We love a good food hack. Whether it's a quick fix for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or a random way to use up an almost-empty jar of peanut butter, we're always game to learn tricks that will make our lives just a little easier. So we rounded up eight hacks that will take your weekday snacking game to the next level. Forget the office vending machines, we've got the tips you need to become a midday munching pro.
Prep In Advance
If you like to snack during the week, don't just pack a main dish for yourself to eat for lunch. Prep baggies filled with different snacks, like pretzels, fruit, and trail mix, on Sunday. Then, simply take what you want on weekday mornings, and you'll never be without a grab-and-go fix when you need it.
Designed by Mallory Heyer.
Store Your PB Upside Down
We always like to keep a jar of peanut butter on hand to make a last-minute PB&J, spread on celery sticks, or even eat straight from the jar. But if you use natural peanut butter, there's always a gross layer of oil waiting there every time the jar is opened, and nobody's got time for that in the middle of a busy day. The quick fix? Store your jar upside down, that way the oil will be at the bottom when you flip it back over for a spoonful or two, or three.
Designed by Mallory Heyer.
Keep A Snack Drawer At Work
If you've got an extra drawer or space at work, turn it into a snack drawer! That way you'll always have something that you actually want to eat if you're in a bind, or running between meetings and need a handful of almonds to tide you over. Plus, you'll save money if you're buying in bulk instead of always running out to grab food during the day or constantly returning to the vending machine.
Designed by Mallory Heyer.
Pack Yourself A Mason Jar Snack
You can make yourself a frozen smoothie or a layered fruit and yogurt parfait to bring to work, too. Just layer wisely. Wet ingredients like yogurt at the bottom, nuts or granola as a buffer in the middle, and fruit on top.
Designed by Mallory Heyer.
Make Your Own Bars
It's smart to always have a bar in your bag in case of a snack emergency. But the packaged kind can be expensive. At two to five bucks a pop, unless you're buying them in bulk, it's probably not worth the cost. But they're easy make at home, and you can whip up a bunch at once. Try a few different recipes, until you find the one you love.
Designed by Mallory Heyer.
Use Your Freezer
Do you have a freezer at work? Use it! You can easily turn an otherwise boring snack into a healthy sweet treat just by popping it into the freezer. If you brought grapes to work, a couple of hours in the cold will turn them into the ultimate healthy dessert. The same goes for yogurt. Pop your container into the freezer for a few hours, and you'll have froyo on your hands — and be the envy of all your coworkers.
Designed by Mallory Heyer.
Snack Like A 5-Year-Old
Nostalgia isn't the only reason we love the snacks of yesteryear. Foods targeted at kids are always extremely convenient and perfect for eating on the go. Plus, they're always individually packaged. Go ahead, stock up on yogurt tubes, carrot and dip containers, and string cheese. Your stomach will thank you later.
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