According to recent statistics provided by the US Department of Health and Human Services, at least one in three American adults suffers from obesity.
This life-threatening situation comes from poor eating habits and lack of exercise and can lead to heart disease and diabetes. Would you like to avoid joining these ill-fated folks?
Cutting out unhealthy snacks and lunches at work are excellent starting points. Here’s your guide to establishing healthy eating habits during office hours.
Eating Better Begins With Routine
Eating healthy at work starts long before you punch your time card in the morning. Get started by researching healthy options and adding them to your shopping list.
When you have a stash of healthful snacks on hand, it’s much easier to plan your meals for the day or week. Stock up on items like fruit, nuts, vegetables, and seeds.
You could even go as far as suggesting to your employer that they implement these healthy choices in your office vending machine. Nowadays, you get machines that stock healthier options for snacking at work. You can find more information here.
Packing Healthy Lunches
Packed lunches limit the temptation to order a greasy take-out meal or calm your hunger pangs by snacking at work.
A balanced lunch should include a whole grain item, a portion of fruit or vegetables, and some lean protein. Vegetarians can opt for quinoa, beans, or tofu instead of lean chicken or fish.
Salads are a fantastic summer meal, especially when they include plenty of dark green leafy vegetables. In winter, hearty homemade vegetable soup with wholegrain bread will supply all the warming nutrition you need.
When you prepare your meals at home, you can more easily avoid the added salt and sugar present in takeout and restaurant items.
If you attend a business lunch at a restaurant, look for the healthiest options on the menu and opt for water with your meal.
Some restaurants serve overly large portions of food. Ask for a doggy bag for the leftovers instead of forcing it all down.
Avoid Overeating at Work
Avoid eating at your desk. Rather, step away and focus on your meal.
This will help you eat until you’re satisfied, instead of absent-mindedly gorging until your meal’s finished.
You should also set aside a few minutes for healthy snacking, too. Ideally, aim to eat small portions at least three to five times during your workday, so you don’t become too hungry and overeat at the first opportunity.
Take your coffee break seriously. Limit your sugar intake and opt for herbal tea instead of drinks loaded with caffeine.
Regular breaks and nutritious meals will ensure you stay at your best throughout the work day, reduce fatigue, and enhance your productivity levels.
Embrace Healthy Eating Habits Full Time
Healthy eating at work is only the first step in revamping your diet.
So, stop nibbling absentmindedly and start thinking about food as fuel for your body and mind. A carefully thought out, healthy meal plan will satisfy all your cravings.
Are you ready to commit to a healthier lifestyle both at home and at work? Browse our blog for more meal suggestions to help you establish ongoing healthy eating habits.
