Eating well at work can be challenging. During the cold winter months, fresh fruit is out of season, holiday deadlines approach, and tempting baked treats flood break rooms without remorse. Think about it: you’re at your desk, you’re working hard, and you’re hungry. What will you reach for? Why, you’ll reach for that bon-bon, of course! Unless, that is, you’ve prepared ahead of time.
Healthy eating at your desk doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, it can be extremely easy! We’ve put together four/recipes that vary in degree of difficulty and preparation (perhaps by immediacy of hunger as well). Each contains a Lifeway Kefir product, so you can be sure you’re getting a healthy dose of satiating protein with each, along with tummy-taming probiotics. They also come together easily, are portable, and are delicious. Here’s to healthy holidays!
Difficulty Level: Easy
Kefir White Bean Dip with Cracker or Crudités
- 15 oz can great northern white beans, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup Lifeway Lowfat Plain Kefir
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with crackers or veggie sticks. Make it fancy: add some flair with different spices! Try cumin, paprika, Cayenne pepper, garlic or tahini. For a sweeter dip, substitute peanut butter for the olive oil and use Lifeway Raspberry Lowfat Kefir. Serve with sliced fruit.
Difficulty Level: Easier
Kefir with Granola, Fruit and Nuts
- 8 oz Lifeway Kefir, flavor of choice
- 2 Tbsp granola
- Handful of dried or fresh fruit
- Optional: chopped nuts or seeds
Pour the kefir into a bowl and top with a handful of fruit, granola and optional nuts/seeds. Stir and devour. Make it fancy: sprinkle the top with a healthy shake of cinnamon and a drizzle of honey.
Difficulty Level: Easiest
Farmer Cheese and Crackers
- 1 serving of crackers (we like these and these)
- 2 Tbsp Lifeway Farmer Cheese
There are two options here: either spread the cheese on the cracker and enjoy, or spoon the cheese into a small bowl or cup and scoop with crackers. Chew fully before swallowing. Make it fancy: find a spice that complements the crackers (pepper, curry, garlic, etc.) and sprinkle it onto the cheese before spreading/scooping.
Bonus Level: No Effort or Planning Involved Whatsoever
Ok, so a little effort and planning are involved. You have to remember to bring them and you have to open them, but that’s it! All three of these Lifeway products are high in calcium, protein, vitamin D and healthy probiotics!
Do you have a waist-saving snack strategy that helps you avoid the vending machine? What are your go-to office snacks?