The first National Snack Food Month was celebrated in February 1989. It was initiated by the Snack Food Association and National Potato Promotion Board. The intent is to build snack food awareness and increase consumption of snack foods during a time when their sales are typically low.

Snack food doesn’t have to mean “junk” food

Are you and your team among the thousands of Americans trying to find balance in their eating habits? You may decide to skip the celebration, but why not choose guilt-free snack food instead?

Instead of boxes of little donuts or bags of greasy chips – or in addition to, no judgment here – add a wide variety of healthy foods that everyone can enjoy.

Here’s how to celebrate National Snack Food Month with your co-workers:

Plan your snacks

Are you the team manager, company owner and/or the person who’s been nominated to the task? Put together a quick list of possible fun and healthy snack ideas, print it out, and send it around the office for everyone’s input.

Focus on color, crunch and healthy fats

What makes a delicious snack? When coming up with your initial list of snack food ideas, remember — you and your peers may think very differently!

In addition to including special requests made by your co-workers, pull together a variety of healthier options that most people will enjoy.

Non perishable snack ideas

These snacks can be added to desk drawers or the break-room cupboards – perfect for those quick “working at my desk” moments in busy work environments.

• Whole wheat crackers
• Rice crackers
• Pretzels
• Microwave popcorn
• Trail mix – commercial or homemade
• Chex mix
• Canned fruit
• Dried fruit
• Nuts and/or nut butters
• Peanut butter

Perishable snack ideas

While the non-perishable snacks are a great way to break an afternoon slump, sometimes you need just a little bit more:

• Dips – cheese, cream cheese, yogurt or sour cream with ranch dressing mix, hummus
• Fresh fruit – grapes, bananas, oranges, etc. make a great snack. Save time with pre-cut fruit at your neighborhood grocer.
• Low fat cottage cheese in individual packaging
• Low fat, low sugar yogurts
• Sliced bell peppers
• Carrots
• Snap peas
• Celery

Keep calories in mind

Yes, calories do matter, even if they’re from a healthy source.

Post a helpful resource list of the calories found in your office snacks where everyone can see it, such as the shared refrigerator or bulletin board.

Try to keep your own calories consumed from any snacks at the office to between 100 and 200 calories. Save them for those times you’re really hungry as opposed to just bored or stressed.

For the longest staying power, combine a protein with a carbohydrate whenever possible.

Keep it going

If National Snack Food Month has you and your co-workers eating healthier snacks this February, don’t stop now!

Avoid the nasty side effects from unhealthy fare such as weight gain and/or low energy. Continue to keep a variety of healthy snacks on hand to power you and your co-workers through the year!