Archive: January 2008

Healthy at work

Avoid the vending machines and other ideas for smart eating at work

by Jenny Quinn

January is that time of year when many of us resolve to make changes. Often a resolution is made with the best of intentions, but without any planning. We want to change our behavior, without considering how to change our attitude or our environment. This year, donÕt make a resolution...make a transformation!

The majority of us say we want to be healthier, eat better, exercise more, lose weight. Yet we create environments, both at work and at home, that are not favorable to accomplishing these goals. Because we spend so much time at work, the office is the perfect place to start making a change.

The following tips are simple and easy to follow. They can help you make improvements that will not only increase your chances of success while at work, but also give you inspiration to stay on a healthy track when youÕre at home with your family.

Stock your desk or work area with healthy snacks. That way, when you get hungry, youÕll have plenty of good options and avoid turning to the vending machine or being tempted by the treats your coworker brought in that morning. A bag of apples and some string cheese are easy and convenient suggestions you can keep close at hand.

Ah, the office ÒFood DayÓÉwhen everyone brings in enough junk food to feed the entire company (twice)! This is commonplace in the working world and there are many ways you can deal with this situation.

• Simply donÕt participate and avoid the food area.
• Bring in healthy options, like a veggie or fruit tray. That way you know there is a guilt-free selection available.
• Break the cycle and brainstorm with your coworkers. Try a different approach and consider bringing in new recipes and foods that are healthier. Make it a goal to stay away from junk foods.
• Skip the candy bowl. Instead, keep a bowl with fresh fruit. That way youÕre not mindlessly grabbing candy all day longÑthose little candy bars add up!

A few small changes can make a big difference. So take a look around your work environment, and find where you can remove the barriers to a successful transformation!