crunchy delights contain several healthy nutrients like proteins, good fats, antioxidants and fibers.
The presence of vitamin E in almonds helps control cholesterol levels. Magnesium and potassium keep blood pressure in check. The dietary fibre and healthy fats aid in weight loss and prevent rise in blood sugar.
Keep a box at work to keep your hunger pangs at bay. Give a burst of goodness to salads and meals with sliced almonds. With sweet and spiced varieties like black truffle almonds easily available for purchase in the market, boredom will never strike.
Macadamia Nuts
Apart from their soft, crunchy texture and buttery flavor that satiates your taste buds, they are good for your heart. Thanks to their high monounsaturated fat content, macadamia nuts are linked to good heart health.
Not only do they fight bad cholesterol but also other risk factors related to heart conditions. These nuts are rich in fiber, copper, magnesium, vitamin B6, iron, potassium, and phosphorus.
Their versatile nature translates them into a perfect snack option. Macadamia spread with raw veggies makes for a healthy snack during breaks.
Brazil Nuts
Originating in the Amazon region, these nuts are a powerhouse of nutrients, making them a perfect choice for a healthy eat.
Since digestion is a common issue these days, consuming brazil nuts not only improves digestion but also boosts immunity. They contain selenium, a mineral that is beneficial in preventing thyroid disorders and cancer. The calcium, magnesium and potassium in these nuts further helps regulate blood pressure.
Consuming 1-3 brazil nuts is enough for a day. Sprinkling them on porridge makes the food tastier.
Dates
With winters approaching, it’s time to go on a date with dates. The warm, gooey fruit can be turned into a dessert or even relished during breakfast.
They are a great source of iron and help fight anemia or iron deficiency. Deficiency of iron causes fatigue, moodiness, low concentration levels, etc. which directly impacts productivity.
The natural sugar in them boosts energy, making them a healthier alternative to packaged protein powders and bars. Have a couple of dates when you have an upset stomach, as they are known to control diarrhea and improve digestion.
You can also pop in a few dates on your way to get some energy for your early morning meetings.
Dried Apricots
Hectic work hours and sitting in front of the screen all day takes a toll on your skin and eyes. Dried apricots are here to help. Loaded with vitamin A and antioxidants, they help improve vision and maintain a healthy skin.
The iron content in this fruit helps prevent and treat anemia, which can lead to various health problems. Apricots also help combat the risk of cancers. Munching on dried apricots is a great way to boost bone health.
Make sure you find unsweetened, natural dried apricots. They also go well with smoothies and cereals.
Goji Berries
This red fruit promises a long list of benefits for your health. Rich in antioxidants and medicinal properties, they have been used to prepare medicines for thousands of years.
A small serving of goji berries is power packed with proteins, iron, fiber, healthy sugars and vitamins.
It boosts immunity, improves sight, enhances skin health, provides iron, and protects you from cancer, heart diseases, and diabetes. If you’re suffering from weight issues, it’s the perfect healthy snack to get back in shape.
Keep a jar of goji berries on your desk. You can have them in the form of juice, with smoothies, cereals and even brewed in tea.
Ending Note
Replace the unhealthy pack of chips with these nutritious alternatives. Make sure you snack on unsweetened and natural dried fruits and nuts. For tastier, flavored almond options, head here. From spiced to black truffle almonds, you can find a range of them to munch on.
