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.
