Incorporating low-sugar snacks into your diet is a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle. But sometimes it’s hard to find the right snacks, ones that are a) actually low in sugar, and b) tasty.

There are plenty of products that are marketed as healthy alternatives to traditional junk food, but often times these items are just as packed with enough sugar to last a week. Of course, you could always choose snacks that don’t have any at all. But sometimes you just really want something sweet.

This list serves as a guide to help you choose a low-sugar snack. Before we dive into them, though, let’s first talk a little about how sugar impacts your health and what we mean by “low-sugar.”

Why too much sugar is bad for you

For a long time, snacks high in sugar were a staple in many a household. But as it became more apparent such snacks were damaging to one’s health, people have become more selective about what they’re eating. Low-sugar foods are highly sought after. The reasons are clear: too much sugar is bad for you.

How so? Here are just some ways too much sugar can impact your health:

• weight gain
• high blood sugar
• heart disease
• nerve damage
• diabetes

The list goes on.

It’s important to note that a lot of it has to do with moderation. A brownie or slice of cake here and there is fine. It’s when you eat foods packed with sugar nearly everyday that you run into trouble.

What do we mean by Low-Sugar Snacks?

There can be some ambiguity around what low-sugar means, so we want to be clear on how we’ve curated this list. The snacks included below have little to no added sugars, so the items that have higher amounts of sugar are from natural sources. Some fruit (we’re looking at you, apples) have a lot of sugar, but it’s natural. Not the table sugar you can buy in five pound bags.

1. KIND Bars

KIND Snacks was built on the belief that if you can’t pronounce the ingredients, it shouldn’t be part of the product. They offer a diverse range of granola bar flavors, most of which are low-sugar.

Cranberry Almond Bar: 8g of sugar

2. Rip Van Wafles

Rip Van Wafels are a European-style healthy snack that pair great with a cup of coffee or on their own. They have 120 calories and low-sugar.

*Chocolate Wafel: 8g of sugar

3. Quest Protein Cookie

With only one gram of sugar, Quest Protein Cookies are a great low-sugar snack that’s guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Quest Protein Cookie (chocolate?): 1g

4. Cottage Cheese with Strawberries

Looking for a snack that’s low in sugar and packs a protein punch? Cottage cheese is the ticket.

Cottage cheese with Strawberries: 16g

5. Skinny Dipped Almonds

Peanut M&Ms are often a favorite, but if you’re looking for a similar treat that’s low in sugar, Skinny Dipped Almonds are a great alternative.

Skinny Dipped Almonds: 6g

 

6. Wildway Snack Mix

There’s a new trail mix in town. Wildway has created a snack mix that is better for you and made with 100% real-food ingredients that delivers on sustenance and flavor, and is made with no added sugars.

Wildlway Pineapple Mojito: 13g

8. Larabar

One of the original no-sugar added snacks, Larabar makes a variety of flavors to choose from all with only natural sugars.

Larabar: 18g (natural)

7. Apples with Peanut Butter

Apples are high in sugar, but it’s all natural. Peanut butter has about 3g of sugar per serving. Not only is it a healthy snack that’s low in added sugars, it also provides protein.

Apples with Peanut Butter: 21g

9. One Bar

Another delicious snack bar that’s low in sugar is One Bar.

One Bar: 1g

10. Plain Yogurt with Berries

Yogurt is often touted as a healthy snack, and for the most part it is. But flavored yogurts are often packed with syrups that are not exactly low in sugar. That’s why plain yogurt with berries is a better low-sugar choice.

Plain Yogurt with Berries: ~10g

 

 

We’ve all had those mornings where it just doesn’t seem like you’re going to make it out of the house in time for work. Whatever the reason, be it forgetting to set your alarm or the kids aren’t cooperating, some mornings don’t quite go as planned. Time slips away and suddenly you realize you need to grab a quick breakfast before heading out the door. What can you do? Here are seven simple breakfast ideas easy enough to whip up in minutes that are nutrient-packed enough to keep you on point all morning.

1. Avocado Toast with Egg

For a quick, healthy breakfast, try avocados spread on toast with an egg. Avocados are packed with nutrients like Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, Potassium, Vitamin E, and more. The egg will give you the protein needed to help you last until lunch.

Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 5 mins | Total: 10 mins

2. Smoothie

What makes smoothies a great choice for an easy breakfast is that you can make any flavor you want. Combine a variety of your favorite fruits and some protein powder for a quick meal that can be made in minutes and take it with you.

Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 0 | Total: 5 mins

3. Protein Bar and Banana

For when you’re really in a crunch for time, breakfast can’t get any easier than a protein bar and a banana. Perfect for those times when you need something on-the-go!

Prep time: 7 secs | Cook time: 0 | Total: 7 secs

4. Egg & Cheese Burrito

Some breakfast burritos can take quite some time to prepare. But we’re talking a simple version here. Just scramble up some eggs, put them in a burrito or soft taco shell, and sprinkle some shredded cheese on it. Quick, easy, and filling!

Prep time: 3 mins | Cook time: 4 mins | Total: 7 mins

5. Instant Oatmeal

While steel-cut oats are not as processed as instant oatmeal, there are still plenty of nutrients in each packet of your favorite flavor. They’re also ridiculously easy to cook: just a minute in the microwave and they’re ready. Perfect for a busy morning!

Prep time: 10 secs | Cook time: 1 min | Total: 1min 10secs

6. Yogurt with Granola

When time is short, Greek yogurt with some granola makes for an easy and protein-packed breakfast.

Prep time: 0 | Cook time: 0 | Total: 0

7. Scrambled Eggs & Toast

You can’t go wrong with this classic breakfast. It’s easy and nutritious and you’ll be out of the house in no time.

Prep time: 2 mins | Cook time: 4 mins | Total: 6 mins

 

It can be tough to eat healthy while at work. All the sugary and trans fat loaded foods in the break room makes it even more difficult. Besides, with all the time constraints it’s a wonder some people have time for a meal at all!

While indulging in your favorite piece of candy or a savory snack is okay in moderation, you don’t want to overdo it and risk any health issues. That begs the question, what’s a healthy snack that you can bring to work? Here are five ideas to get you started:

1. Nuts & string cheese – a low-carb option with a great source of protein, nuts and cheese will satisfy your hunger and give you the energy to power through the day.
2. Fruit & nuts – the fruit provides a healthy amount of carbs and some fiber, while the nuts offer protein
3. Greek yogurt – another great source for protein to get you to your next meal, and provides probiotics to keep you regular and healthy
4. Hummus with raw veggies – hummus is part of the ‘Mediterranean diet’ and provides many vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, riboflavin, phosphorus and more
5. Cottage cheese – in addition to protein, cottage cheese is a great source of vitamin B-12, Calcium, and phosphorus

As you probably noticed, protein is the common denominator for just about all of those choices. That’s because protein is key to satisfying your cravings. It gives you energy and keeps you full, helping you focus on your work and getting through the day.

Getting buy-in from senior management on any idea is challenging. Even more difficult: convincing them to invest in something where the ROI cannot be easily calculated, like with employee perks.

You might understand how pool tables, tuition reimbursement, and office snacks can impact employee engagement, and how it fosters a happier workplace which, in turn, leads to happier customers. But how do you convince your boss of this? How can you persuade management to consider any of your ideas?

It requires more than simply presenting a series of facts. Thorough planning, the right timing, and understanding your audience are all key factors that go into successfully persuading your boss to say yes. 

How People Make Decisions – Start with Why

Decisions aren’t made based purely on rational thought. While it might seem that way, it’s the emotional side of our brains that creates an initial sense of desire for something, then rational thoughts help justify our decision. This is the concept behind Simon Sinek’s book Start With Why.

In the book, Sinek explains that people are motivated to take action by a sense of purpose, their “why”. This video aptly summarizes the concept. It explains that people don’t buy and make decisions based on what you do, rather it’s why you do it–because that’s where the emotional connection lies.

For example, if you’re buying a car and don’t get a good feeling about it, all the rational thought in the world won’t persuade you to purchase the vehicle. But if the car gives you a good feeling, rational thoughts such as “it’s safe” and “it gets good gas mileage” will help convince you to buy it.

You can use this same principle in any situation that requires persuasion, including getting buy-in from your boss. Other factors that impact decision-making include the circumstances, context, and timing. 

Convince Your Boss to Say Yes – 5 Tips from Expert Sources

1. Harvard Business Review – Get The Timing Right

In their article Get The Boss To Buy In, authors James Detert and Susan Ashford explain how the timing of your pitch can impact the final decision:

“It’s critical to find the right moment to raise your ideas. That moment might be when organizational priorities shift, when certain players leave or join the company, or when a boss’s preoccupations change […] The best sellers notice when more and more people are beginning to care about a larger topic or trend that’s related to their issue, and they position their idea to “catch the wave.”

2. Sharlyn Lauby – Find a Champion

Sharlyn Lauby is an experienced Human Resources professional and consultant who manages HR Bartender, a resource that covers any and all topics that relate to workplace management. As someone well-versed in tactics to help deal with management, she offers sound advice in this article, including:

“Identify who is the best champion for the project or initiative. Part of a project’s success is choosing the right champion or sponsor.”

3. Lolly Daskal – Know Your Audience

Understanding what makes the management team tick will help you tailor the delivery of your idea. Take it from Lolly Daskal, one of the top leadership coaches in the world, in this blog post of hers:

“Persuasive people make it a point to know the people they are speaking to. They learn who they are and study their preferences. They would never give a high-board vision to a person who likes details, and they wouldn’t speak in declarative statements to a person who values collaboration. The more you pay attention to the sweet spots of others, the more you can tailor your message to their preferences.”

4. Dan Rockwell – Plan Your Presentation

How well prepared you are when you present your idea to senior management will impact their perception of it. Dan Rockwell, also known as The Leadership Freak, emphasizes the need to plan your presentation:

1. Tell a brief story of how others are struggling, disappointed, or frustrated. Describe the problem or opportunity briefly, simply, clearly, and with compassion.

2. Describe a solution.

3. Define specific deliverables.

4. Explain timelines.

5. Request resources.

5. Deborah G. Reigel – Think of Unintended Consequences

In her article 3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Pitching an Idea to Your Boss, Deborah G. Reigel, an expert in communication and leadership skills, emphasizes the need to think about all the ways it will impact the business. For example, if you want to implement a new employee perk, who will be responsible for managing it? How much time will that take away from their current responsibilities?

“Make sure you think about unintended impacts up, down and across the organization, as well as for key stakeholders outside the business, who may not experience your great idea as all that terrific.”

Your Boss Said No. Now What?

It’d be nice if your boss loved all of your ideas. But, as you know, the world doesn’t work that way. Sometimes, despite playing all your cards right, your boss will still say no to your idea.

It can be a hard pill to swallow. When someone tells us no, we often take it personally. So where do you go from there?

First, try not to feel defeated. Once defeat sets in, we tend to reduce our efforts. Second, ask your boss questions:

• Is there any aspect of the idea you do like?
• Can we revisit the idea in the future?
• Can I improve the idea and make it better?

No doesn’t necessarily mean never. Use the decline as an opportunity to get creative. What other perks could you offer employees that aren’t as costly? What can you do with the resources you have to improve engagement in the office? You very well could surprise yourself.

As companies look to offer employee perks that will attract and retain top talent, pet-friendly office policies have become popular. You don’t need to scroll too far in your social media news feed to see a picture of someone with their dog at work. But bringing your pet to the office is more than a marketing gimmick used to lure job candidates. There are some real advantages to be gained.

While you might want to jump on the bandwagon and adopt an office pet policy, it’s important you do so discreetly. A flippant approach will only result in problems. It’s important to stay informed of the benefits and procedures for allowing dogs at work to avoid any issues. The following blog post serves as a resource to help you make the best decision for your office. 

Dogs in the Workplace are Nothing New

Dogs have always had a place at work:

• Fire Department Dogs
• Dogs in garages/auto-shops
• Search & rescue dogs

The circumstances and reasons for having dogs in these professions are obviously different. They help rescue people and save lives in ways humans simply can’t. That doesn’t mean bringing dogs into an office setting doesn’t have advantages. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.

Benefits of Dogs in the workplace

1. Make you take necessary breaks

Sometimes we get so busy at work and don’t even realize how much time has passed. That’s not good for your mind or body. The risk of heart disease, dementia, diabetes, and other health concerns increase as a result of sitting too much. If you bring a dog to work, you’re forced to get up and take them outside for a quick walk.

2. Reduces stress

Workplace stress is a real and constant issue for many people. Dogs offer comfort and companionship which, according to studies, can help reduce stress at work.

3. Brings People Together

Dogs in the workplace help foster healthy working relationships among employees. They present a common ground for people to connect, one that is positive and can help boost morale in the office.

Additionally, bringing dogs to work help increase productivity and employee retention. Not to mention it keeps dogs from being alone at home all day. Sounds great, right? Before you implement a new policy, however, consider these helpful tips for establishing one that fits your office.

5 Tips to Establish a Successful Pet-Friendly Office Policy

As mentioned above, you can’t just suddenly declare pets are allowed at work. It’s a surefire way to cause confusion and chaos among employees, which is the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve. Do your research and plan well enough so that when you do implement the policy it’s successful. Here are five tips to help:

1. Make sure everyone is on board.

Most people in your office might love pets. But it’s important to speak with everyone regarding their feelings about bringing dogs to work. Someone might be petrified of dogs. If that’s the case, moving forward with a policy would not serve in your best interests.

2. Know the risks.

What happens if someone gets bitten? Although it’s unlikely, it is a real possibility and one that should be considered seriously. Check your insurance plan.

3. Is your office pet proof?

Once you determine employees are onboard with bringing pets to work, you must make sure the office is pet proof.  Some things to consider include:

• Space for introducing new dogs to each other
• An outdoor space for dogs to relieve themselves
• How can pets be contained if their owners need to step out?

4. Set up rules.

It’s important to establish a set of rules for how employees will manage their pets in the office. For example, pet owners should come prepared with their own food and bowls for water. Determine protocol for when a dog starts barking too much. Establishing these guidelines will keep everyone on the same page and make it easier to manage situations if they arise.

5. Have everyone sign the policy.

Once you’ve finalized the new pet policy for your office, print it up for everyone to sign and keep it on file.

Bringing dogs into work is a fantastic employee perk. The benefits are numerous and it can have a lasting positive impact on your office culture. But the execution of the policy must be acceptable for everyone to create a happier workplace.

Some days at work are so busy you barely have time to glance at the clock, let alone have a decent meal. High-protein snacks are perfect for keeping you fueled. Not only are they filling, but protein also helps suppress hunger and helps stabilize blood sugar. Here are 12 high-protein snacks that are convenient to bring to the office, or are often available through a snack delivery service.

 

1. Greek Yogurt

Greek yogurt is a high-protein snack that’s sure to give you a boost of energy. In addition to protein, Greek yogurt provides other nutrients including probiotics, calcium, and vitamin B-12.

 

2. Jerky

Jerky is another great snack that’s simple and convenient and is easily available through most snack delivery services. Jerky is made of dried meat that has had the fat stripped out of it, and comes in choices of beef, chicken, turkey, or salmon.

 

3. Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are virtually the perfect snack. They’re high in many essential nutrients, and pack about 6 grams of protein. They’re also portable, making them convenient for bringing to the office.

 

4. Trail Mix

Dried fruit, nuts, and (sometimes) chocolate combine to make this excellent snack great to munch on at work. The nuts have protein, while the dried fruit and chocolate provide some carbohydrates to give you a burst of energy. Just be aware of how much you eat. Trail mix can be high in calories, so you don’t want to go overboard.

 

5. Tunafish

In addition to protein, tunafish is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and low in calories, making it a perfect choice for a quick snack at work.

 

6. Apple with Peanut Butter

Apples are full of great nutrients. Add a dollop of peanut butter, and you’ve got a great healthy snack that’s packed with protein.

 

7. Celery Sticks with Peanut Butter

Another great tasting snack to pair with peanut butter is celery. Get a dose of protein from the peanut butter as well as essential vitamins and minerals from the celery.

 

8. Cheese

Cheese is a healthy and filling snack that you can easily bring to work or, with the right snack delivery service, have some delivered right to your office. Cheese offers a good amount of calcium and protein, as well as some essential vitamins. Moreover, there are plenty of different types to choose from, including string cheese, squares and sticks.

 

9. Protein Bar

Filling, portable, and tasty, protein bars are a great snack that will tide you over until your next real meal.

 

10. Almonds

With six grams of protein for every ounce, almonds are another solid choice for a quick and easy snack.

 

11. Veggies with Hummus

Hummus is made from chickpeas, which pack a solid protein punch with 6.5 grams in just 1/3 cup. Add some veggies to the mix and you’ve got yourself a healthy snack that will keep you going.

 

12. Protein Shake

Sometimes getting some protein from a whole food source isn’t an option. Protein shakes can be a great alternative. Many beverage brands have high-protein products available.

Getting through the workday sometimes requires a little extra energy, and a quick snack can do just the trick. But if you want to munch on something without feeling guilty, what are your options? To help you power through those lulls you need real substance and not just a quick sugar rush. Below are ten snacks you can feel less guilty about eating while at work.

1. Greek Yogurt with Fruit

Greek yogurt is a great source of calcium, has probiotics, and is high in protein.

2. KIND Bar

Made with whole nuts, fruits, and grains, KIND granola bars make for the perfect healthy snack on the go.

3. Almonds

Almonds contain a lot of healthy fats, fiber, protein, magnesium, and vitamin E. They’re sure to help fight hunger to get you through the day.

4. SkinnyPop Popcorn

Non-GMO. Gluten Free. No artificial flavors. Skinnypop Popcorn is a great healthy snack alternative to traditional options that won’t make your insides regret eating it.

5. Apples with Peanut Butter

You know what they say: an apple a day keeps the doctor away. This tasty snack is as healthy as you can get. It has fiber from fresh fruit, and healthy fats/oils and protein from the peanut butter.

6. Fruit Salad

Fruit salad provides plenty of fiber and complex carbs to give you a healthy jolt of energy.

7. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is one of the best sources of antioxidants, so you can snack on some to satisfy your sweet tooth without feeling too bad.

8. Smoothie

While some smoothies can be packed with non-healthy ingredients, there are plenty of options for ones that are good for you.

9. Fruit with Cottage Cheese

This convenient, high-protein choice of snacks is sure to give you momentum to finish out your day.

10. Animal Crackers

Most people think animal crackers are just for kids. While they do make for a good snack to give little Johnny, they’re also low in calories, fat, and sugar, so you can snack on some in the office without feeling too guilty.

While the key to success in the hotel industry will always be good, old-fashioned hospitality, leveraging the right hotel technology makes it easier to meet and exceed guest expectations. From pre-booking to checkout, using digital tools will help your hotel run smoothly, offering guests an experience they will come to enjoy and trust. So what are these tools? Here’s the hotel technology you need to attract guests and manage hotel operations better.

Digital Tools for Hotel Managers

1. Property Management Systems

A hotel property management system (PMS) is the lifeblood of operations. It’s where all front-office capabilities come together on a single platform. A good PMS combines tasks such as guest check-in/check-out, managing room rates, billing, booking reservations, and room assignments. This hotel technology is an absolute must-have; you really can’t operate a hotel these days without a good PMS.

Popular PMS platforms include:

• Cloudbeds
• Hotel Logix
• Maestro

2. Revenue Management

Success in any industry in today’s business environment is all about data. To collect the right information so you can provide the right price to the right customer at the right time, you need a revenue management system. This software helps you make the right decisions by automating the process of collecting and analyzing data.

3. Pantry Management Software

Food and beverage trends in hospitality require a keen understanding of your guests, which means vending machines are no longer the go-to option for providing them with snacks and beverages. They want more items with easier access and a hotel pantry is just the ticket.

But managing a pantry can be challenging. After all, it’s a retail operation and you’re a hospitality professional. Hotel technology like Supply Wizards makes it simple. Order all your items–snacks, beverages, sundries–from an easy-to-use online platform and get delivery within 1-2 days.

4. Marketing Tools

If your hotel doesn’t have a strong online presence, how will guests find it? Digital marketing is an absolute must. Here’s what you need to effectively market your hotel.

• A well-designed website
• Google Analytics
• Social Media Management Tool

For hotel guests these days, a great experience goes beyond excellent customer service and complimentary perks. The technology your hotel offers has become just as important as gracious staff members and a free breakfast. It might seem counterintuitive to the increased desire for a more personalized experience that consumers want, but personalization doesn’t necessarily mean hotel staff needs to be more present. In fact it’s quite the opposite: guests increasingly prefer to handle their own needs without the help of a hotel employee. Here are different examples of hotel technology that guests love.

Smartphone Functionality

What can’t you do with your phone? When it comes to enhancing the guest experience at your hotel, it’s time to think mobile. Services like ALICE are helping guests request and receive the services they want right from the palm of their hand. If a guest needs more towels or has a question, they can use their phone for a near-immediate response.

Online Streaming

If the goal of your hotel is to help provide a ‘home away from home’ for guests, then you need to make sure your rooms reflect how people live at home. According to the Pew Research Center, 61% of young adults use online streaming to watch TV. If they visit you’re hotel, it’s likely they’ll be frustrated if they can’t stream their favorite show or at least connect their devices to the TV in their room.

Keyless Entry

How many times have you had to hand out extra keycards to guests who lost them? Probably more than you can or would like to count. An increasing amount of hotels, including Marriott and Hilton, are moving towards providing mobile apps that guests can use to unlock their doors.

Robots

Not many hotels currently employ the use of robots to deliver products like towels or coffee to guests, but for those that do the guests seem to like it. According to Steve Cousins, CEO of Savioke, a company that manufactures robots, “Guests love that their deliveries come in under half the time (typically in five minutes), they don’t have to tip the robot and [they] avoid awkward human interactions when they’re getting ready for bed.”

The hotel industry is entirely based on customer service. That’s why it’s called hospitality. Hotel managers and staff need to provide exceptional service 100% of the time, which can seem like a daunting task some days. But it doesn’t have to be that complicated.

As competitive as the marketplace is today, hotels that offer great customer service will thrive. Those who don’t… well, they’ll likely be playing catch up. But here’s the thing: your path to improving guest experience can be done in a myriad of ways that are more subtle than you might think. If you’re in need of ideas to improve the guest experience, here are five ways to get you there.

5 Ways Hotels Can Improve Guest Experience

1. Communicate with guests BEFORE arrival

The guest experience doesn’t start once they arrive at your hotel. It begins far before they even book a reservation through your online marketing efforts. But once they do book, don’t think the work is done. Be sure to communicate with them prior to their arrival. Provide information that will be helpful for them. For example, maybe they’ll be staying during a particular event happening, or you could provide a list of restaurants they might like in the area. This effort is a great opportunity to set a friendly tone, helping your hotel be viewed as resourceful and making the guest feel valued.

2. Upgrade technology

The use of technology is pervasive in our lives. We use it for both personal and professional reasons. For this reason, access to good wifi service is a must-have for guests, especially if your hotel regularly hosts business travelers. (There’s nothing more frustrating than a slow connection!) Mobile check-in is another option that guests like, particularly if they’re returning guests. It provides a fast and convenient way to book a reservation. Staying abreast of trends is essential to success.

3. Install a hotel pantry

A hotel pantry is ideal for providing guests with easy access to food and beverages. The inherent convenience of a pantry helps make your guest’s stay a little better. Add in a pantry management service for quick easy easy delivery, and staff can spend more time focusing on guests.

4. Respond to feedback…quickly

One of the best ways to improve the guest experience is to discover what they want. Ask guests for feedback and act on it. If someone has a complaint about something that can easily be changed or fixed, make it happen. You could even take it a step further and let that person know you’ve made a change based on their suggestion, which is a great way to build trust with your guests and build brand loyalty.

5. Personalize their experience

If you’re using hotel management software, then you have the ability to collect enough data from guests to make their experience at your hotel more personal. Keep track of preferences they have, so when they return (or even during their stay) you can really show you’re listening to them. The more you know about your guests, the better you can tailor their experience.