Healthy Snacking at Work
Air Date: 4/28/2008

For many of us, food offers comfort when we’re bored or under stress. And at the workplace, if we need a pick-me-up between meals, we often turn to sweets or salty snacks, but an unhealthy choice from a pit-stop at the vending machine or what we keep on hand at our desks may also drain our energy and creativity.

Want to become a "smart-snacker" and avoid the pitfalls of the office vending machine? Here are some tasty tips:

It's always helpful if you can get in a few servings of your 5-a-day with fresh fruit and yogurt.

Many food manufacturers have tasty, guilt-free versions of our old favorites, such as baked or whole-grain chips or crackers, available in 100-calorie packs. Keep some of those on hand.

You can also go with traditional smart choices of plain old-fashioned popcorn or a low-fat microwavable one, or almonds, cashews or other favorite nuts (the American Dietetic Association recommends walnuts, 'cause they’re high in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids).

If you have a sweet tooth, a handful of animal crackers are low in calories and fat and just might do the trick or take advantage of the antioxidants in dark chocolate and have a few small squares, its richness should ease cravings.