Written By: Pavitra Sampath | Updated : September 3, 2013 12:16 PM IST
If you've been working, chances are that you gorge on samosas, kachoris, vadas and cheese sandwiches every day. Everyone knows they are unhealthy and often blame it on the management for the paucity of healthy options. However, it is possible to carry some healthy and easy-to-carry snacks from home, if you just plan well.
Fruit salad: As we all know antioxidants work hard to protect our body from disease and ageing. What you dint know is that the secret to maximise benefits of antioxidants, is to combine them. All you need to do is cut up a few fruits that you like and mix them together maybe with a little chat masala or eat them just the way they are. It is a low calorie, high fibre snack that will keep you full and keep that junk food craving at bay. Just take care to store them in a refrigerator in your office till you eat them.
Dry fruits: Dry fruits are considered as a rich source of nutrients. Always carry a small box filled with an assortment of nuts in our bag or just keep one in your office drawer.Just remember that it is better to avoid the salted variety as they can lead to water retention and increase in BP
Sprouts: Sprouts abound with antioxidants, proteins, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. You could use chana, mung, bengal gram to use as sprouts. Make the sprouts at home or just pick them up from stores. For a quick snack at the office, boil them,add finely chopped onions and tomatoes. Add chat masala and a dash of lime. This low in calorie and high in fibre snack will keep you full for a long time.
Dry Bhel: Low in calories and an easy to carry option considering it won't get soggy even if made a few hours before you eat it.Carry puffed rice (kurmura), peanuts in a box. Add onions, tomatoes, green chillies, coriander leaves (dhania) and lemon just before you eat.
Green salad: A mix of all your favourite veggies, chopped with salt and a dash of lemon. This is a light snack which will surely ward of the 'lazy' demon. Fresh veggies are the best thing you could do for your tummy. Snack on this treat before lunch and they'll keep you going for a long time.
Salted or boiled peanuts: About a handful of peanuts a day can provide you with the required amount of anti-oxidants , minerals, vitamins and proteins, and keep you full at the same time.
Roasted chick peas (chana): A half- cup serving is great to munch as a snack with tea late afternoon or evening. Naturally fat-free and sodium-free, they lower your risk of heart disease and colon cancer.
Dry roasted papad: Roasted or grilled, it is a great snack and low in calories. However, people with high BP should keep away from them as they are high in sodium.
Home-made popcorn: Made without oil or butter, popcorn is a volume and nutrient dense snack. It's whole grain and filled with fibre to keep you full and give you the psychological satisfaction of eating a lot.
If you have to order from outside, here are some healthy options:
Instead of white bread butter sandwiches, order a brown bread sandwich without butter. Ditch that samosa, and order dhoklas,khandvior idlis with sambar instead.
Now going to work need not warrant a break in your diet. Try these delicious and easy-to-make snacks to answer those unwelcome cravings!
