The desk drawer stash: healthy snacking solutions

These snacks require no prep time, just remember to pick them up during your next grocery store run.

• Go nuts.
  The protein in nuts keeps you satiated. Take a handful, not a bowlful. Walnuts provide heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids to keep brain cells healthy. A quarter cup of walnuts or cashews provides 5 grams of protein; the same serving of soy nuts, 11 grams. Combine with raisins or other dried fruit for a quick trail mix.
  
• Power up with protein bars.
  Keep your office draw stocked with high-protein bars, such as Slimfast® High Protein Meal bar or Shaklee Multi Munch® bar. One package packs 15 grams of protein and stops the light-headedness within minutes.
  
• Bag the bean after lunch.
  Substitute your afternoon cup of coffee for green or black tea to help you remain calm during a hectic day. A study from University College of London shows that antioxidants in black tea, called catechins, lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Keep a few tea bags handy.

Grab and Go Healthy Snacking Solutions
Keep these staples in the office fridge and your silverware handy:

Lift the Lid and Dig In.
Keep a week's supply of yogurt for a quick snack. Just watch the sugar content. Plain and vanilla flavors tend to have much less added sugar. Add fresh fruit, blueberries, strawberries, or other seasonal berries that offer non-refined sugars and vitamin C.

Fuel up on Fiber. 
Spread hummus on a whole wheat pita. Garbanzo beans (the main ingredient for hummus) are high in fiber, protein, iron and vitamin C. Two tablespoons of hummus provide 3 grams of fiber and 3 grams of protein, while whole wheat pitas offer 5 grams of dietary fiber and 6 grams of protein. According to the Institute of Medicine's Food and Nutrition Board, women should consume 21 grams a day and men, 30 grams. Snacks with fiber:

Can the Soda for a Lemon-Water.
High sugar drinks give you a spike, but in the long run may make you sleepier, according to research published in Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental. Drop lemon and lime slices in your water bottle. Sliced cucumber also provides a unique and refreshing taste.

Desperately Seeking a Healthy Snack?
What if your desk drawer is empty and you left the healthy snacks on the counter at home? Grab your wallet and take a brisk walk, outside - force yourself to avoid the route to the vending machine. Find the nearest bag of nuts or fresh fruit at the local eatery, grocery or convenience store. You'll return to your desk with a satisfied belly, clear head and a smile on your face.

Here are some of my favorite "off the shelf" snacks:

SlimFast Peanut Granola Protein Bars
200 calories
15 grams of protein
2 grams of fiber
Packs a protein punch that will satisfy the mid-afternoon cravings and leave you feeling satisfied.

Shaklee Cinch Bars
130 calories
10 grams of protein
No artificial colors, sweeteners, or flavors and no trans fats. Low on the glycemic index, too.

Bear Naked Granola
140 calories for ¼ cup
5 grams of protein
3 grams of fiber
Mix-in with Dannon's All Natural non fat plain yogurt.

Dannon's Coffee Yogurt
A great alternative to that café latte.

Republic of Tea - Ginger Peach
Ban the bean for an afternoon tea. Green tea packs an antioxidant punch.