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I have been feeling really good lately. Strong. Both mentally and physically.
The past two weeks have been really eye-opening for me. It’s not just the nutrient-dense shake I’ve been having for breakfast. Or the strength training I’ve been incorporating into my workouts. It’s the fact that I’ve become more intentional. I’ve been planning out my weeks a lot more, reflecting on what foods have triggered energy spikes or cause me to crash.
I’ve been talking out my feelings, expressing what I need from other people, and following through with commitments to myself.
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One of the things that has helped me through the past two weeks is this snacking tool. I’ve always brought some fruit to the office with me, but I realized that fruit alone isn’t the best snack to sustain me.
Using the snack tool – created by SnackNation – I’ve been able to select specific requirements (e.g. a snack less than 300 calories, gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.) and it will automatically filter out the snacks that don’t meet the criteria. It’s been a really helpful planning tool and, through this resource and my own self-reflection, I’ve been able to figure out the things I need to bring with me and keep in my office drawer.
Want a box of snacks for free? Click here.
Snacking Self-Reflection:
I constantly feel like I need to chew on something. I don’t know why. But it’s why I never keep bags of chips or other trigger-foods in my office drawer. Because I don’t know how to be moderate about my snacking. Gum has been a lifesaver since I’ve gotten this office job.
The more I fill up on water, the less I snack mindlessly. More often than not, my body is craving water. Not food. And bonus points – you’ve gotta pee a lot more. Which means you’re upping the steps to and from the bathroom.
I am much more successful and happier about my day when I stick to an “eating schedule.” When I map out my week (and include the times I am going to be eating my snacks), I am more conscious about not eating during the non-eating times.
I am not trying to change who I am. I’m just trying to tweak a few other things so I can remain true to who I am. When Ankur and I first met, I noticed that he was a meal-to-meal kind of guy. He doesn’t really snack a whole lot (unless you put a plate of brownies in front of him and then he’ll go to town!). He mainly just has a well-rounded breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I thought I needed to change my lifestyle and stop buying snacks for the house. I thought, perhaps, I could get rid of my snacks and be a meal-to-meal kind of person. Turns out, that’s a real struggle for me. And there’s no need for me to change the grazer in me. I just have to find the appropriate foods (and the appropriate amount!) to graze on.
Questions of the Day:
- What are your favorite snacks to eat throughout the day?
- Are you a grazer or a meal-to-meal kind of person?
Oh. I love that phrase as a mantra: I’m not trying to change who I am.
Tweaks are good. Total overhaul can feel overwhelming.
CarlaLOVESpistachioa recently posted…It Takes A Village.
I work at home, so I am in a tough spot because I am always snacking on the quick and easy things that I find around the house (cookies, chips, etc). I need to be better about drinking more water.
I go in and out of snacking habits normally depending on my stress levels.
Shopgirl Anonymous recently posted…Urban Outfitters: What Is The Shopping Experience?
I’m a meal to meal person and a grazer–haha! I typically eat 3-4 meals and 1-2 snacks. I’m a hungry gal! I’ve been loving making banana muffins and taking them to work with some fruit! I’ve recently discovered the joys of healthy baking and it’s so satisfying to my sweet tooth!
Heather @ Polyglot Jot recently posted…Welcome to the World Baby Shower
Definitely a grazer. That’s great you were able to realize this about yourself though and are finding ways to snack more healthy. I’ve been trying to do that a lot too. Eating a pretzel here and there – the tiny twist ones – keeps me pretty full most of the time. I’m trying to drink more water as well.
-Lauren
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I have the BIGGEST oral fixation – LOL – but I do not snack. EVER. I chew on sugar-free gum like it’s going out of style, LOL! That being said, if people ever ask me for snack ideas, I always recommend hard boiled eggs with olives (to give em a little salty flavor), if they can eat eggs! I don’t recommend nuts too often because… We all know nuts can EASILY be over-eaten because they’re ridiculously addicting! haha!
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Good point about filling up on water- I definitely need to drink more water! This post made me hungry for cherries 🙂
Regardless of where I’m working (in an office or at home), I’m always snacking. I would probably skip meals and snack several times a day if I could.
Yep, I’m a snacker. I try to stick to items with protein like nuts or cheese to help fill me up though. And I agree with you, I think sometimes it’s just that my body is craving water, so I try to drink more of that.
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It makes me happy to hear that you are feeling so good lately. That is so important for our physical and emotional well being. It sounds like you really have been putting in an effort and that is awesome. Keep it up sweets.
I hope you have an awesome week.
Kim Airhart recently posted…Jake’s New Loft Bed
I currently work from home. So all I need is quick and easy things to be made. This post made me hungry for cherries 🙂
I am a snacker, too, but have learned (mostly anyway!) to be mindful of the snacks I keep in arm’s reach. Fruits, carrots and hummus, low sodium crispy things made of veggies usually work for me since I like a bit of crunch in my day 🙂
Thanks for sharing this and go you with the healthy eating 🙂
Charlotte recently posted…The Secret Keeper
the self-reflection questions were so helpful thank you!!
I am definitely a big snacker! I constantly snack! I should be more like you and drink more water so I won’t (unhealthyly) snack so much.
Ha! I’m the same as you, I feel I constantly have to snack on something. I like to eat small and frequent so this is a great share for me. Cherries are quite filling, once cherries are in season here I will stock up. For now I tend to bring nuts, and sometimes a little bowl of quinoa with vegetables or fruits.
I try to make water my first go-to. When I worked in an office, it was easy. Now that I work from home, it’s much more difficult. I try to watch the clock so I don’t mindlessly eat. It doesn’t always work.
Jobie Medina recently posted…Moms make time for you
I seriously do not snack , I dont have the time but I always have dried fruit in my bag. Amazing ideas
Moipone Islam recently posted…First Aid 101: How to Treat Bites and Stings
Hungry for those cherries.. Never took them as an office option ! And yes water, summers are here.. Need to have more of water to keep myself hydrated & off those fatty snacks:) Thanks for rejuvinating post!
Water is a great way to keep from mindless snacking! These are great tips. I love almonds but they are hight in calories, so it’s important to keep pre-portioned baggies in my office.
Jessica Bradshaw recently posted…May North Dallas Food and Fitness Events
I’m always wanting to be chewing on something too – I’m a texture addict, apparently. Drinking water and sticking to a schedule helps me as well. The schedule also gives me something to look forward to during the work day 🙂
Casey the College Celiac recently posted…How a Celiac Goes With Her Gut – with Hyperbiotics
I always kept trail mix at my desk at work with nuts and mixed fruit. It satisfied my hunger and sweet tooth.
Sarah Jean Althouse recently posted…5 Fresh Ways to “Go Green” In Your Home (+ my favorite cleaning hacks)
I definitely have some snacking habits to sort out. The snack tool sounds pretty helpful. Paying more attention to calories and ingredients is usually a good idea.
I also chew gum and drink water to avoid mindless eating. Eating slowly is another good tip. I try to prolong my meals or snack times for 20 minutes and this helps me feel full.
I definitely have poor snacking habits at work 🙁 as of late ive been snacking on almonds to decrease the not so good snacks
Shevoneese recently posted…Who Was Your A**Hole?
I like your ideas even though I do not eat any snacks. I like my meals and I think they are enough for me, but I know one thing I can never say “No” to cherries 🙂
I definitely agree that it’s important not to fight your snacking tendencies, but instead find ways to satisfy your snacking instincts in a healthy manner. I’m glad the snack planning tool has been so helpful. I rely on sugar too often for a pickup, especially in the afternoon.
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That is a great snack tool…I am always looking for high protein, low sugar snacks and it gives them right to you. Thanks.
Kim recently posted…Golf – A Challenge Worth Taking
What a great idea… monitoring snacks! I’m not always a big snacker but I do go through phases. Those cherries look so awesome. We really only see those here around Christmas time, but I love them as a healthy snack!
Dominique recently posted…Why We Decided to Boycott The 12 Week Rule
Wow! The snack tool is super handy to have. Thank you for letting me know about it.
im very much into trail mix..also, drinking water or tea helps me avoid mindless snacking.
dixya @food, pleasure, and health recently posted…Exercise is More Than a Weight Loss
Lately snap peas and almonds have been my snacks of choice. That paired with my water bottle and my body is happy!
Thanks for the helpful tips!! I definitely need to increase my water intake and snack less
I think the biggest thing that is missing for me is the water! Sometimes I will be hungry when I get home from work and just totally go CRAZY with unhealthy snacks instead of snacking lightly before dinner on something small and healthy. If I can just fill up a glass of water FIRST, it would probably make a huge difference. The more water I drink, the more healthy I seem to want to be throughout the day! Great tips!
Stephanie recently posted…Planning Your Next “Goal Trip”
Weird as it sounds, salad is a go-to snack for me! I always have a salad snack before lunch because I feel it helps fill me up a bit so I don’t eat a bunch of calorie rich but nutrient poor things. I also love cantaloupe and oranges for snacks.
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I changed my eating habits about a year and a half ago and it drastically changed how I felt both mentally and physically. I try to make sure I eat regularly, on schedule, and I mostly eat the same things every day. Making what I eat something I think about less has helped!
Corey | The Nostalgia Diaries recently posted…46 Songs to Start Your Day Off Right | Music Monday Playlist
The office is the worst place because there is a vending machine full of junk. These are perfect ideas for a healthier lunch.
Tami recently posted…Chasing Famous: Living the Life You’ve Always Auditioned For
The office is so bad for me… Most of my co-workers eat out for lunch just about everyday and it has rubbed off. It has really been messing up all my hard work. I have to really start managing my snacking and eating out! I will definitely have to check out this snack tool!
Drinking plenty of water is such a good trick. A lot of times we are just thirsty! Thanks for the good ideas!
Amy recently posted…A God-listening heart
These sound like very yum snack ideas! And I love your ideas for snacking reflection. I discovered that a lot of times when I thought I was hungry…I was actually just thirsty.
Our office keeps candy stocked. I try not to indulge but sometimes you need a sugary pick me up. I could def use a more healthy alternative.
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I think food/snack subscription boxes are sooo cool! I’ll put this one on my wishlist, too!
Tayler recently posted…Reading Roundup | April 2017
It’s weird. Either I’m all about snacking or I don’t snack at all. I feel winter time is my time to snack. Something about some weather makes me forget about snacks lol
Love these tips! I need to chew on something too, and have also found that not having junk food around the house helps. Now when I need something to munch on I reach for the almonds or grapes. Has helped me lots!
I love snacks, That tool sounds really cool, as I am trying to find healthier snack options, thanks for sharing 🙂
I find this snack tool helpful. I prefer fruits to fill my snack pack rather than potato chips and soda.
I don’t work in an office normally. My “office” can be my apartment, a hotel room or in the field but these tips are good all around. With the fridge, mini or otherwise and room service at your fingertips I can agree more that upping that water intake in the key. I am definitely going to start tracking what makes me crash and what keeps me going. Right now I am doing 2 hours of Muay Thai a day with work before, in the middle and after so keeping a steady energy level is key.
Will definitely be checking back for more tips
Great post, will definitely try some of these!
Your self-awareness about snacking habits is commendable. It’s inspiring to see you prioritize health and balance in your office routine. The SnackNation tool sounds like a game-changer. Keep nourishing your body and mind with intentional choices.
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