You're hungry and glued to your desk. What are your best options for a satisfying snack?
If you find yourself stuck at work with a deadline, an energy slump and no food source other than the vending machine, take heart: Your office vending machine could contain a couple of items that will slay your hunger and notch up your energy level — without undermining your daily POINTS® Target.
Keep in mind that snacks high in protein and fiber will deliver the longest-lasting energy return. But be careful with products labeled "whole grain," says Alan Lee, a registered dietician at Greyston Health Services in Yonkers, NY. They are often a source of fiber — but not always.
And even though the word "healthy" may appear on a package, there is no regulated measure of genuinely healthy ingredients necessary for the manufacturer to put it there.
Read the label to be sure that the product truly has a good amount of protein or fiber or less fat than typical packaged snacks. And use the POINTS calculator to find out exactly what you're eating.
Here are some smart choices for satisfying your hunger, according to Lee. And as a reminder that not everything from a vending is a good choice, we've also included snacks you'd be wise to pass up.
Smart picks
Cereal bars
They were intended for breakfast, but whole-grain cereal or granola bars will fuel you anytime. One typical cereal bar has a POINTS value of 3.
Trail mix
A combination of nuts and dried fruits, such as raisins, delivers protein and fiber. But be sure to avoid versions mixed with candies such as chocolate or banana chips. A 1/4 cup of trail mix has a POINTS value of 4.
Energy bar
If you have hours to go before you can enjoy a real meal, choose one of the big guns: an energy bar. An average energy bar has a POINTS value of 4 to 5.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a fiber-rich breakfast or snack choice. A single serving of apples and cinnamon instant oatmeal contains 130 calories for a POINTS value of 2.
Poor picks
Frosted pastries
Not even kids should pop these in the toaster. One frosted toaster pastry packs a POINTS value of 9.
Reese's peanut butter cups
It's obvious that a chocolate bar won't provide lasting energy, but some might think that adding the nutrients and protein in peanut butter might help the mix. For a POINTS value of 6 for just two, though, it's pure candy.
Potato chips
Most chips are fried, which boosts their POINTS values skyward (one serving has a POINTS value of about 4). Of course, you could be lucky enough to run across a vending machine stocking baked chips, which have a POINTS value of 2, with far less fat.
Snackwells Cookie Sandwiches
With 1 or 2 POINTS values per cookie, these won't ruin your daily standing, but they are heavily sweetened and won't do much for real hunger. Bottom line: "They're not very filling," says Lee.
Pretzels
So maybe this isn't a worst choice. What should be noted, however, is that this snack is often thought to be a safe vending machine mainstay at a POINTS value of 2 (for 1 oz of pretzels). But they've got little fiber, so soon you'll be taking a trip back for another snack. "They're super salty tasting," says Lee, "but offer little satisfaction."
The best course of action is to plan for those energy dips and long hours by bringing in fresh fruit, low-fat cheese and yogurt.
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