TIPS EATING IN OFFICE

Because many of us spend so much time at work, it's probable that you're doing a lot of eating there--but you don't have to pack on the pounds just because you're not near your fridge stocked with healthy meals. Here are some ways to eat right--right on the job!

Instructions

Step 1 - Pack a brown bag lunch. You probably eat lunch while you're at work since it's smack-dab in the middle of the day. So instead of ordering out, try bringing a lunch with you--even if it's just once a week. Include something good like a sandwich, leftovers, a frozen meal, soup or salad.

Step 2 - Get a new perspective on the cafeteria. You may think your cafeteria at work is no good, but give it another look. Maybe they have a decent salad bar and you can make it better by bringing a healthy dressing with you. Consider sandwiches, which offer a diverse number of healthy food options. Skip the greasy stuff and look at other options out there.

Step 3 - Switch your hours. If you've got a flexible schedule, maybe you can work it so you eat breakfast at home and leave early enough to make dinner at home. You're more likely to eat better when it's not on the run. (Even if you don't prepare meals at home daily, cook so that you have leftovers.)

Step 4 - Stash some super snacks. Keep the munchies at bay by stocking up your desk. Snacks like peanuts, pretzels, popcorn, cut-up veggies, fruit and yogurt are great for a healthy fix that will keep you focused. You're less likely to hit the vending machine if you've got options at your fingertips.

Tips & Warnings

- Go food shopping for snacks solely for work.
- Make a list and go food shopping. Do some smart meal planning so you have the ingredients you need to make meals. If you don't cook much, you can still get better options at the grocery store than ordering out. You'll save money too!
- Start by limiting your take-out food slowly. Go down to one brown bag lunch a week to begin with. Then build it up.