Munchies | Source: Giphy.com
Munchies | Source: Giphy.com

This happens to the BEST of us – even if you’re not someone who gets hungry easily, the munchies are just inevitable ESPECIALLY when you’re on your behind all day at work or studying for an important exam. There are days you sit around and a packet of chips (or in the case of our workplace, CUPCAKES) are at hand and before you know it, as you furiously type away on your laptop, you’ve consumed WAY more than you intended on having in the first place. I find the munchies generally strike around 3ish in the afternoon (that weird moment of the day when its been a while since lunch, but afternoon tea hasn’t quite arrived either). Well, we have a solution! Here are some absolutely guilt-free snacks to keep those pesky munchies at bay!

1) Apples

Apples | Source: Tumblr
Apples | Source: Tumblr

Not only are apples low-fat, low-calorie foods, but they’re ideal when you’re having a sweet tooth attack! Crunchy, sweet and usually a little juicy – you can munch on these all day long! For a little added twist, chop up an apple and add some peanut butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. This is perfect for a mid-afternoon treat or even as a dessert!

2) Mixed Nuts – Peanuts, Cashews & Almonds

Mixed Nuts | Source: Tumblr
Mixed Nuts | Source: Tumblr

Nuts like peanuts, cashews, and almonds make for a crunchy way to add more protein and healthy unsaturated fats to your diet. Avoid the salted versions of these and you’re good to go!

3) In-shell Pistachios

In-shell Pistachios | Source: Tumblr
In-shell Pistachios | Source: Tumblr

These little babies have an impressive nutritional resume! They contain tons of protein, cholesterol-busting monounsaturated fats, plenty of fibre AND energy-boosting B vitamins. And they’re so damn tasty that you’ll inhale a handful before you know what hit you! The good thing is, the extra work (tender fingers) of shelling these nuts can put a break on mindless over-eating. Phew!

4) Frozen Grapes

Grapes | Source: Tumblr
Grapes | Source: Tumblr

These are perfect for summer and they add that perfect sweet pop in your mouth that helps quell any midday sugar cravings. Unlike strawberries, grapes don’t become rock solid when frozen; they’re firm but still easy to bite into with a juicy centre, almost like a teeny bite-sized grape popsicle. Simply spread whole grapes on a single layer of baking sheet, freeze until firm, and store in an airtight zip-top bag!

5) Watermelon

Watermelon | Source: Tumblr
Watermelon | Source: Tumblr

No other snack screams summer quite like watermelon. It could be its refreshing sweetness or even the burst of colour that adds that extra bit of brightness to your plate. However, there’s more to watermelon than what the eye sees! This succulent fruit offers a ton of vitamins, minerals and as the fruit is ninety two percent water, you’ll find yourself full for longer! To spice things up a little, chop up some watermelons, add lime zest and a tablespoon of fresh lime juice, a dash of cayenne pepper (or chaat masala) and garnish with some pistachios!

6) Prunes

Prunes | Source: Tumblr
Prunes | Source: Tumblr

Believe it or not, researchers discovered that this fibre-rich dried fruit favourably impacts blood sugar and appetite-regulating hormones, compared to the nutritionally lack-lustre cookies. So you’re more likely to experience satiety after snacking on a few of these as opposed to wolfing down some cookies! Prunes are also laced with disease-fighting, muscle-mending antioxidants! BONUS!

7) Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin Seeds | Source: Tumblr
Pumpkin Seeds | Source: Tumblr

These jack-o’-lantern castoffs are a surprising source of whole-food protein, with about 7 grams in a crunchy serving. Of note, they’re an amazing way to elevate protein content in salads, oatmeal, yogurt, or cottage cheese! Gobble Gobble!

8) Plain Greek Yoghurt

Greek Yoghurt | Source: Tumblr
Greek Yoghurt | Source: Tumblr

Greek yoghurt has literally gone from an obscure item in the dairy aisle to a cultured rock star! It’s made by straining away the liquid, which means the resulting thick Greek-style yoghurt contains twice as much protein as regular versions. To make things a little interesting add fresh berries and a sprinkling of muesli. A bowl full of this and you’d be reaping the rewards of gut-friendly probiotic bacteria and bone-building calcium. SCORE.

9) Dark Chocolate

Dark Chocolate | Source: Tumblr
Dark Chocolate | Source: Tumblr

Looking for more of an indulgent nibble? Look no further! Dark chocolate (the stuff with at least 60 percent cocoa content) has been linked to reduced heart disease risk and even lower body fat numbers in people who nibble on it more often. That’s not all – as the flavour of dark chocolate is more intense than your usual milk-laiden chocolates, you’re more than likely to feel satisfied with less!

10) Hard Boiled Eggs

Hard Boiled Eggs | Source: Tumblr
Hard Boiled Eggs | Source: Tumblr

The humble egg is a muscle-building power snack that you NEED to grab a hold of. Boil up a carton’s worth of inexpensive eggs and stash them in your office fridge for times when you feel tempted by the vending machine or that beckoning carton of krispy kremes.

Happy snacking! 🙂 #StayFit