Smart Eating Habits at the Office

Whether in an office with a break room, overflowing with day-old donuts, or on the move with the convenience of fast food and gas station burritos to tempt, eating smart and healthy can be challenging. This is especially the case when you are pressed for time and there is something to fill that empty stomach right in front of you.

When your work day is as hectic as most, one can easily see why it's so much more convenient to nuke that frozen burrito. The 'I'll start on Monday' is probably the most common excuse in the book for anything -- from a homework assignment to a workout routine to eating more healthy. And, the result is that it usually doesn’t happen but is moved to the next Monday.

Sure, it's easier to just get that grease laced burger from the fast food joint across the street, but it's not going to help you fit into last year's bathing suit come summer. Here are some tips on developing smart eating habits at the office and on the job.

It Starts in the Morning

Breakfast is the most important part of the day -- people say it all the time and it is actually true. Eating a balanced breakfast in the morning serves two purposes:

1. It gets your metabolism going and active, and

2. It gives you the energy to get on with your day without the aid of an entire pot of coffee.

Wake up a little earlier and give yourself an extra ten minutes to actually eat something of substance rather than just rely on a cup after cup of coffee.

Ideally, protein and carbohydrates with a small amount of natural fat makes up the perfect breakfast. That's right -- one part protein, one part carbs, and a dash of fat on top.  A great example of a quick, healthy, and balanced breakfast would be a slice of toast with a layer of natural peanut butter and half an apple with a glass of water to wash it down.

Office Snacking

If you are working in an office environment, chances are your boss has you all day with a few breaks in-between. It's just as important to watch what you eat for lunch as it is to watch what you eat before and after – and that means those coffee breaks in the morning and in the afternoon.

If it is processed food, don't buy it and don't eat it. For example, instead of potato chips, buy some fruit or some veggies or you could even look into an all natural trail mix. Something with almonds provides you with energy and helps your brain in many ways.

 Perhaps, your office has vending machines and you can ask that they switch to healthier foods. Or, if you are in charge of that, consider switching to healthier options as this will keep your staff healthy and more productive.