COVID-19 is giving a tough time to the entire world. Companies have asked employees to work from home to prevent community spread and a further outbreak of the pandemic. At this time, when some of the cities are on complete lockdown, and people are confined to their homes, working remotely, chances are that many of you are indulging in binge eating. Little do we calculate that grabbing whatever we find in the refrigerator can lead to weight gain in a short time span. We are not asking you to say No to food, but it’s time to pay attention to mindful eating. Snacking isn’t at all bad, provided you know what you are eating. To help, we have made a list of healthy snacks you can eat while working from home so that you look in shape when the life normalizes and we go back to the workplace.
We will talk about:
• Popcorn
• Roasted chickpeas
• Multigrains
• Dark chocolate
• Dry fruits
• Apples and peanut butter
• Frozen yogurt and fruit
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Hummus and carrot
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Popcorn
One of the healthiest and most popular low-calorie snack, popcorn is loaded with essential nutrients. It is a whole grain food with high fiber content and polyphenol antioxidants, which improve blood circulation and digestion. If you are on a diet, it is the perfect snack to make you feel fuller for longer. Also, snacking popcorn between meals lowers your temptation for fatty food and sweets. 100 grams of air-popped popcorn has 387 calories in total.
Roasted Chickpeas
Chickpeas have high protein, vitamins, and minerals content. They are a good source of protein and fiber, thus promote fullness and keep the appetite under control. Roasted chickpeas are non-perishable, which means you don’t need to refrigerate them for a long time. These have 119 calories per serving (28 gm).
Multigrains
A mix of oats, ragi flakes, barley flakes, and rolled wheat is super healthy and helps you manage weight. Multiple grains could be a good way to keep the energy level high and boost immunity at the same time.
Dark Chocolates
Dark chocolates are a good source of minerals such as zinc, iron, and magnesium. These are made from seeds of the cocoa tree and have less sugar than milk chocolates. Dark chocolates are instant mood busters. And if you are craving for something sweet, these could be a good alternative. A 101 grams bar of dark chocolate has 604 calories.
Dry Fruits
Also termed as superfoods, dry fruits are loaded in antioxidants, fiber, and micronutrients. They boost metabolism and cure hunger pangs. Mix cashews, figs, almonds, walnut, raisins, and dates in a bowl and keep it at your
work table so that whenever hunger strikes, the superfood is within your reach. 28g of Cashews have 157 calories, 100g of Figs have 174.09 calories, 28g of almonds have 162 calories, 28g of walnuts have 183 calories, 28g of raisins have 84 calories, and 28g of dates have 79 calories.
Apple with Peanut Butter
Here comes a delicious and satisfying snack. While Apple is rich in fiber and water, peanut butter has healthy fats and protein. Have half apple with one tablespoon of peanut butter and you will get only 157 calories.
Frozen Yogurt
For those with a sweet tooth, frozen yogurt is the ideal snack. It is a low-fat dairy food and a great source of calcium and protein. You can top up any flavored yogurt with fresh fruit for the increased taste. Most of the frozen yogurt in the market have less than 150 calories.
Hard-boiled Eggs
Eggs are a powerhouse of protein and nutrients. If you want a no-fuss snack that can be easily made at home, go for hard-boiled eggs. Top them over salad or sprinkle some salt & black pepper to eat alone, they will make you feel full. One large hard-boiled egg has 77 calories.
Hummus with Carrot
Hummus is made from chickpeas and sesame oil, thus it is rich in fiber and healthy fat. Carrot, on the other hand, is rich in potassium and vitamin A. Hummus with carrot is a well-balanced snack. You can have eight baby carrots with one-half cup of hummus and the combination has 200 calories.
What Next?
Believe us or not, if you are working from home, food could be your worst enemy. Sure, there are distractions at home and the pressure to prove your efficiency will always be on top of the mind; it is natural to grab a quick bite to energize your brain. Skipping meals or overeating will not make you productive. What you need to do is:
• Set up your day like a regular workday with a fixed time for meals and short-breaks
• Try not to eat at your desk because you might overeat while working simultaneously
• Stock up your refrigerator and kitchen with healthy snacks so that you don’t end up eating unhealthy foods when hunger pangs arrive
Apart from isolation, diet could be another challenge while working from home. Make sure to keep your nutrition in check, when your home has become your office.
Must Read: Everything You Need to Know About Coronavirus & COVID-19