Healthy Snacking

Working long hours can make it difficult to maintain healthy eating habits. Come 3 p.m., that candy dish at the front desk can be mighty tempting if you're feeling stressed and unfocused. To stick with a healthy diet, and to avoid the blood-sugar highs and crashes that come with impulsive snacking, plan ahead. Pack a nutritious lunch that includes a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fat, opting as much as possible for fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains. And keep a variety of healthy snacks on hand to keep your energy stable and cravings at bay.

Add these healthy options to your grocery shopping list: raw or roasted nuts and seeds; fresh and dried fruits and vegetables; granola and energy bars made with whole foods and no added sugars; whole grain hot and cold cereals; dairy, soy, or coconut yogurt; whole grain crackers; nut butters and hummus.

Also, don't forget the importance of drinking plenty of water. Sometimes we can mistake dehydration for hunger. Sometimes when I am hungry and feeling the need to snack I will drink a glass of water and wait about 15 minutes to see if I truly feel hungry. Our culture has us waking up to coffee and caffeinated beverages that dehydrate us. Try waking up to a glass of warm water to flush out the kidneys and hydrate you for your day!