August 2017

Just like your kids take a “nutrition break” at school, it’s smart to have a stash of healthy foods available to you in your workplace when you’re hungry and can’t get away for a real meal. We all know about the lure of the vending machine when we haven’t planned ahead to have something healthier on hand. Say no to that candy bar and soda and instead stock your desk or the office refrigerator with some of these healthy and tasty treats:

• Fresh fruit that travels well and keeps for a few days. Think apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, nectarines or plums.
• Canned fruit in its own juice. Or try unsweetened applesauce. (Sprinkling a bit of cinnamon adds a nice touch.)
• Dried fruits. There are many available in the grocery store these days. Try raisins, Craisins, banana chips or dried fruit mix. Avoid “fruit snacks,” which are mostly sugar.
• Protein foods. Choose hard-cooked eggs, nuts, canned tuna or chicken, hummus or black-bean dip.
• Veggies. Carrots, broccoli, cucumber slices, pepper strips, sugar snap peas, celery, snow peas, grape or cherry tomatoes… The list goes on. These are great to dip in your hummus or black-bean dip.
• Whole grains. Try breads, pitas, crackers or cereals.
• Low-fat or fat-free dairy. Stock up on yogurt (with less than 15 grams of sugar per 4 ounces). Add fresh fruit or whole-grain cereal to make a parfait. Or bring a yogurt smoothie from home. Make it with low-fat yogurt and fresh or frozen fruit.

Source: Michigan Department of Community Health; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention