The Best Healthy Snacks to Get You Through Your Next 12 Hour Shift

April 5th, 2016

Working in the healthcare industry takes a lot of physical and mental effort, especially when you are pulling 12-hour shifts. It is important to always stay alert and energetic, and sometimes an extra snack or two helps keep you going. On the other hand, minimizing the amount of junk food in your diet also plays a role in your overall well-being.

In short, if you need to snack to get through your workday, choose wisely. With that in mind, here are some healthy snacks to check out the next time you are working overtime.

Nuts Give You the Energy for Long Shifts

When losing energy during a 12-hour shift, consider eating a serving of peanuts, cashews, almonds, or anything else from the nut family. They contain a decent amount of protein, fiber, as well as other healthy minerals, such as potassium and magnesium. Lightly salted or even unsalted options are great when you are watching your sodium.

Don’t overdo it though, as nuts contain some fat and are relatively high in calories. Try to keep your serving to a handful at the most whenever you need a quick energy burst.

A Protein Bar Makes a Great Snack

Always keep a box of protein bars at your desk just in case you need more energy than a handful of peanuts provides. Do your research before heading to the store, as some bars are actually high in fat and contain a host of artificial ingredients.

As with any processed food, try to stick to protein bars that are organic and/or natural. Don’t worry, you can still find some that taste good as well as being healthy.

Don’t Forget the Fruit

A supply of fresh fruit is arguably the smartest call when it comes to healthy snacking during a long workday. Consider combining some apple slices with peanut butter for a balanced snack sure to help your mood. A banana is a great source of  potassium. Even snacking on some dried fruit is a better option than a bag of potato chips or pretzels.

When you need to snack at work, make sure to keep things healthy!

If you need any other advice for making the most of your career in healthcare, talk to the experts at Pinnacle Workforce. As one of the country’s top medical staffing agencies, we can help you help yourself. Schedule some time with us today!

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