Hunger causes one’s glucose level to drop. When this happens, focusing can be challenging. Additionally, a study reveals that employees who consistently choose unhealthy foods are 66% more likely to experience decreased productivity than those who prioritize healthy options.
These facts only suggest two things — you should avoid getting hungry and develop better eating habits. If you’re on board with this idea, read on. In this post, discover tips on how to stash healthy food in your home office snack drawer.
Why Stash Food in Your Home Office Drawer
A well-stocked snack drawer can be a lifesaver when hunger hits between meals. Hectic, busy jobs often make it challenging to find time for lunch. Leaving your desk for a meal may be challenging when you’re swamped.
On the other hand, when you’re not as busy, you might not want to extend your time at the office by taking a long lunch break, especially if scheduling a social lunch with colleagues is difficult due to your demanding work schedule. So, how can busy professionals ensure they eat well during the workday?
The best strategy has always been to keep a supply of food at the office. Store an entire banker’s box full of snacks in your office, blending in with the other documents.
Choosing the Right Food To Fill Your Drawer
Building the perfect home office snack drawer requires careful consideration and planning. Here are the essential components you should include:
- Protein: Incorporating protein-rich snacks, such as nuts, beef sticks, or yogurt, can help keep hunger at bay. They can also keep your energy at optimum levels throughout the day. Protein can tide you over until lunch if consumed as a morning snack.
- Quick energy boost: Including something sweet, like chocolate, can offer a quick energy boost when you need it most. This is especially helpful in the afternoon when energy levels dip.
- Salty snacks: Adding salty options, such as crackers, pretzels, or popcorn, can serve as the perfect side dish for a sad desk lunch or provide a satisfying crunch when you need it.
- Breakfast substitutes: Keeping oatmeal, granola bars, or other breakfast alternatives on hand can be a lifesaver when you’re running late and don’t have time for a proper breakfast.
- Emergency lunches: Storing canned soup, mac and cheese cups or other easy-to-prepare meals can be a game-changer when you’re rushing out the door and don’t have time for breakfast, let alone lunch.
- Caffeine: Remember to include caffeinated options, such as coffee or tea, for those mornings when you need a boost to get going.
- Fruits and greens: They are rich in fiber and essential vitamins, providing you with the energy you need to excel. Additionally, fresh produce’s vibrant colors can be visually appealing and enticing.
- Healthy drinks: Numerous delicious beverages are not only tasty but also packed with health benefits, such as creamy non-dairy cold brew, coconut water, herbal elixirs, and sparkling flavored waters. Often, when we reach for a snack or coffee as an afternoon pick-me-up, we may be experiencing dehydration.
By including these essential components, you can create a well-stocked snack drawer that will keep you fueled and energized throughout the day, no matter what life throws.
Pick a Location
Selecting the right location for your home office snack drawer is crucial for its survival. You don’t want to reach for your favorite snack only to find that your entire stash has been raided. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect spot:
- Comfort: Choose a drawer that is comfortable to reach into. Sit at your desk, turn your chair slightly towards your cabinet, and practice leaning into each drawer. Pick the one that feels the most comfortable.
- Inconspicuousness: Opt for a drawer that is not immediately visible to others. This will help ensure that your snack stash remains your own.
- Size: Make sure the drawer is large enough to accommodate your snack stash. You want to stay in space quickly.
- Security: Consider drawers with a lock. This will help prevent others from accessing your snacks.
You may also want to keep your snack drawer a secret, primarily if other family members also work or study at home.
Alternatively, you can use the creation of a snack drawer a family affair. The next time you go on a grocery run, encourage your partner or kids to come up with their own snack list. You can also promote healthy snacking when you approach the snack drawer this way.
Keep Your Drawer Clean
To ensure that your snack drawer remains a positive addition to your workspace, it’s essential to keep it tidy and organized. Here are some tips for maintaining your snack drawer:
Regular cleaning
Make sure to tidy up your home office snack drawer at least once a month. This will keep unwanted pests from being attracted to your snack stash.
Sharing is caring
If you have snacks you bought with good intentions but no longer want or need, consider sharing them with the rest of the household. This is a great way to share the wealth and prevent waste.
Grocery list
Use this time to add items to your grocery list. This will ensure you’re always prepared when you need to remember your lunch or find yourself extra hungry due to late-night working hours.
Portion control
Consider portioning out your snacks into smaller containers or bags. This will keep you from overeating and ensure that your snacks last longer.
Rotate stock
Make sure to rotate your snacks regularly. This will help prevent any items from going stale or expiring before you can eat them.
Adhering to these suggestions can uphold a tidy, orderly, and fully stocked snack drawer, ensuring you stay fueled and energized during your workday.
Pick a Suitable Container
Investing in easy-grab containers is one of the most impactful steps in optimizing your snack storage. While it may seem counterintuitive after a shopping trip, this game-changing strategy can streamline your snack organization process. Here’s how to make the most of this approach:
Assess your snacks
After unpacking your snacks, take stock of what you have and where you plan to store them. Consider the types of containers that would best suit your snack collection.
Identify container needs
Determine the features that would enhance your snacking experience. Do you prefer transparent bins for easy visibility? Would you benefit from containers with a slanted side for effortless access? Are stackable bins ideal for maximizing vertical space in your pantry or on a counter? Do you require larger containers for storing backup snacks under cabinets?
Create a bin list
List the types and sizes of bins you need based on your snack and storage requirements.
Measure your space
Before purchasing containers, measure the storage area to ensure a perfect fit for your chosen bins.
Buy your containers
Armed with your bin list and space measurements, acquire the containers that meet your specific needs. This proactive approach will help you create an organized and accessible snack storage system that caters to your preferences and space constraints.
By implementing these steps, you can revolutionize your home office snack drawer storage setup, making it easier to grab your favorite treats whenever hunger strikes.
Label Your Containers
Labeling each bin is essential in creating an efficient and user-friendly snack storage system. Here’s why:
Ease of use
Labeling each bin ensures you can quickly locate snacks, saving time and frustration.
Clear identification
Labels provide a clear and concise identification of the contents of each bin, making it easy to find what you’re looking for without having to search through multiple bins.
Visual appeal
Adding labels to your snack storage space can infuse it with personality and style, enhancing its visual appeal and making it more enjoyable.
To make the most of your labeling efforts, follow these steps:
Fully stock your snack area
Make sure your snack area is fully stocked before labeling. This will allow you to see what fits well and where to restock your bins quickly.
Choose the right labels
Select labels that are easy to read and durable, ensuring they will withstand frequent handling and remain legible over time.
Place labels strategically
In your home office snack drawer, position labels in a visible location on each bin, making it easy to identify the contents.
Labeling your snack bins allows you to create a streamlined and user-friendly snack storage system that makes it easy to find and enjoy your favorite treats. This small investment of time and effort can significantly improve your snack storage area’s ease of use and functionality.
Group Snacks Accordingly
Grouping similar snacks can streamline the selection process and make finding what you’re looking for easier.
By grouping similar snacks and organizing them in a logical and accessible way, you can simplify the snack selection process and make it easier to find what you’re looking for. This can reduce waste and maximize your snack storage area.
Keep Hunger at Bay With a Snack Drawer
Take care of your needs even if you’re busy. Stack snacks that will keep the hunger pangs away while also giving you a boost of energy to get things done. Follow the tips on how to build your home office snack drawer and improve your mood, focus, and productivity.
