We’ve perfected the art of the office lunch—but even the most protein-packed lunch bowls can’t prevent the inevitable 3 p.m. rumbly belly. Before you give up your quarters to the vending machine, hear us out! There are plenty of easy, healthy snacks you can make yourself that will satisfy your hunger or your palate, depending on which one is needier at any given moment.
1. Cucumbers and other fixin’s
Restaurant and drinks editor Andrew Knowlton swears by his almost-no-calorie crunchy, spicy snack: cucumbers tossed with Aleppo pepper, Maldon sea salt, and lemon juice. Cucumbers are a great vehicle forhummus and yogurt-based dips, too. It’s probably a good idea to keep some around.
Restaurant and drinks editor Andrew Knowlton swears by his almost-no-calorie crunchy, spicy snack: cucumbers tossed with Aleppo pepper, Maldon sea salt, and lemon juice. Cucumbers are a great vehicle forhummus and yogurt-based dips, too. It’s probably a good idea to keep some around.
2. Crunchy chickpeas
They’re salty, spicy, and crunchy like your favorite bag of chips, but these chickpeas actually contribute some protein into the equation. Warning: They’re addictive.
They’re salty, spicy, and crunchy like your favorite bag of chips, but these chickpeas actually contribute some protein into the equation. Warning: They’re addictive.
3. Chocolate
If you’re the kind of person who goes for a candy bar in the afternoons, it’s time to make your own somewhat healthier version. This seedy chocolate bark is made with 70% dark chocolate and is super crunchy thanks to pumpkin, hemp, and sesame seeds. Then, a sprinkling of flaky sea salt satisfies your sweet and salty tooth at the same time. A multi-tasking snack, for sure.
If you’re the kind of person who goes for a candy bar in the afternoons, it’s time to make your own somewhat healthier version. This seedy chocolate bark is made with 70% dark chocolate and is super crunchy thanks to pumpkin, hemp, and sesame seeds. Then, a sprinkling of flaky sea salt satisfies your sweet and salty tooth at the same time. A multi-tasking snack, for sure.
4. A standby nut mix
Nuts and seeds are some of the healthiest snacks out there—but they’re not always the most exciting. Make a big batch of this spiced cashew and pepita mix, then make it work double-time by tossing them into your salads when you’re not eating it by the handful. If you’re craving more grain in your snack, try our equally crunchy savory granola.
Nuts and seeds are some of the healthiest snacks out there—but they’re not always the most exciting. Make a big batch of this spiced cashew and pepita mix, then make it work double-time by tossing them into your salads when you’re not eating it by the handful. If you’re craving more grain in your snack, try our equally crunchy savory granola.
5. D.I.Y. energy bars
It’s too easy to make your own date-nut-grain-seed bars: Just make a big loaf, then cut off portions as the week goes on.
It’s too easy to make your own date-nut-grain-seed bars: Just make a big loaf, then cut off portions as the week goes on.
6. Pack some hard-boiled eggs in your bag
Sprinkled with salt and pepper (or, hey, Aleppo pepper!), a sliced hard-boiled egg is a filling, protein-friendly snack. Just make sure to peel it in the office kitchenette as to not offend your colleagues. Here’s how to boil it right every time.
Sprinkled with salt and pepper (or, hey, Aleppo pepper!), a sliced hard-boiled egg is a filling, protein-friendly snack. Just make sure to peel it in the office kitchenette as to not offend your colleagues. Here’s how to boil it right every time.
7. A cup of yogurt, all dressed up
Yogurt is a great mid-afternoon snack—just make sure not to get the cups with all that sugary jam at the bottom. Dress it up yourself with fresh fruit, honey, nuts, and even a dash of orange-flower or rose water.
Yogurt is a great mid-afternoon snack—just make sure not to get the cups with all that sugary jam at the bottom. Dress it up yourself with fresh fruit, honey, nuts, and even a dash of orange-flower or rose water.
8. Tomato toast (or something like it)
We know: Not everyone has access to a test kitchen like we do. That said, if your office kitchen has a toaster, take full advantage of it for snacktime. We love layering a piece with butter, slices of ultra-ripe tomato, and sea salt. No toaster? No problem—just use heartier bread. And if you need more toast-topping inspiration, we got you covered.
We know: Not everyone has access to a test kitchen like we do. That said, if your office kitchen has a toaster, take full advantage of it for snacktime. We love layering a piece with butter, slices of ultra-ripe tomato, and sea salt. No toaster? No problem—just use heartier bread. And if you need more toast-topping inspiration, we got you covered.
9. If you need to have chips, just make your own
You can control the amount of salt and fat on your chips if you make them yourself. We recommend making pita chips—they’re less likely to break and crumble than potato (or kale) chips, and they’re the best companion for hummus.
You can control the amount of salt and fat on your chips if you make them yourself. We recommend making pita chips—they’re less likely to break and crumble than potato (or kale) chips, and they’re the best companion for hummus.
10. Stock up on peanut butter
A straight-up spoonful of your favorite peanut butter (or alternative nut/seed butter!) is a great way to calm your cravings. Salty, sweet, rich, sticky—and great with a cold glass of milk. Also great on celery, cucumbers, or toast.
A straight-up spoonful of your favorite peanut butter (or alternative nut/seed butter!) is a great way to calm your cravings. Salty, sweet, rich, sticky—and great with a cold glass of milk. Also great on celery, cucumbers, or toast.
KEYWORDS: Cooking Tips, Snacks
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