Snacks

I try to always have nuts, trail mix (sometimes I'll make my own trail mix), fruit, and microwave popcorn in my desk at work. 2-3 apples and 2-3 oranges should last the week if you bring them in on Mondays. When I had a gym membership I used to eat breakfast before the gym, then work out before work and then get hungry around 10 or so. An orange and some trail mix were great then.

I also keep tea in my desk drawer, because I find drinking something hot makes a small snack more satisfying.

I like almonds & apples together. Quest protein bars. Rice cakes (though I read the MFP article on them, lol) with peanut butter. Pre-made, air popped pop corn (kinda' carby but good and filling). Avocado toast (you can find low carb alternatives for the bread). Whisps Cheese Crisps have a bunch of protein for the portion size and I like naturally salty flavor. And Dang Coconut Chips for a sweet snack.

I had a job where snacks weren't possible, and I just got used to not eating between meals after about 2-3 weeks. For the first few weeks I felt like I was starving, and then my body just accepted that I wouldn't eat for 6 hours. Once I cut out snacks, I found weight loss a lot easier as well and lost 80lbs. I don't know if you are trying to lose weight, but figured I would share my personal experience.

I pack a couple of granola bars with my lunch for an afternoon snack; they stay in my lunchbox until lunchtime, then they go in the desk drawer for later. Sometimes it's a bar of some kind and a piece of fruit that I'm going to peel, like a clementine or a banana. Today I have a raspberry Nutri-Grain bar and a low-carb chocolate-coconut bar that I bought on a whim last weekend. They're OK. Nice for a little something sweet and chocolatey to get out of the 4 PM slump. I'd have to actually sit down and crunch the numbers to see if they're worth buying again, or if I'd have better bang for my financial and calorie buck just buying fun-size Mounds, though.

westrich20940 wrote: »

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You could also keep protein bars if you find one you like but .... I haven't really found any that I think taste really good or don't have an awful texture.

Momof487 wrote: »

Have you tried Barebells protein bars from Trader Joe's?? SOOO YUMMY. Honestly the only protein bar I have ever had that legitimately tastes like a candy bar. They have several great flavors. 200 calories, 20 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbs.

Protein bars are a great choice for high protein low carb. The challenge is finding one you like.
Most bars I've tried I don't care for, especially the ones that have a dense paste-like consistency. Years ago, my doctor suggested I try the Zone Diet, and through that I discovered Zone Perfect bars, which I find to be pretty good (the classic bars). Some people complain that they're too sweet.
There are plenty of flavors but my favorites are:

• dark chocolate almond, or chocolate almond raisin, or chocolate mint
• oatmeal chocolate chunk
• strawberry yogurt
• chocolate peanut butter (this used to be smoother, but has a grittier texture these days)

I wasn't aware of Barebells, I'll give them a try. The Hazelnut Nougat looks good.

Though lacking protein, a piece of fruit is nutritious and good for satisfying hunger. If you like hummus, that with some pita chips, pretzel thins or other lower carb chips is good.

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Just found this article. Since there's plenty of newer bars now, I'm going to try some in hopes of finding a greater variety that I like. I've noticed the prices, but I suspect that the better tasting bars come with a higher price tag.
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food-products/g33597593/best-protein-bars/