Healthy Snacks to Keep at Your Desk

Many people spend eight to ten hours a day sitting at a desk, in front of a computer. While this may be good for business, it's not good for maintaining a healthy weight. I personally have been battling weight gain ever since I started a desk job, and would like to share some of the healthy snacks that I keep at my desk and in my office fridge to keep me away from the donuts and pizza that seem to be everywhere in my office.

Organic Peanut Butter

With 8 grams of protein in every 2 teaspoon serving, peanut butter is one of my best friends in the afternoon. The protein keeps me from getting tired at the end of the day. Be careful not to go overboard here, as peanut butter also has 16 grams of fat and 200 calories in a serving. The protein makes it worth the calories though, and the fat is mostly the "good" kind.

Almonds

Again, this is a nut that will pack a lot of fiber, as well as some good fat. 12 almonds will give you 3 grams of protein, 80 calories and 7 grams of fat. These are also perfect for giving you that afternoon burst of energy.

Dried Plums (Prunes)

While some people probably associate prunes with the elderly, we all can benefit from the fiber in this fruit. Seven Sunsweet brand prunes are only 99 calories and will give you 3 grams of fiber, which is 12% of the recommended daily amount.

Cheese

Another great source of protein is cheese, and my favorite form of cheese for the office is mozzarella string cheese. Throw some of these in the office mini-fridge, and they are portioned out and ready to eat. There are 8 grams of Protein and 80 calories in one stick, and the 6 grams of fat is really not that much. You might also try mini Babybel cheese which has 6 grams of protein, 50 calories, and 3 grams of fat in the light version and is also easily stored.

Remember that these suggestions are meant to be snacks, so always eat them in moderation. If you snack correctly while at work, you'll be less likely to overeat at meals and you'll have more energy throughout the day.