How to Eat Healthy—Even at Work

Forming healthy habits can be tough—and maintaining those habits at the office can seem all but impossible. You can say all day long that you’re going to skip the junk food and eat a healthy lunch—but then someone brings in birthday cake for an office mate, or one of your colleagues invites you to grab a burger on your lunch break. Perhaps the stresses of the day lower your defenses, leaving you more susceptible to the temptations of the soda or candy machines.

Whatever the case, maintaining a healthy diet is tough for those who spend their days on the job—but it’s not impossible. When you’re intentional about your meals and your snacks, you can stay committed to the sound nutritional goals you’ve laid out for yourself.

Maintaining Healthy Habits While at Work

Some tips:

First and foremost… you’re going to have to say no to treats. There’s just no way around it. If you eat a sugary donut in the break room every morning, just because it’s there, you’re going to be hurting. That doesn’t mean you can’t grab the occasional treat for a special occasion, but try to make it the exception to the rule.

Pack a lunch. It’s simply very hard to grab a quick, healthy bite—especially when fast food’s temptations are so alluring! By making your own lunch, you can avoid a lot of the preservatives, processed ingredients, and sugar that you find in fast casual meals. And you don’t have to settle for a PB&J, either; put together a salad or simply some yummy, healthy leftovers from last night’s dinner.

Keep healthy snacks at your desk. A trip to the vending machines can ruin your nutritious intentions! Keep your cravings in check and energy levels up by keeping some nuts at your desk, or bring some fresh fruit with you each morning.

Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is good for your health, but it also helps you to feel more full. Bring a reusable water bottle from home to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Exercise. Even taking a lap or two around the building, perhaps during your lunch break, can help you keep your energy levels up and your metabolism in check. You don’t necessarily have to work up a sweat; just get active when you can!

Maintaining good nutrition at work will yield big dividends—including heightened energy and creativity, a better mood, and fewer sick days taken. Start with some of these tips!