Why I Hate Carrot Sticks

At PETA, we’re very lucky to have awesome vending-machine options—Luna Bars and Veggie Crisps, anyone? Sadly, most of you are probably stuck with Bugles and Funyuns at the office, but if you’re trying to be healthy, you don’t necessarily have to succumb to the standard, tired carrot stick for your daily snacking needs. Or even worse—celery sticks. Does anyone really want to eat vegetables in stick form while at work? That’s just not the sort of world I want to live in. Try this instead:

• Edamame: Or “baby soy beans” if you don’t like fancy words. These protein-packed pods are perfect to heat up in the microwave, sprinkle with salt, and nibble on throughout the day.
• Granola: Nuts, dried fruit, and oats are undeniably healthy (as long as you don’t eat 6 cups of them at once), and this perfect combination gives you an energy boost without a caffeine-induced crash. It can be pricey to get pre-packaged granola, so why not make your own? If you’re able use a spoon and an oven, it’s not hard.
• Baked Beans: If your idea of cooking is opening a can and wielding a fork, baked beans are your new best friend. Good cold, hot, and everywhere in-between, try Bush’s Vegetarian Baked Beans plain, on toast, or with a sliced up veggie dog.
• Perfect Pairs: Triscuits or whole wheat pita and hummus; apple slices and peanut butter; baked tortilla chips and salsa; soy yogurt and Grape Nuts; and pretzels with spicy mustard. It’s easy to snack well during a busy day if you just take a few minutes to plan ahead. If you get a snack attack at 3 p.m. and your only option is BBQ Fritos or starvation, you’re probably going to make an unhealthy decision. You can stop dutifully chomping those carrot sticks and expand your healthy snack horizons with just a little forethought and creativity.

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