Smart Snacking at Work: Veggies

by Molly Niendorf — August 25, 2008

If you're stuck in a cubicle all day, or if your job requires sitting for long hours, you're probably accustomed to the 3 o'clock slump. It's been a couple hours since lunch, your energy is waning, and boredom sets in. You start scavenging for a pick-me-up. Before you turn to the donut box in the employee kitchen (I know you thought you'd let yourself off the hook and eat just 1/2 of a glazed!), think twice. Sugary snacks cause your blood sugar to spike, and while it may provide a short burst of energy, you'll be left feeling sluggish-- and hungrier-- once your blood sugar levels off. Instead, come to work prepared. Here are a few nutritious and easy-to-prepare veggie snacks. You can pack these on Sunday night, take them to work to store in the company refrigerator, and avoid the 3 o'clock slump all week:

• Celery slices with almond butter and raisins
• Celery with low-fat cream cheese and jam (a weird combination that's surprisingly tasty!)
• Baby carrots with red pepper hummus
• Tomato slices and low-fat mozzarella string cheese (okay, tomato is technically a fruit, but this snack is a nice variation on caprese salad)
• Chopped green and yellow peppers with garbanzo beans, in a balsamic vinaigrette
• Diced cucumbers in plain Greek yogurt, sprinkled with cumin
• Sliced zucchini sprinkled with parmesan (this tastes best if microwaved for about a minute)

These guilt-free snacks will keep your blood sugar and appetite in check! Enjoy.