Foods to keep you going at work (even if you commute)

Occasionally, me, L, and a couple of the girls from the office go out for lunch (Em doesn't work anywhere near us so she doesn't get to partake in this little ritual!). But the options are scarce, today I found that my favourite nearby restaurant was using a new dressing on our go-to chickpea and feta salad that was "hard to describe". By that, they meant that it was bought in and the list of ingredients was too long to describe to a customer. Not so good for those among us who have problems with, and go to great lengths to avoid, various foods.

So here's a list of the best foods we've found to keep you going throughout the day, remember to not to forget the powers of nuts, dried berries and fruits (preferably ones that haven't been sulfured or had sweeteners added to them), seeds and coconut flakes for all round nutritional value!!

1) Incan Berries


image borrowed but we've forgotten where we found the image - sorry!



Available from detox your world with prices starting from £4.35 (+p&p).

These little treasures also go under the names goldenberries, agauaymanto berries or Cape Gooseberries and originate from South America. Sweet and Tangy, Incan berries are a good source of beta carotene, protein, thiamine, phosphorous, vitamin C & niacin. They are also high in protein and pectin, and can aid intestinal health.

Incan berries are also rich in antioxidants and help to reduce carcinogens and inflammation. But these berries are expensive, when we can afford it we buy a bag and mix it with raisins, dried berries, nuts and seeds.

2) Cacao Nibs


image borrowed from http://www.creative-nature.co.uk/



Available from Creative Nature in 1kg bags for £19.99 (including p&p), Detox Your World with prices ranging between £3.75-£23.95 (+p&p), and The Fresh Network with prices ranging between £3.55-£126.50. 

Crunchy and rich, raw cacao nibs are perfect for the after lunch energy dip (what is it about 2pm?). raw cacao is a mild stimulant and has the highest antioxidant value of all natural foods (scoring a hefty 28,000 ORAC scored, nearly twice the antioxidants of red wine. To give you an idea of how high the raw cacao ORAC score is;  Dark chocolate scores 13,120 and Milk chocolate scores 6,740).


Raw cacao also has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is packed full of nutrients like oleic acid, magnesium, sulphur, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, potassium, manganese and some B vitamins.

Other health benefits include anti-depressant and appetite-suppressant properties, along with raw cacao making a great study aid by increasing mental alertness and concentration. For a super yummy trail mix; combine a handful each of goji berries, coconut chips and cacao nibs.
 
3) InSpiral Kale Chips


Image borrowed from http://www.fresh-network.com/



Available from the fresh network for £2.95 (+p&p), and raw living for £2.85 (+p&p). Available in house from the Inspiral cafe in Camden, London.

Yes, we know, they don't sound or look very appetising. But these Kale chips are delicious, taste like real crisps, come in a variety of flavours (such as baobab and cyder vinegar, cheesie purple corn, spicy wasabi) and are a combination of curly kale, cashew nuts, braggs liquid aminos, himalayan crystal salt and accompanying ingredients specific to each flavour.  
Aaand they come with the added benefit of being packed full of nutrients, which are light on your belly and easy to digest. Perfecto for lunch...or even a midday snack!
 
4) Chia seeds


Image borrowed from http://www.vivapure.co.uk/

Available from Have raw cake and eat it with prices ranging between £4.50 & £38.50 (+p&p), Vivapure with prices starting at £10.50 (+p&p), and Raw living with prices being £4.95 for 250g and £17.95 for 1kg (+p&p).   These teeny seeds packed with omega 3 fatty acids, phosphorous, manganese and dietary fibre can help to control blood sugar levels and ease digestion. Add 2 teaspoonsful to a bit of water, nut milk, dairy, coconut milk or water, leave to sit for 5-15 minutes and it will turn into a pudding consistency, add vanilla extract with a dash of stevia and you have a sweet snack that is light and will keep you going all day! Alternatively, make it savoury or have it plain! Remember though you only need a tiny amount, otherwise you'll be left with a stodgey mess!

5) Juice Bars


image borrowed from http://www.juicemaster.co.uk/



Available from Juice Master with prices ranging from £1.79-£69.99 (+p&p)and health stores across the country.

These bars are packed full of nutrients and enzymes, are raw and taste lovely! They come in 2 flavours; berry and vegetable and are very filling. They boost your energy and are especially useful if you work shifts or are always on the go!

6) Nakd Bars.

image borrowed from http://www.juicemaster.co.uk/

Available from Juicemaster with prices ranging from £0.84 (+p&p), in the free from section of most supermarkets and health stores.

These bars are snack bars comprising mainly of fruit and nuts (and, in some cases, oats), they are raw and come in a range of flavours such as apple, berry, chocolate mint, cocoa orange. They are great snack bars, but primal folk beware; they do have dates and as such are quite high in carbs!

7) Nut butter and an apple.


Image borrowed from http://hubpages.com/hub/Cooking-With-Kids--Fun-with-Apples

Available from all over the place.
Slice an apple and spread nut butter across, season with salt and pepper if you prefer savoury, go for cinnamon if you need some sweetness! Or sprinkle some trailmix on top! Yummmm!

8) A tin of oily fish, just fish or even fish roe


image borrowed from http://www.channel4.com/

Available from most supermarkets.

Mackerel, sardines, tuna, cod roe...the list is endless, just like the nutritional benefit of one of these babies! They'll fill you up, each comes in a variety of flavours, and they are guilt free. In fact they are brain and body food and are followed nicely by some kale chips.

What are your go-to foods to get you through the day?
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