A sampling from the desk-worthy lineup. Photo by NCRFlash drives, sticky notes, paper clips and pens fill one of my desk drawers. Healthy snacks overtake the other, more important drawer.
I like to think of those snacks as protection plans against blood-sugar dips, brain fade, chronic illness and even weight gain.
If you're looking for healthy nibble ideas, consider stashing these eight inside your desk.
1. Freeze-dried peas: Peas are fatigue-fighters. For this reason, they're a great antidote to the 3 p.m. slump. Freeze-dried peas contain all the health benefits of the fully hydrated versions. The freeze-drying process, which removes more than 90 percent of the moisture, gives them a longer shelf--or desk--life, without additives and perservatives. One cup of these puppies boasts 9 grams of protein. They're also high in fiber, folic acid and iron, as well as vitamins B1, B3, B6 and C. I like Archer Farms freeze-dried peas, which are sold at Target stores.
2. Roasted plantain chips: When I get a crunchy-starchy-salty craving during the workday, I reach for a handful of roasted plantain chips. Like bananas, plantains are rich in potassium. They're also a great source of vitamin A, which supports eye sight. That's good news for those of you who stare at computer screens all day. If you want to make your own, Martha Stewart has a tasty--and easy--recipe. You can also find prepackaged versions at your local grocery store. If you're buying a store-bought varietal, just be sure they're roasted and not fried.
3. Dried fruit: According to Science Daily, snacking on raisins three times a day may significantly lower blood pressure. Other healthy dried fruits include apricots, apples, mangos, figs, cherries, papaya, blueberries, black currants, plums, pears, tomatoes and goji berries. Try to buy unsulfured versions, if you can find them. Avoid dried pineapple, cranberries, bananas and watermelon, unless you're positive they haven't been coated with added sweeteners.
4. Dark chocolate: There are some workdays when you need chocolate, and nothing but chocolate will do. The good news: Dark chocolate is good for your heart and brain. It's high in potassium and copper, which protect against stroke and cardiovascular disease. Dark chocolate is also packed with antioxidants, which rid your body of free radicals. To receive its maximum benefits, buy quality dark chocolate that's at least 70 percent cacao and contains no high-fructose corn syrup. Check out Chuao Chocolatier's Origins Bar, made with 77 percent cacao from Venezula.
5. Kale chips: Is there a vegetable more trendy than kale? It seems as though every restaurant on planet Earth is serving kale these days. Good for kale. It deserves the spotlight, even if for no other reason than its vitamin K percentages. They practically touch the stratosphere. Vitamin K regulates normal blood clotting, making it a necessary nutrient for injury response, according to Dr. Andrew Weil, who's based in Tempe, Ariz., and specializes in integrative medicine. Vitamin K also assists in transporting calcium throughout the body, and therefore is beneficial for bone health. Like other green vegetables, kale is also high in vitamins A and C. Vitamin C has been shown to fight free radicals associated with stress. Rhythm Superfoods' Mango Habanero Kale Chips are bull's-eye desk food. They're crunchy, spicy and sweet--and 100 percent organic.
6. Fresh fruit and vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables are the foundation of a healthy diet. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends consuming seven to 13 servings of fruit and vegetables per day. For a person eating a 2,000-calorie diet, that equates to nine daily servings, or 4 1/2 cups of produce. (The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has a calculator you can use to obtain your calorie needs based on your age, sex and activity level.) Fresh fruits and vegetables prevent some types of cancer. And the heart receives maximum benefits from fresh produce, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Some of my favorite desk-drawer-friendly fruits and veggies are bananas, oranges, pears, apples, tangerines, mangos, avocados, carrots, cherry tomatoes, celery, zucchini and asparagus. Asparagus is high in folic acid, which is a mood stabilizer.
7. Nuts & nut butters: Research shows that people who eat healthy fats often weigh less than those who don't. Your body needs good fats, found in nuts and nut butters, fish and avocados, to function properly. These fats help you absorb vitamins A, D and E. They're also good for your brain. When selecting nuts, aim for raw, unsalted nuts. Check out Livestrong.com for serving-size suggestions. When choosing a nut butter, ensure the ingredients on the label include only one ingredient: the nut used to make the nut butter. You don't want added sugar, oils or ingredients you can't pronounce blended in. MaraNatha, which is sold at most grocery stores, has an organic raw almond butter in creamy and crunchy varietals. There are 17 grams of fat and 7 grams of protein in two tablespoons.
8. Organic instant oatmeal packets: Whether you need a mid-morning tide-me-over or an afternoon pick-me-up, organic instant oatmeal packets are up to the task. Each serving contains 8 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber. Look for brands that don't add sugar to the oats. Nature's Path Original Oatmeal contains no sugar, just a touch of sea salt. To jazz it up, sprinkle nuts, dried fruit and sliced banana on top.
What snacks do you keep in your desk?
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Monday, June 17, 2013 at 07:39AM 
These tropical sorbet pops are dairy-free and fruit-full. Photos by NCR
Tropical Sorbet Pops
