22:45
kristan watson
By Karen Marschel:
Do any of these sound familiar?
Are you so rushed in the morning that you don't take time to have breakfast?
Are there sweets and treats brought in several days that tempt you?
Is the stress of your job making you want to eat to feel better when you get home?
Are you so busy that you can't or don't take time for lunch?
Do you go out to restaurants for lunch most days?
What changes can you make?
1. Take time to grab breakfast. If you're not hungry drink a small smoothie or juice. If you can't take time to sit down and eat, grab a granola or breakfast bar or fruit on the way out the door. Try to choose something with a few grams of fiber for the benefit of hunger control and blood sugar stability.
2. Create a wellness contest at work to make everyone want to practice healthier habits.
Instead of allowing donut trays and sweets to sit around the office, suggest that only fruits and veggies be brought in and designate days for sweets such as Fridays only. Start a walking program and get pedometers for a 10,000 steps club.
3. Limit the frequency of eating out for lunch to once a week as well. Brown bag it the rest of the week by planning ahead on the weekends and picking up sandwich foods, healthy frozen dinners, salads, pita pockets, fruits, and veggies. Or take leftovers to work. If you don't have time for lunch at least take a snack break. You will be more productive if you get a break and have some energy and nutrition.
4. Have healthy snacks available at work and plan a morning and afternoon snack if you need them. The afternoon snack especially can help keep you from overeating in the evening. Great choices include fruits, veggies, yogurt, granola, string cheese, nuts, or even a little dark chocolate if you crave something sweet.
