To ask what can I nibble on?

[bloomingcovid]

I've given up sugar. For health reasons, but the weight loss was an added bonus!

However ... what can I eat at my desk? I used to munch my way through chocolate and biscuits but have replaced those with bread sticks and dry crackers. I've been told they are just sugar in another form but I'm not sure what to swap it for. I've tried fruit but it's just not filling enough. I'm veggie too which probably doesn't help!

My office hours are erratic and involve very early mornings which is when I'm most hungry, even with a big breakfast.

Any ideas gratefully received!

@WonderfulYou

If it’s purely for grazing/snacking I would recommend popcorn - you can get microwaveable packets and they’re only about 130kcals for a big packet.

If you’re hungry and you want something filling then anything with protein and veg. e.g. peanut butter and celery or chicken pieces and veg

Popcorn counts as sugar.

Veggies don’t eat chicken.

Oatcakes
Rice cakes
Cheese
Nuts and dried fruit
Peanuts/dry roasted nuts
Fill yourself up at breakfast with eggs/veggie fry up (egg, veg sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes)/ porridge.

Protein. It fills you up more.

Lol. Sorry I never read it properly.

I munch on cucumber sticks and cherry tomatoes 😁

@WouldIBeATwat popcorn counts as sugar? Oh. I read that one up thread and thought "ooh, I could try that". Even plain with nothing on (I have a popcorn maker somewhere in a cupboard)

There are so many brilliant suggestions here. I had no idea I would get do much response. Thanks so much everyone, I'll read through, makes some notes and try and improve my snacking!

It's not for weight loss, just healthy eating, but from all your responses it looks like giving up crackers and breadsticks is the right thing to do.

(Anyone know if proper brown bread is okay? Thought I might try that)

Thank you!

[quote bloomingcovid]@WouldIBeATwat popcorn counts as sugar? Oh. I read that one up thread and thought "ooh, I could try that". Even plain with nothing on (I have a popcorn maker somewhere in a cupboard)[/quote]
It’s from corn.

@bloomingcovid

There are so many brilliant suggestions here. I had no idea I would get do much response. Thanks so much everyone, I'll read through, makes some notes and try and improve my snacking!

It's not for weight loss, just healthy eating, but from all your responses it looks like giving up crackers and breadsticks is the right thing to do.

(Anyone know if proper brown bread is okay? Thought I might try that)

Thank you!

Bread = wheat = sugar.

I have been led to believe that celery has a 'negative caloric value' i.e. the body uses more energy digesting it than you get from it.

The only thing is, I find I had to have lots of salt with celery and so I suspect my arteries are now as hard as cast iron drain pipes.

@TwoLeftSocksWithHoles

I have been led to believe that celery has a 'negative caloric value' i.e. the body uses more energy digesting it than you get from it.

The only thing is, I find I had to have lots of salt with celery and so I suspect my arteries are now as hard as cast iron drain pipes.

www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/expert-answers/negative-calorie-foods/faq-20058260

I cut back on sugar and make baked oats that I cut and freeze.
It is 1 mashed banana,I chopped Apple oats I egg 1tsp baking powder then dried fruit apricots or nuts combined with oat milk or milk.Bake for 40 mins.Delicious,healthy high fibre.

@whatisforteamum

I cut back on sugar and make baked oats that I cut and freeze. It is 1 mashed banana,I chopped Apple oats I egg 1tsp baking powder then dried fruit apricots or nuts combined with oat milk or milk.Bake for 40 mins.Delicious,healthy high fibre.

Hmmmmm. The body sees oats, dried fruit, banana and apple as sugar. :-/

@whatisforteamum that does sound lovely! I know it's still sugar, but some fruit is needed as a treat and it's certainly better than the Mr Kiplings I used to have as a treat!

I think I would just try to wean myself off the need to snack all day. I know that won't be a popular answer but it's not necessary. I'm not saying starve yourself, but just make sure you're eating proper meals instead so you feel fuller for longer.

Wouldibeatwat I did say I cut back on sugar.
I am a chef and I do know about calories and nutrition.
It beats flapjack and doesn't smell awful.

Just drink more water.

Snacking all day is a bad habit.

Beef Jerky - The snack of champions!

@Hyperion100

Beef Jerky - The snack of champions!

Not for veggies (which the OP has repeatedly stated)! 🤦🏻‍♀️

@whatisforteamum

Wouldibeatwat I did say I cut back on sugar. I am a chef and I do know about calories and nutrition. It beats flapjack and doesn't smell awful.

With respect, dietitians still don’t fully understand nutrition. The western diet is full of all sorts of shit that shouldn’t be put in human bodies with the frequency that it is. Most of what is eaten in the west is non-functional, too low in protein and over processed.

@BurbageBrook

I think it’s a bit strange that you feel the need to nibble on stuff at your desk all day between meals. Are you eating enough protein for your meals?

Spectacularly unhelpful, well done.

OP: carrot sticks/celery & hummus are great for nibbling :).

What’s with all the snacking?
Can’t you just eat three meals a day?

I like an omelette for breakfast, really
Keeps you full for hours.

@HarlanPepper

I think I would just try to wean myself off the need to snack all day. I know that won't be a popular answer but it's not necessary. I'm not saying starve yourself, but just make sure you're eating proper meals instead so you feel fuller for longer.

I'm inclined to agree with this ^^

In most cases snacking is just a habit, and TBH I would find it rather irritating to be sat next to someone who is constantly eating all day.

Slightly left of field perhaps, but what about a chew toy? Totally calorie free and satisifies that urge to munch.

You can get discreet ones.

Nuts, cubes of cheese or Cheesies! Google them - they’re delicious!