If you were used to working a 9-to-5 office job, it’s safe to say that working from home these past few months has been an adjustment. Distractions and productivity killers abound, from the living room where the television is waiting to lure you into a binge-fest of The Office to the laundry room where piles of clothes are just begging to be washed and folded. And then there’s the pantry, the place you go to beat stress and boredom and to stretch your legs and fulfill your salty, sweet, crunchy cravings. 

We know all too well that when the pantry is just steps away, it’s hard to resist the allure of a midday snack break—which could be a good thing! In fact, the American Heart Association states on their website that snacking isn’t “bad” for you if you do it in moderation and make healthy choices. And according to Jackie Newgent, RDN, culinary nutritionist and author of “The All-Natural Diabetes Cookbook,” “properly planned snacking can actually help with weight management efforts” and “help keep you satisfied between meals so that you don’t overeat at lunch or dinner.” 

We know this idea that snacks provide satiety until the next meal is important, which is why we’ve partnered with the premium, gluten-free better-for-you snack brand Crunchmaster and Lisa Linh, creator of the home, lifestyle, and wellness blog By Lisa Linh, to share simple ways for making smarter snack choices while working from home. As the voice behind the blog By Lisa Linh where she shares healthy living tips, Linh certainly knows a thing or two about eating well on a busy schedule. 

Ahead, she breaks down how to snack smartly when you’re WFH all day, from scheduling meal breaks to stocking up on nutrient-dense snack foods.

CREATE & CULTIVATE: How does having a set meal routine set you up for success while working from home, and what tips can you share for scheduling meals and snack breaks?

LISA LINH: I found that my most productive days are ones where I schedule breaks and meals. So for me, having a routine not only keeps me focused, but also allows me to perform at my best. My biggest tip is to create a realistic schedule that works for you versus trying to use other people’s templates.

Everyone is different and when you create something just for you, you tend to stick to it more. For example, I only take 30-minutes for breakfast and lunch but will keep a secret stash of snacks that I can grab at my desk throughout the day. Others may give themselves an hour and some even eat at their desk, so do whatever feels most convenient and authentic to you.

What tips can you share on stocking up on nutrient-dense snack foods and what are your go-to good-for-you snacks?

While we have a dedicated snack cabinet in the kitchen, I also keep a snack drawer in our office. I try my best to keep nutrient-dense snacks on hand that are easy to grab and don’t make a huge mess while I study, which is why I prefer Crunchmaster crackers as my go-to.

I love that they’re gluten free, come in a variety of flavors, and are made with 100% whole grain. Not to mention, they have no artificial colors or flavors and 0g cholesterol. Also, the crunch is just so satisfying to hear.

My favorite flavor is Original and my boyfriend loves Ultimate Everything. He actually loves pairing the Ultimate Everything crackers with the salmon poke we get fresh from the market or dipping them in humus. I, on the other hand, like it plain.

We both also love that they’re perfect for when we’re on-the-go. Whenever we’re in a rush to leave the house I just throw one into my tote bag and eat in the car. It also is in my gym bag, as it’s a great post work-out snack as well.

What is your best nutrition advice for those of us who want to eat better and take care of ourselves while WFH? How can we be healthier on a busy schedule?

When it comes to taking care of yourself, it is important to prioritize your mental and emotional health first. I always advise my friends to ensure that they feel good from the inside first before tackling their physical health, because you honestly have to be in the right mindset before anything else.

Carving out time for yourself can be tough with a busy schedule, but if you treat your breaks as something “to-do” and schedule them into your day, you’ll eventually fall into the habit of checking in with yourself. Self-care is not just bubble baths and massages either, we have to make time to do all the inner work that’s necessary for us to continue to be our best selves.

In regards to eating better, I’m still personally learning about the type of ingredients that go into our food, and so I often ask for advice from my personal trainer and closest friends, who are nutrition experts. I can’t say that I’m always choosing the healthiest choices but we’re all a work in progress and knowledge is power, so education about nutrition is key.

What are some food staples I should always have in the pantry or fridge to cook healthy meals and why?

I’m going to be honest and tell you that, while I’m big on healthy snacks, I am still working in the cooking department, meaning I don’t cook often. For breakfast, I usually have something easy like apple and peanut butter, a banana and peanut butter toast, or a quick spinach and mushroom pita. For lunch, I tend to have leftovers from dinner, in which the majority of my dinners are ordered via Postmates. My favorite go-to restaurants are Granville, Tender Greens, and local sushi, and Vietnamese restaurants. 

Anything else to add?

You only get one body, and while it’s extremely forgiving, it is up to us to really give ourselves the best life we can and that includes taking care of our physical, mental, and emotional health.

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