When you're rushing out the door for your shift, it may be easier to grab a candy bar or a bag of chips than to prepare healthy snacks. Preparing some healthy snacks for work, though, can help you eat healthier and may save you money when compared with vending machines or hospital cafeteria food.
Healthy snacks can also help you keep your energy high, and as a busy medical professional, they can actually even save you time. It may be easier to grab something to eat if you have snacks on the go and don't have to wander through the clinic or hospital looking for something nutritious to buy.
Luckily, there are several snacks that are good for you, and many of these snacks are also easy to prepare and taste great.
The possibilities are endless, but here are seven easy snacks for on the go to get you started:
One of the best easy snacks to prepare, trail mix is a great option because it's tasty, has healthy fats from the nuts and is simple to eat. There are prepared versions you can buy in stores, but they may have added sugars or preservatives.
It's easy (and inexpensive) to make your own trail mix. Simply go to a bulk food store and pick out some ingredients. These may include:
If you like, toast the nuts and cereals for a few minutes in the oven and toss with the other ingredients you have chosen. Pop your snack into a container and you're ready for work!
As a medical professional, you may already be telling patients about the importance of fruits and veggies. Luckily, these foods make a great snack and are very portable. Just chop up your favorite veggies and pop them into a container with a smaller sealed container of your favorite dressing for a quick and healthy snack. If you prefer fruit, go for some apple slices, berries or grapes and dip them in some yogurt or peanut butter sweetened with a little honey.
A container of Greek yogurt along with mixed granola, nuts and fresh fruit (packed in a separate container) make a great snack. Just pack a spoon, and when you're ready to eat, stir all the ingredients together for a delicious mini treat.
If you're looking for easy snacks but don't want to spend a lot of time preparing your snacks, look for high-quality beef jerky. Read the labels and opt for jerky with a low sodium and sugar content. The protein will help you stay energetic during your shift, and the fat can help you feel satiated.
Wraps are a great option for a snack. Just top a gluten-free or wheat tortilla with peanut butter and jam or some lean chicken or turkey, vegetables and sauce. Wrap tightly, cover in plastic and take it with you. If there's a fridge in the staff lounge, keep your snack in there until you're ready to eat. Otherwise, pack your wrap in a bag with an ice pack to keep it chilled if you've opted for a cheese or meat version.
Crackers can be great with hummus and veggies. Whole-grain cracker versions offer plenty of fiber, while vegetables pack the nutrition power. Hummus adds some extra flavor, as well as some protein, to those whole-grain crackers, peppers, cucumbers and anything else you like.
A few low-fat cheeses combined with whole-grain crackers and vegetables can feel like a gourmet meal, but they are a fun and fast snack. Just keep the crackers, veggies and cheese in separate containers to keep your crackers and veggies crisp.
At Pulse Uniform, we understand medical professionals are so busy that even snack time can be in short supply. That's why we make it so simple to order scrubs online and get them delivered fast - leaving you more time for what matters.
Sources:
http://greatist.com/health/high-protein-snacks-portable
http://www.cookinglight.com/eating-smart/smart-choices/healthy-office-snacks
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/quick-easy/healthy-snack-ideas