Most employees no longer need to pack a lunch, or walk down to the vending machines or cafeteria when they get hungry since having to work from home because of COVID-19. In response, people may be noticing that they’ve been snacking more with the convenience of their kitchen only a few steps away. Almost as a form of entertainment while busy at work, you aren’t the only one that could be possibly adding on quarantine weight or find yourself eating unhealthy options.
Even if your own personal snacking habits have increased, you’ll need to remember that there is nothing wrong with fulfilling your cravings with a little treat; but if the guilt becomes overwhelming, there are always healthy alternatives to that bag of chips you’ve probably been grabbing. As a start, picking out healthier options or paying attention to portion control are both easy steps forward to the path of guilt-free snacking.
Is Snacking Healthy?
Along with following a healthy diet throughout the day, making sure to eat each meal will help curb some of your unhealthy snacking habits. Despite the bad reputation snacking seems to have, there is absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying a healthy snack in between meals.
Each day, you should be trying to fill your body up with the correct nutrients to feel energized and happy which, of course, can include snacks as a way of achieving the overall goal of healthy, clean eating.
Healthy Snacking Options to Eat During Work from Home
Snacking can actually be considered just as important of a part of our daily diet routine as your larger meals. Overall, it can curb cravings in between, keep hunger pangs away, improve your mood and keep you energized for longer; meaning you shouldn’t shy away or restrict yourself when your body could be in actual need of some nutrition.
Below is a list crafted by OMKITCHEN of Indian snacks that are healthy and tasty and can be eaten while working from home:
1. Poha
Poha is a great early morning snack packed with a high nutritional value. The carbohydrate snack is considered to be a good source of iron, fiber, antioxidants and vitamins with the bonus of being gluten free. Try adding some chai for a sweet snack before your lunch.
2. Granola and Nuts
Granola and nuts are sure to satisfy the crunch you may be looking for in a snack. Easy to make yourself without any added sugar, simply mixing old-fashioned oats, nuts, and a dash of cinnamon on a baking sheet, then cook in an oven at 300F for 20 minutes or until crispy. Feel free to add any other desired spices or maple syrup for a little extra sweetness.
3. Paneer Roll/Veggie Roll
Using a whole wheat roll and packing it with a handful of your favorite veggies makes the perfect snack for in between lunch and dinner. Whether you choose to use the traditional paneer filling or a variation of stir-fry, both are a savory option that will keep you full until your next meal.
4. Masala Makhana
Low in sodium, masala makhana is a healthy snack that you can eat while working at home. The treat is high in magnesium and potassium, improves bone strength, cognitive function, and contains anti-aging properties essentially making it a superfood, as well as a smart snacking choice.
5. Popcorn
A low calorie option, popcorn is a great treat to have in between meals or as a late night treat for guilt-free snacking. Try swapping out butter for a sprinkling of hot chili flakes or coconut curry powder for a healthier topping alternative.
6. Boiled Chana
Boiled chana is a versatile snack, easy to prepare in advance, that allows you to get creative by adding different spices and ingredients to it. The snack has been proven to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels which is a great help for people with type-2 diabetes.
Conclusion
When it comes to snacking, it should be something you look forward to while you're working from home. Get creative when coming up with new snack ideas and know there is nothing wrong with getting hungry in between meals. Respond to how your body is feeling and take care of it with healthy snack alternatives that’ll taste great. Also, check out more homemade snacks for easy grab-and-go situations that are still a wholesome option if you end up getting “snacked-out” with the list above.
