Cup of Inspiration

Today, September 12, is National Ants on a Log Day. This is celebrated on the second Tuesday in September. Ants on a Log is a snack that provides a little bit of sweetness along with fuel for your brain. It consists of a “log” which is celery stick, that is covered with peanut butter or some other spread, such as cream cheese. The “ants” are raisins placed on the top. If you aren’t a fan of raisins, consider an “Ants on Vacation” version of the snack, by leaving the raisins off.

When we have a lot going on in a day, it can be very easy to reach for the first thing available to get us through till lunch or till the end of the day. It can be all too easy to grab something from the vending machine in the break room or reach for that piece of leftover birthday cake someone brought in to share with the office. This even happens when working from home. Perhaps you’re trying to meet a deadline on a report, and you run down to your kitchen and grab that bag of potato chips to satisfy your hunger, because you absolutely don’t have time for lunch.

It is too easy to put our work ahead of our health. We don’t have to forget all treats. Just try to remember what treats will truly help you, and not hinder you in your work. If you know you have a busy day ahead in the office, consider packing up some healthy snacks, such as celery, that you can enjoy at your desk. Better yet, try to make yourself take a few minutes break and enjoy that healthy treat outside while clearing your mind. If you’re home, plan on taking a couple of extra minutes in the morning preparing a healthy snack for later that morning. When you’re ready for a break (and yes you do need to take that break) you’ll already have that healthy snack ready for you to enjoy, instead of relying on a quick grab of those potato chips.

A snack made up of celery, peanut butter, and raisins (or some similar variety) will not only satisfy your taste buds and hunger but will give you some fuel for your brain to help you tackle that project at work. Take a break and treat yourself. You deserve it!