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.