Healthy Nutrition at Work
If you’re going to spend eight hours in one place, the odds are good that, at some point, you’re going to eat there. So, it only makes sense that more than 80 percent of Americans admit to eating meals and snacks at their desks. The problem is, those snacks usually aren’t healthy. Let’s face it, the stuff in the vending machine isn’t doing you any favors, the donuts your co-worker brought in aren’t in any guides to good nutrition, and that soda is doing you more harm than good.
It doesn’t have to be that way! You can eat healthy at work. Here are some tips:
Start your day right. Even if your morning scramble doesn’t give you time for scrambled eggs, taking the time to eat a good breakfast pays off in the long run. A simple piece of fruit or cup of oatmeal can do a lot to keep you from succumbing to the high-calorie/low-benefit items people often bring to the office.
Brown bag it. Bring food from home, and not just for lunch. Plan ahead and pack something healthy for when you feel hunger coming on. Again, a piece of fruit is always a winner. Got a real sweet tooth? Partner that apple with a piece of dark chocolate. If you’re willing to invest a little more time, make trail mix at home and portion it out over a few days.
Always go with H20. Drinking water helps in a couple of ways: Obviously, it quenches your thirst without the empty calories or sugars, but it also can help to curb hunger pangs. Fill up with water and your body won’t be so interested in snacks.
Step away: Sometimes simply being at your desk tempts you to eat. When hunger hits, get up and take a walk around the office. And if it is time for lunch or a snack, find someplace other than your desk to eat. You’ll slow down, and enjoy what you’re eating more.
Vend wisely. If you simply must go to the vending machine, you can still make smart choices. Skip the greasy chips and sugary candy bars for granola bars, pretzels, crackers with peanut butter, and similar treats. These days, you might even find dried fruits and whole-grain snacks in the machines.
Tags: health, healthy, healthy at work, Healthy Choices, healthy eating