You reach for a snack to power through your workday, but instead of boosting your energy, it leaves you sluggish, unfocused, and craving more. The truth is some of the most common office snacks are actually sabotaging your productivity. Here are 10 snacks that destroy your focus, plus some healthy alternatives to keep you sharp throughout your work day.
10. Sugary Granola Bars
If we’re talking about healthy alternatives, we would pick Granola Bars any time of the day over a bar of chocolate. While they may give you the energy boost that you need, they’re loaded with sugar, which causes a quick energy spike followed by a bad crash. Instead, opt for snacks like almond mix or pumpkin seeds for steady energy and brain-boosting omega-3s.
9. Potato Chips
Probably the easiest snack to eat in the office is Potato Chips. Why not? They’re very easy to get, and some offices even have their own snack machines with different brands. However, they offer very little to no nutritional value at all, which leads to sluggishness. Instead, try an unflavored air-popped popcorn which provides fiber without excessive fats that will help you stay alert.
8. Flavored Coffee Drinks
You can’t separate offices from coffee shops. Like a bag of chips, it’s easy to buy coffee at the office as they’re available just outside. While they may have caffeine to wake you up, they contain high levels of sugar, leading to energy crashes. Instead, try black coffee or matcha, which offers caffeine without the need for sugar, offering an energy boost and enhanced cognitive function.
7. Instant Ramen Noodles
When you have a heavy deadline at work, you run to Instant Ramen Noodles in a cup for a quick meal. They’re very easy to make as all you need is right by the office pantry. However, they contain sodium and lack essential nutrients, which makes you feel sluggish. Eat a protein-packed salad instead with grilled chicken or chickpeas to get the essential vitamins you need to be productive.
6. Donuts
Another popular office snacks are donuts, which are quick to consume and at the same time filling. However, Donuts are pastries which are high in refined sugar and fats. Eventually, your focus will shift towards the sluggishness and sleepiness you’ll feel. To keep the energy high, opt for whole-grain toast with unsweetened peanut butter for fiber and protein.
5. Burgers
Burgers are also a popular food choice since they’re quick and filling. However, the refined carbohydrates and sodium from the white bread and greasy patties make you feel lethargic. Instead, opt for a turkey and avocado wrap avocado wrap on a whole-wheat tortilla. Why? Avocados contain omega-3 fatty acids that help in cognitive function.
4. Flavored Yogurts
When trying to lose calories and create a healthy lifestyle, we often pick up Flavored Yogurts from the grocery as an office snack. Well, they’re not exactly true. Why? They’re packed with added sugar, causing blood sugar to fluctuate, resulting in loss of focus. Instead, go for plain yogurt filled with berries and nuts. They provide enough protein and fiber that help you focus on your task.
3. Chocolate Bars
While you may think that Chocolate Bar may have raised your energy levels, wait until it dwindles down. Why? They’re rich in sugar and unhealthy fats that cause major energy crashes. If you can’t give up on chocolate, try to get those dark chocolate-covered nuts, as they’re rich in antioxidants and healthy fats that support brain health and steady energy.
2. Muffins
Muffins are soft and quiet to eat, making them a good snack to eat at the office. However, they belong to the refined carbohydrates family, which has a high glycemic index (GI). It spikes your blood sugar, making you feel lethargic at work. Instead, try overnight oats filled with berries and nuts providing long-lasting energy throughout your work day.
1. Hot Dogs
You might want to put off those Hot Dog sandwiches you saved as a snack. Why? They’re high in sodium and preservatives that cause inflammation. It affects the way you think, as it might trigger the overproduction of stress hormones. Try a grilled chicken wrap in a whole-wheat tortilla instead to get your energy from fiber and protein combined.