You’d be shocked by how many smoothies we down each day here at HQ, but beyond the blender, scrounging up healthy snacks for work is no easy feat! We begged registered dietitian (and adorable friend), Shira Lenchewski, to come meet us in the office a week or so ago to hack our snack supply and we loved everything she had to say. Moreso, we she changed our lives by making these salted caramel nuts in mere minutes in our toaster oven. Get all Shira’s smart tips below… 

As I’ve talked about here before, my food philosophy is pretty simple: Food is nourishment and pleasure, and I honestly don’t believe you can live a happy, healthy life without both. A big part of this is about eating food that is not just healthy, but really delicious as well, and thereby avoiding what I like to call the full-not-satisfied phenomenon.

How many times have we experienced this?: We’ve been snacking on go-to “healthy foods” (plain unsalted nuts, plain yogurt, plain popcorn, etc.), and we’re not hungry anymore per se, but we’re not satisfied either. That’s because so many of these foods are exactly that — plain. And there’s nothing satisfying about plain. I like to focus on ways to amp up flavor and, ultimately, enjoyment, without added sugar and artificial ingredients. Here are my recommendations…

7 Healthy Snacks For Work

Kombucha + Nuts: Kombucha with roasted nuts (my go-tos are the pre-portioned cashew packs at Trader Joe’s). I love this pairing because it’s delicious and satisfying and easy to take on the go. Kombucha is also amazing for your gut and overall health – learn more here!

Healthy Condiments: These technically aren’t snacks on their own, but they can turn the simplest natural foods into flavorful, fully-satisfying treats. I always keep the following on hand: Eden Furikake, Garlic Gold seasoning nuggets, hummus and tahini.

Avocado: One half an avocado with furikake or garlic salt. So simple, so flavorful. The healthy fat keeps blood-sugar levels steady and sugar cravings at bay.

Seasoned Cukes: Persian cucumber chips, sea salt, red pepper and olive oil – the olive oil offers healthy fat, while the red pepper gives it an unexpected kick.

Crudités + Hummus: Crudités with hummus were basically made for each other. Plus, they’re loaded with fiber, which helps keep us full. Plain hummus is great, but if you’re looking for a little excitement, try making this beet hummus or this lemon thyme version.

Crackers with pesto: Gluten-free crackers with dairy-free pesto. The crackers from Mary’s Gone Crackers are loaded with fiber and the dairy-free pesto is full of flavor and healthy fat. This snack couldn’t be easier to assemble, and yet it feels more elevated than say, apple and peanut butter. Check out these cracker recipes for a healthy, high-protein DIY option.

Homemade Sweets:Making your own sweet treats means you have total control over what goes into them. For the most indulgent-feeling healthy snack, it’s a toss up between my salted caramel pecans (get the recipe below!), which legitimately taste like the top of a pecan pie, and my paleo chocolate peppermint patties. I also love my grain-free chocolate zucchini cupcakes with matcha frosting – learn to make them here.