Eating/Snacking on Vegetables
Marie-Annick Courtier 
It's important to eat green fresh snacks, for both your physical and mental health!
I still recall the wonderful childhood times preparing fresh green beans with my mother. It was a great time to chat and for her to introduce me to the world of vegetables. Yes, it is important to do that with your children, as soon as they are old enough. I still prepare green beans as we did then, boiling them with a little salt to bring an appealing color once cooked. I still use them as an accompaniment or as a snack, as my mother taught me.
Indeed it is better to snack on fruit or raw/cooked vegetables rather than on many processed sugary or salty snacks available at grocery stores. And I am not just talking of green beans here. I often have on hand some other raw or cooked vegetables. I love radishes, cucumbers, bell peppers, zucchini, squash, celery, mushrooms, and baby tomatoes. For a quick snack, I may prepackage them by portion and keep them in front of the refrigerator shelf, so my attention is drawn to them immediately when I look for something to snack on. I may also have some soup or puree on hand, which can also be great snacks in reasonable quantity. I particularly love a good vegetable puree in the winter, as it warms my heart! Sometimes, I add a tablespoon of tapenade, hummus, tzatziki, or avocado puree with a small portion of raw vegetables.
I also enjoy snacking on fruit pieces with a few nuts (almond, walnut, hazelnut, or pistachio). A kiwi, a small banana, a small apple, or a few berries with a few nuts are often my preferred choice, as it is quick to access when time is limited. Fruits are my favorite for my morning treat, whereas vegetables are more for my afternoon. This is my preference and with a certain seasonal variety at hand, I haven't been bored of such a habit. That said, I will not deny that, at times, I snack on a delicious homemade cookie. Indeed, that is my "péché mignon " or "guilty pleasure" in life, a piece of 90% dark chocolate not far behind!
One thing I often bring to the attention of my clients is snacking behaviors. Bad ones can quickly ruin a day of being good! Beware and pay attention while focusing on the conscious right choice you must make on many occasions. And if you are struggling with temptation at work, be the wise person to bring change if needed. Bring healthier alternatives to co-workers to try and insight them to have better choices, so everyone can benefit from better choices towards their health. I, too often, see donuts, muffins, pastries, and unhealthy food bars offered. Nothing wrong with some raw vegetables, fruits, natural healthy organic food bars, or even plain low-fat Greek Yogurt. And keep in mind that unhealthy snacking hurts your physical health and also your mental health!
