10+ Colorful And Healthy Snacks You Can Eat At Your Desk

work from home healthy snacks fruit toast

We can't get through the day without some serious snacking, and as much as we love all things junk food, we're looking for more healthy snacks to give us energy. If you know that there are certain times of day that you have less energy (the 3 o'clock hour is a killer for most of us), choose snacks that will help keep you focused while also keeping you healthy. Read on for some colorful and tasty ideas that you can eat at your desk!

7 AM

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a great option for a pre-workday snack because it fills you up with slow-digesting fiber, AND as a bonus, it may lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. Plus, since it contains more protein than other grains, it'll fill you up so you don't need to snack as much throughout the day. Turn your normal bowl of oatmeal into baked oatmeal muffins and dust with some cinnamon sugar. Yum!

Eggs

Need some energy and protein to get you through the morning? Look no further than this breakfast staple. Eggs will fill you up better than a donut or other carb-loaded breakfast might, and they're full of healthy fats. Make some Eggs Benedict bites or a Croque Madame!

10 AM

Peppers + Cream Cheese

When you start to get hungry but it's not quite lunchtime, you need a snack that will satisfy. Bell peppers are great because they're low in calories but packed with vitamins — the more colorful, the better! Not only does adding cream cheese give your snack a whole new texture but it also adds in some Vitamin A. Try some Cheese-Stuffed Mini Peppers the next time you need a quick bite.

Potato Chips + Hot Sauce

We know that potato chips aren't the most healthy snack on the planet but they have their benefits when eaten in moderation. Potatoes are actually a great source of potassium, and if you're feeling nauseous, they're an easy-to-digest option. We love adding some Frank's Red Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce on top to spice things up! Not a fan of potatoes? There are tons of alternatives, from beet chips to carrot chips. We especially love Harvest Snaps' Baked Veggie Snacks for a healthy and salty crunch in a variety of flavors — from Mango Chili Lime to Parmesan Roasted Garlic.

3 PM

Image via Tyler Nix/Unsplash

Peanut Butter + Banana Toast

Some fully-loaded toast is a great way to get a bunch of different health benefits at once. Whole wheat bread can boost your energy if you're lagging, peanut butter has protein to keep you full until dinnertime, and bananas are packed with potassium and antioxidants. Drizzle some honey on top or add a sprinkle of chocolate chips! If peanut and gluten allergies are a concern, try a pre-packaged treat like Once Again Nut Butter's Sunflower Butter Graham Crack Sandwiches for a convenient pick-me-up.

Nuts + Dark Chocolate

There are a ton of reasons to reach for nuts the next time you need a pick-me-up. They're a wholesome plant-based source of protein, help keep you satiated with healthy fats, and are full of antioxidants. And whether you add a handful of chocolate chips or grab a chocolate bar (we love the Alter Eco bars), dark chocolate can also help maintain heart health and improve your cognitive functions.

9 PM

Popcorn

We love popcorn during a movie night, but you don't really need an excuse to chow down on this snack! It can boost your serotonin levels, and it's light enough that you won't feel bogged down when it's time to go to sleep. Try using an air popper for a snack without all the oil, or go for a flavorful Opopop pod.

Cherries

Not only are cherries great in a Shirley Temple, but they also make for a stellar bedtime snack. Their high antioxidant levels help the body in numerous ways, and they also contain a good dose of melatonin to get you ready to fall asleep.

Tag us in your workday healthy snacks on Instagram and check out our Pinterest, email newsletter, and online cooking classes for more food inspiration!

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This post has been updated.

One of the deep questions I asked myself on January 1 was, "How do you want to feel as a stay-at-home mom who's also a part of the WFH crew?" The first word that popped into my mind wasn't a full sentence; it was 'ease.'

I've spent the greater part of my life as a people pleaser who also has a Type A personality when inspired during work hours. There's nothing wrong with being ambitious, but I don't always know when to turn it off which leads to burnout. Does this sound like you?

If so, we're not doing this anymore bestie. This year we're changing the way we approach work so we're not on a first-name basis with stress 10 months out of the year. I've got tips from the following bada** ladies who know how imperative it is to not let work drain us:

  • Kayla Baum, CEO & Founder of Twello (a workplace wellness company!)
  • Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin, Founders at The Business Reboot

Keep scrolling for 8 genius ways to have a healthier work-life balance this year!

Karin Kaufer

1. Actually Use Your Planner In 2025

We're not buying pretty planners just so they can collect dust on our desks or coffee tables anymore. Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin want you to get serious because they feel "it starts with planning." They don't mean the kind you eventually flake on either.

"Effective planning is key to maintaining balance and reducing burnout. Whether you're mapping out tasks, meetings, or events, dedicated time for preparation ensures focus and reduces stress," they say. In other words, "the more intentional you are in planning, the more productive you'll be," according to them.

Ever since I've been blocking out my tasks by hour in planner, I've been able to get more done without feeling overwhelmed by splitting my time between writing and being in mommy mode. Frazier and Pepin suggest that you "set weekly planning sessions" that consist of "30-60 minutes each weekend to map out your upcoming week."

This eventually "reduces decision fatigue, fosters a sense of control, and helps you start Monday with clarity and purpose," they add. Yes, this is a sign that you'll be breaking up with the dreaded 'Sunday scaries' if you follow their advice. "You'll feel proactive and grounded rather than reacting to the week as it unfolds," they agree.

Spencer Wirkkala

2. Embrace A "Fake Commute" When Working From Home

One of Kayla Baum's tips is to switch up your routine if you're a remote worker. Rolling out of the bed at the last minute before logging on for work sounds appealing until you realize you're uninspired by your days. But, what is a "fake commute?"

"It mimics the structure of a traditional commute to establish a boundary between work and personal life. This could mean taking a walk around the block, doing a 10-minute guided meditation, or even just changing clothes at the end of the day," Baum mentions.

Based on her experience, she's found that "it works because it provides a psychological buffer, helping to separate work and home life." She feels it's "crucial for positive mental health and boosting productivity at work (and at home)."

You can also create a separate work space that's not in your bedroom to get work done! That's helped me tremendously so I'm not sleeping and working in the same area.

RDNE Stock project

3. Focus On High-Impact Tasks

Similar to planning your work days as best as you can, Frazier and Pepin want you to "prioritize the tasks that align with your goals." To minimize distractions, they want you to ask yourself:

  • What is the most effective use of my time right now?
"For instance, if you're preparing for a big presentation at work, concentrate on immediate needs rather than getting sidetracked by unrelated projects. This approach helps you conserve energy for what truly matters," they suggest.

Greta Hoffman

4. Stop Making Daily Decisions Hard

Tasks like your morning routine or figuring out what you'll eat don't have to take up a chunk of your time anymore. "Use productivity hacks, such as pre-planning meals or laying out weekly outfits," suggest Frazier and Pepin. They feel that "small routines like this eliminate unnecessary choices" to "make mornings smoother."

According to them, it's "especially helpful for families juggling multiple schedules." I couldn't agree more because I've spent so many frazzled mornings trying to make decisions about what myself and my toddler would wear or eat instead of planning them. With the help of my fiancé, we've cut so much time in half by being prepared ahead of time instead of 'winging it' before work.

Yan Krukau

5. Understand What Your Boundaries Are And Set Them

Worried that you'll be considered 'mean' if you tell your manager or coworkers what your boundaries are at work? Depending on your environment, it's 100% understandable. However, you're human and there's no reason you should be over-performing to your detriment. Frazier and Pepin say, "Set boundaries and communicate clearly. Adopt Brené Brown's mantra: 'To be clear is to be kind.'"

They encourage you to not only "be upfront about your schedule to manage others' expectations," but it's also so you can "avoid over-commitment." Say it with me: I will not make false promises just to appease others. Why?

Frazier and Pepin say, "Don't be afraid to say no to side projects or anything that doesn't align with your goals."

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6. Ignore Emails Sent After Your Work Hours

I've been guilty of sending an email after work to acknowledge that I saw something, but I never expect other people to feel obligated to respond until the next business day. On the flip side, I've felt pressured to answer something that feels timely and I've gone to sleep thinking about the sender's potential follow-up email.

"Just because a coworker chooses to work late at night doesn't mean you must answer. One helpful trick is to include your working days and hours in your signature, explaining that responses may be delayed outside of those times," Frazier and Pepin say. They even have a prompt you can use if you're not sure what to type:

  • "My working hours are [Your Working Hours, e.g., 9 AM - 4 PM ET]. Please note that these may differ from your local time zone. I appreciate your understanding and will respond to emails during my working hours."

I can't wait to start utilizing this...for research purposes only 👀.

7. Please, log off from work when it's time.

Unless you're scheduled to work late, take the time to log off from work and not think about it until the next day. Baum says, "Commit to fully logging off once the workday ends—no 'quick email replies' or sneaking in work over the weekend." I'm eyeing you Ms. "I just need to send a quick email" while you're on vacation or spending time with your significant other.

Baum says creating this separation works because "fully disconnecting allows your mind to reset and recharge" which ends up "making you more efficient, creative, and focused during actual work hours." According to her, you'll eventually "improve personal well-being" and "enhance long-term work performance."

As soon as my work day is over, I make a beeline for the shower so I can decompress. After that, I take my time with my skincare routine and keep my phone out of reach so I'm not tempted to look at anything work-related. I'm not always successful, but I've noticed a difference in my mood since making this shift.

olia danilevich

8. Speak Up When You're Feeling Overwhelmed

And if you're 100% drained because you've been trying to tackle work tasks during and after hours, Frazier and Pepin want you to speak up. "If you're feeling overwhelmed with your workload, approach your manager with honesty and a focus on solutions," they suggest. Here's another prompt of theirs you can use:

  • "I've been noticing that my workload has extended beyond regular hours, and maintaining balance is becoming challenging. Could we discuss prioritizing tasks or adjusting expectations to ensure I can deliver quality work without compromising my well-being?"
What this does is "frame the conversation as collaborative and proactive, encouraging your manager to work with you on a resolution," Frazier and Pepin observe.

Visit more of our work-life articles when you need career advice or how to learn to part ways with burnout for good.

Adam Brody and Leighton Meester (who, you know, played The OC's Seth Cohen and Gossip Girl's Blair Waldorf) made our teen drama dreams come true when they tied the knot in 2014. And after The Oranges and Adam's appearance on Single Parents, we're FINALLY seeing them onscreen together again in 2025. Leighton's new series Good Cop/Bad Cop premieres on the CW this winter and I can already tell it's going to be one of my favorite new TV shows of 2025.

Here's everything you need to know about Leighton Meester's Good Cop/Bad Cop — and Adam Brody's appearance!

What is Good Cop/Bad Cop about?

In the CW's newest series, Leighton Meester stars as detective Lou, working for her dad in their community's local police force. She's thrilled to finally get a partner — until she realizes it's her little brother Henry (Luke Cook). It looks like it's all in the family with this comedy drama.

When does Good Cop/Bad Cop come out?

The Good Cop/Bad Cop release date is coming up! The new series premieres at 9 PM EST on the CW starting February 19, 2025, and each episode will be one hour long.

Who else in the Good Cop/Bad Cop cast?

Good Cop/Bad Cop stars Leighton Meester, Luke Cook, and Clancy Brown. And in addition to a variety of additional actors, we'll be seeing Adam Brody make an appearance too! In the new trailer, we get a brief glimpse of his character during one of Lou and Henry's investigations — and it looks like he's playing a glasses-wearing cowboy. Yeehaw!

Are you excited to see Leighton Meester and Adam Brody onscreen again? I think they're both hilarious and can't wait to see their banter. Keep your eyes peeled for the latest Good Cop/Bad Cop news and read up on the other February TV shows premiering in 2025.

There are plenty of Trader Joe’s snacks I could easily eat the entire package of, like the Milk Chocolate Covered Honeycomb Candy and the Ghost Pepper Potato Chips – but they’re definitely not intended to be eaten in a single sitting at the cost of a gnarly stomachache.

But, TJ’s is constantly innovating, and their newest snack surprisingly defies all expectations: the serving size is actually the entire package. Fans are nothing short of intrigued.

Reddit

One bag of Trader Joe’s Crispy Dried Watermelon is packed with 1.5 pounds of vacuum-dried watermelon strips, though you wouldn’t guess it at first glance. TJ’s calls it “a true feat of physics,” which is truly enough reason for me to give ‘em a try.

Another notable aspect of this new snack is that each bite doesn’t lose its sweet melon flavor, even though all the moisture is gone. Of course, the most important feature is its serving size being 1 package.

Reddit

Trader Joe’s Crispy Dried Watermelon isn’t yet featured on the grocer’s website, though it’s definitely gained some buzz on social media platforms like Reddit. One user shared their love for the wacky newcomer snack in this thread, saying: “without a doubt, the best thing I’ve ever had from Trader Joe's. It is sooo unbelievable.”

Reddit

A few more users chimed in with praise for the snack, while others remained quite skeptical of its quality and taste.

“I like them,” one person wrote. “It reminded me of sweet plantain chips, except watermelon.”

“You’re the only person I’ve ever seen actually enjoy it,” another user commented.

“I’m glad someone is enjoying it! Our crew sampled it and we all hated it, that’s hilarious,” one more person said.

Reddit

The same user posted a few photos with their comments about the Crispy Dried Watermelon, with one capturing the nutrition facts label on the package. One serving of the sweet snack (the entire bag) has 150 calories, 15mg sodium, 35 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, and 3 grams of protein.

The only real caveat to its miraculous one-bag serving size is it contains 31g of sugar – so, if you’re watching your sugar intake, it might be best to snack on this one slowly.

Reddit

In addition to simply munching on the Crispy Dried Watermelon on its own, TJ’s suggests crushing the pieces to use as a cocktail garnish or even blending it in a food processor with heavy cream and powdered sugar for a watermelon-flavored homemade frosting.

Would you try this wacky Trader Joe's snack? Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to discover more buzzy TJ's items!

As much as I've written about Reese Witherspoon's book club, you'd think I was on a first name basis with her (wishful thinking)! But, the truth is that it's the reason I rediscovered reading for fun. As informational as books can be, there's also joy, anguish, fear — and even spicy romance — to lose ourselves in. I'm become a firm believer in holding on to things that bring us joy so if your book stash is overflowing, you're going to love Reese's January pick for 2025.

Learn about Reese Witherspoon's Book Club pick for January 2025!

Amazon

The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan (New Release)

Cate Kay's a literary genius who's cracked the code of keeping readers engaged in her written work. She's also secured a film franchise that's made fans go wild. But, no one's ever seen Cate Kay or talked to her. She's an enigma on purpose.
You see, 'Cate Kay' and her bestie Amanda made plans to live lavish lives in California. They were so sure everything would work out until something awful happens that forces 'Cate Kay' to leave her real identity behind.

It's not until something forces her to make peace with where she comes from that 'Cate Kay' decides it's time to stop running from who she is.

Reese's Book Club

Here's What Reese Witherspoon Had To Say About The Three Lives of Cate Kay

Reese Witherspoon never shies away from telling her adoring fans why she chose a book and this month is no different. On her book club's official Instagram page, she wrote: "Have you ever felt like you were living more than one life? That’s exactly what Cate Kay is grappling with in our January pick, The Three Lives of Cate Kay by @KateFagan3. She’s a literary sensation, the face behind a blockbuster film trilogy, but her life isn’t what it seems. This story swept me away with its big dreams, love, and unexpected twists."

Visit our storefront to check out more of our top book picks!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

After spending decades in the entertainment industry, some celebs like Pamela Anderson have opted for a makeup-free look. No one can forget when she stunned photographers right before Paris Fashion Week's Vivienne Westwood show last year by rocking a bare face. She told Vogue France, she wasn't thinking about not "wearing any makeup." However, she didn't want to "compete with the clothes" she was wearing. She felt "freedom" from not trying to "be the prettiest girl in the room" which speaks volumes to us!

Now, Pamela continues to embrace the no-makeup life — and not only does she look gorgeous, but she seems SO happy! The star shared recently how this lifestyle change impacts her day-to-day, and it's honestly incredibly relatable. Here's what she had to say!

Here's what Pamela Anderson just said about adopting a no-makeup life!

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1. It saves her a lot of time.

Pamela Anderson stopped by the Live with Kelly and Markshow to talk about filming The Last Showgirl, her childhood, and how not wearing makeup has been beneficial for her. While her makeup-free clip from the episode isn't available on YouTube, PEOPLE reports hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos asking her how her decision has changed her life.

Ripa started with, "You don't travel with a glam squad. How liberating is that for you," while Consuelos followed with, "And how much time have you gotten back?"

The former Baywatch star said she's "saved a lot of time" and admitted that her sons "used to say that I spent half my life in a makeup chair."

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2. She feels more focused in general.

Pamela Anderson also admitted things feel easier for her in general. "I feel like I could focus better when I did the film, too." And her life outside of that? She said she's "gotten out of wearing makeup and it's been fun."

It's interesting because Kelly Ripa shared she's been inspired by Pamela Anderson's makeup-free choice. She remembers not wearing makeup for a short while and said to herself, "'Pamela Anderson is a genius." Kelly even thought for a moment, "This is the way to live." We're so here for it!

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3. She lives for a glam moment, but appreciates simplicity now.

Pamela's all for being makeup-free now, but she's not bashing glam moments. She actually "loved it" because "it's fun when you're new in the business and you get all this attention." She's just at a point where she's "done that" and wants to "simplify and keep it low key."

She really does "love being elegant, sophisticated" but has found what "works best" for her.

Is Pamela Anderson inspiring you to embrace a no-makeup life too? Let us know on Facebook!