If your workplace is anything like our head office, rarely a day will go by without a fresh stock of cakes, biscuits and other goodies appearing in the staff-room or kitchen. In fact, many people say that the majority of their unhealthy eating habits take place at work. If you’re on a health kick, there are plenty of ways to eat healthier at work.
1. Take Your Lunch Break!
We’re all guilty of it, scoffing a sandwich on the go or munching through your lunchbox in front of the computer screen. Stopping what you’re doing to sit and slowly eat your lunch, taking your time and chewing thoroughly means that your meal will leave you feeling more fulfilled and can even promote healthier digestion, stress-relief and weight-loss. Even better – head outside, take a walk and enjoy your lunch in the great outdoors.
2. Simple Swaps
Guilty of opting for unhealthy convenience foods? Plan ahead and prepare your meals in advance. Cook in bulk and freeze meals that you can easily grab from the freezer in the morning. Meals and snacks that are higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates will help you feel fuller for longer and reducing your sugar intake will help you avoid that mid-afternoon crash. Eating little and often is great for keeping your energy levels high. Swap your usual snacks for healthy options, such as raw nuts, fresh fruit and hummus with carrot sticks.
3. Don’t Neglect Breakfast
So it’s a bit of a cliché: Breakfast – “the most important meal of the day”. But the benefits of enjoying a healthy breakfast (porridge is a great choice) are undeniable. Studies have shown that people who have breakfast on a daily basis are more productive, have more energy and are less likely to choose unhealthy snacks throughout the day. Never hungry first thing in the morning? Set off a bit earlier in the morning and make your breakfast once you get to work or take along some overnight oats, there are some great recipes here.
4. Stay hydrated
We all know we should drink more water. During a busy day at work, simply forgetting is usually the reason we don’t hit our recommended intake of H2O (6-8 glasses a day according to the NHS). Keeping a large bottle in sight is a good reminder. You can even get water bottles that are marked with times, so you can keep track and make sure you drink a steady amount throughout the day. I count on mine for remembering to stay hydrated!
4. Get your colleagues on board
Peer-pressure, constant temptation and serious FOMO are the most common reasons for falling off the healthy-eating wagon at work. The solution? Get the whole team on board- suggest you all swap the usual sweet-treats for a selection of tempting fruit or even put the money that would be spent into a kitty for the next work night-out. After all, you deserve a chance to let your hair down every now and then!