She Strengthens

Snack Attack: A Nutrition Expert’s Take on Office Munchies

As we celebrate National Nutrition Month, we invited registered dietitian Keri Gans to scrutinize our office kitchen and provide valuable insights on our eating habits. Gans, an expert in healthy snacking, aimed to help us make better choices and create a healthier work environment.

The Perfect Snack

Gans emphasizes the importance of mindful snacking, suggesting that ideal treats should contain 200 calories or less, with at least 5 grams of protein and fiber each. She believes that in-between-meal nibbles can provide an opportunity to add essential nutrients to our diets.

Snack Inspection

With a keen eye, Gans examines our snacks, questioning our team members about their eating habits. She inspects a bottle of Kombucha, deeming its 60 calories and 4 grams of sugar per serving acceptable. Next, she analyzes Laura’s lunch remnants, commending her on creating a well-balanced snack with hummus, turkey, and brown rice cake.

Kitchen Raid

Gans ventures into our kitchen, scrutinizing our pantry and fridge contents. She critiques our peanut butter selection, recommending the all-natural version paired with a rice cake or apple for a satisfying snack. In the freezer, she discovers a mix of healthy and indulgent treats, including avocado ice cream and Enlightened bars, which meet her standards as an occasional snack.

Refrigerator Review

Gans praises our hummus and milk choices, suggesting portion control to avoid overindulging. She commends our selection of smoked salmon, hummus, and rice cake as a great snack combination. While inspecting our meat and cheese drawer, she advises moderation with cheese and applauds our low-sodium turkey choice.

Dessert Detour

Gans stumbles upon a container of jam-filled mini-cheesecakes, prompting an uncomfortable silence. However, she acknowledges that even healthy offices can indulge in occasional treats.

Takeaways

Our snack intervention reveals that even with healthy options, portion control and mindful pairing are crucial. We learn that well-balanced snacks should leave us feeling satisfied, rather than craving more. By incorporating protein, fiber, and healthy fats into our snacks, we can stay full and energized throughout the day.

Your Turn!

What are your go-to snacks for staying satisfied? Share your favorites in the comments below or tweet us @nicmcdermott.