A busy lifestyle doesn’t always leave from for healthy choices. It seems as if the workplace is a haven for unhealthy eating habits. We all slip up, even those who don’t have any problems with healthy eating outside the workplace. A recent study even shows that eating unhealthy is linked to a 66 percent increased risk of productivity loss.
Whether you’re too busy to take a
lunch, eating out too frequently, mindlessly enjoying the vending machine snacks, or just packing the wrong things, it’s time to do your body a favor and make some changes to your workplace eating habits. Here are a few ways to improve the way you eat at work:
Eat breakfast. So maybe you’ve heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day? This may not be a fact backed up by data, but eating breakfast before or at work will give you a healthy boost of energy. Skip the greasy breakfast sandwich or the simple cup of coffee (that’s not food!). If you’re running late or aren’t hungry before leaving your house, simply bring breakfast food to work.
Cut back on the coffee. Easier said than done, right? Coffee is the fuel that powers workforces around the globe, but some of us consume so much we miss meals completely and even end up fatigued. Mix it up by adding a variety of teas into your hot drink routine.
Pack your lunch. Going out for lunch is tempting because it allows escape from the office and is quite convenient. So many individuals forget the wholesome nutrition and cost-saving abilities of a sack lunch. Skip the peanut butter and jelly sandwich and prepare leftovers, pre-cut veggies, or a thermos full of soup. A great way to make you actually pack your lunch is by investing in a nice lunchbag and/or BPA-free containers.
Bring healthy snacks. Eating healthier at work doesn’t just mean for lunch. Packing healthy snacks can not only give you more energy, but also can help you avoid the vending machine or a nearby convenience store. There certainly aren’t too many nutritious options at either of those places. Try trail mix, fruit, nuts, or even rice cakes with peanut butter. All of these foods provide the necessary sugars and proteins to help you make it through the afternoon without needing a nap.
Leave your desk. It’s easy to get caught up in your work and stay at your desk the entire day. Even if you pack your lunch, it’s still important to get up and moving. Plan to take a walk, eat your lunch outside, or even run a few errands on your lunch break. This will give you time to clear your mind and allow you to refuel for the potential post-work slump.
Locate healthy eating options. If you feel the need to eat out regularly, take steps toward being healthier by researching and locating the healthiest lunch options near your workplace. Skip the fast food chains and check out local delis.
It can be hard to quit your poor workplace eating habits cold turkey, but you can simplify the process by taking small steps every day.
Have any tips or tricks for healthier eating in the workplace? Share in the comments below!
