Cheap and Convenient Snack Ideas for Work
By Lana Bandoim
You just had a long meeting with the advertising department that drained the last bit of your energy. However, it will be five hours before last night's leftovers can be reheated for dinner. Fortunately, there's a stash of cheap and convenient snacks in your desk to prevent raiding the vending machine or drinking five cups of water to relieve the hunger pangs.
And what might those cheap and convenient snacks be?
Ziploc Bags Filled with Mixed Nuts
Instead of paying for prepackaged bags of mixed nuts that cost more, buy different nuts in bulk and mix them at home. Then fill Ziploc bags with the cheaper version and keep them at work. Consider mixing peanuts, cashews, almonds and walnuts together for more variety. Change the flavor by adding raisins, dried fruit or chocolate morsels to the bags.
Small Boxes of Crackers
Crackers are a convenient snack you can eat at work. If you keep small boxes of whole grain crackers in your desk, they can satisfy a carbohydrate craving and prevent you from eating more candy. Spice up the boring cracker by buying versions that have extra ingredients such as herbs, sea salt or cheese.
Tupperware Containers Filled with Vegetables
You do not want to waste money on the bags or trays of precut vegetables in stores. Instead, wash and cut up vegetables at home that can fill small Tupperware containers. Celery and carrots are popular choices. Grape tomatoes, cauliflower florets, cucumber slices and snap peas are also good additions. Remember to leave the onion slices at home because you probably do not have time to brush your teeth at the office.
Tupperware Containers Filled with Dips
Stores sell small containers of ranch dressing or hummus, but save money by making your own. Simply fill round Tupperware containers with your favorite dips. They make perfect companions for the vegetables above. No one wants to eat plain celery or carrots.
Ziploc Bags Filled with Fancy Popcorn
You can replicate the fancy flavored popcorn by adding your own spices or herbs. Dress up plain popcorn with Parmesan cheese, butter, salt and pepper, or add a mix of herbs. The flavored popcorn can live in Ziploc bags inside your desk until you are hungry for a healthy treat.
Avoid the afternoon dash to the vending machine by bringing homemade snacks to work. Your budget will thank you, and coworkers will appreciate having more options in the vending machine without you eating all the candy.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.