Can you eat healthier at work? Many
of us spend hours each day away from home, at the office, at work and then
choose what is easy and convenient to eat. There are a lot of temptations at work: vending
machines, eating out at lunch, grabbing a quick snack from the office
kitchen. All easy and convenient but not necessarily
the best for our health. But eating at
the office and away from home can be healthy if you plan ahead. Sparkpeople has some great suggestions for
you, Eating
Healthier at the Office
1. Pack your lunch and some snacks: bringing your lunch will not only save money
but will be better for your health.
a.
Lunch –focus on whole grains, fruits,
vegetables, yogurt, lean protein
b.
Snacks – pack a yogurt for a mid-morning pick me
up, some fruit for an afternoon snack
2. Keep an emergency stash – you
may have forgotten your lunch or snacks but having an emergency stash at work
is a healthy fall back.
a.
Protein bars
b.
Trail mix of nuts, dried food, a package of
nuts,
c.
Some instant oatmeal, soup
3. Practice
your “No, thank you” when someone comes around with the box of morning donuts
4. Out of sight, out of mind –
avoid the office candy dish, keep it off your desk.
a.
Move snacks, goodies from the conference room to
the break room
b.
Find an alternate route so you don’t have to
walk past the candy dish in reception five times a day
5. Rehydrate during the day with water
a.
Feeling thirsty?
That’s the first sign of dehydration.
b.
Get up and walk to the water fountain every hour
or so
c.
Keep water at your desk and go to the office
kitchen for some ice water and add some lemon slices you brought from home
6.
Going out to lunch?
a.
Have a list of healthy, nearby restaurants. Make
a list of the restaurants near your office.
Look at their menus or nutrition information online and choose healthier
options.
b.
Recommend to your co-workers you eat at one of
the restaurants that does offer healthier options.
c.
Review Sparkpeople’s Tips
for Dining Out for ideas on how to choose healthier options
7. Avoid
the vending machines – by having your emergency stash and packed items
for snacks, you can avoid the high calorie, high sodium vending machine options
8. Do
treat yourself – there are special occasions and parties at the
office. Enjoy them. Keep portions reasonable, you don’t need the
second donut or piece of cake. Enjoy the
food and the occasion and then return to your routine of bringing your lunch
and snacks.
My husband & I were talking about this yesterday. I work evenings & take leftovers from his dinner the previous night for my lunch/dinner & I noticed that I am gaining weight. I don't want to spend money for dinner every day & was trying to find an alternative. This was very helpful. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGlad you found "How To Eat Healthier at the Office" helpful. Packing a meal and snacks for the office can save money and be a healthier choice than buying meals out.
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