It’s that time of year when everyone feels the need to share delicious treats, especially at the office. That’s why Lifehacker recently posed the question to its readers of how to work among junk food without pigging out. They collected a list of helpful habits to consider during a season that can sometimes lead to excess.
- Plan ahead: If you pack a lunch or healthy snacks, you’re much less likely to be tempted by the Christmas cookie tray at your office. Just make sure it’s something that you actually enjoy eating, or the cookies might win out.
- Drink more water: Not only is hydrating helpful as we transition to the drier, heated indoors, but it can also make you feel more full and less likely to snack.
- Don’t look: Many offices have a set place for a candy jar or other treats. Lifehacker suggests campaigning to move the jar to the back corner of the break room or some other less tempting space. Or try rerouting your movements around the office so you don’t pass by it every time you go for a cup of coffee.
- Pretend you already had some: Sometimes it’s more about the social pressure that comes along with the treats. If somebody offers you a slice of homemade cake, you can always claim you already had one.
- Add a duty to your eating: If you track the food you eat, that means you have to open up an app (or a journal, if you want to do it old-school) every time you eat. If that sounds like a chore, you might be less likely to eat the snack that requires such work.
- Be the change: Set a good example by bringing healthy snacks to share with your fellow office mates. Exotic fruits and sorbet can make for a welcome change for any festive occasion. And who says you can’t celebrate with celery? Just be sure to include a delicious dip.
Source: "How to Deal With Junk Food at Work," Lifehacker (Oct. 18, 2017)
