Too rushed in the morning to eat breakfast? Too busy to prepare a packed lunch for work? Does this sound familiar?
I’d bet that’s a regular occurrence for many people. But for most, they can grab a bagel on the way to work or head to a cafe to pick up lunch. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for me, or for others with Celiac Disease or gluten intolerance. While it’s becoming easier to eat dinner out, the chances of a gluten free bakery being on your way to work is quite rare, let alone a fast food joint with healthy, gluten free options.
No, for us, we must rely on being prepared. If we don’t bring a filling breakfast or lunch, it might mean being hungry, tired, and cranky for the rest of the day. So what should we do on those days when we’re too busy to eat breakfast before jetting off to work? Be prepared and have a backup! That’s right, have a stash of food already at work.
Here are 8 gluten free snacks I keep stashed in my desk at work just in case:
1. LARABARS
I have LARABARS stashed away in my desk at work, in my purse, and in the car. They’re natural, full of protein, have few ingredients, and taste great. Plus, they come in several flavours so you can always mix it up.
2. Instant Oatmeal
These individual packets are a travel essential, but they also are perfect for work. All you need is hot water to make a convenient, filling breakfast or snack. Glutenfreeda comes in several varieties.
3. Lentil Crackers
Sometimes all I have time to grab for lunch are some cheese slices and vegetables. Having protein rich lentil crackers already at work means that I can elevate this quick lunch. I like the Mediterranean Snacks Sea Salt Lentil Crackers.
4. Pepperoni Sticks
They have a good shelf life, don’t need to be refrigerated, and come in individual servings. They’re full of protein and can go well with cheese and crackers, or be eaten on it’s own as a snack.
5. Chocolate
On those workdays when things get a bit stressful or tedious, sometimes all you need is a bit of a pick-me-up. A couple pieces of chocolate works perfectly.
6. Peanut Butter
It’s such an easy, protein rich food to keep on hand. It can quickly make an apple, banana, or crackers more filling.
7. PopCorners
When a snack craving comes on, an individual bag of PopCorners works well. I like the sweet and salty Kettle variety.
8. Cereal
On days when I didn’t have time to eat breakfast or only have a light lunch, I simply pour a bowl of cereal. It’s easy to find milk cartons in convenience stores in my office building. I personally like the Erewhorn Strawberry Crisp cereal.
What are your favourite gluten free snacks that you keep at work?