We’ve all been there. Someone in the office brings in a big box of homemade cookies, or you can’t resist that bowl of candy, supposedly for the “customers,” each time you pass reception on route to the bathroom.
I’ve worked in an office in the past, too, and it seems like almost every week there’s some excuse to bring cookies, birthday cake, or takeaway food into work, to taunt all of us trying to be healthy.
These things may seem benign to some, but to you, it’s sabotage on your weight loss efforts.
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If we take the example of the candy bowl, research actually shows just how irresistible it can be to us.
40 secretaries were studied, and researchers found that people ate an average of 2.2 more candies each day when they were visible, and 1.8 candies more when they were placed within reach on their desk.
These results demonstrate that the accessibility and visibility of food can consistently increase your consumption of it, and that is why you need to get tough on this temptation.
How To Win The Battle Against Unhealthy Snacks
1. Remove Temptation
Why not polity ask your co-workers that they keep their goodies to themselves, hidden in their own drawer or cupboard, from now on? No more setting them out for everyone (that’s you) to ogle over.
It may seem unnecessary, but consider the study above — their careless behavior is sabotaging your diet — if food is visible, and in close proximity, it will increase your consumption. So you need to take action.
Now, on one is suggesting you can’t have a little candy or cake, on occasion. But, think of this… eating just two pieces of candy each workday could add up to around 500 calories at the end of the week. That is considerable, for such an insignificant amount of food.
And, then you need to ask yourself, “Do I ever stop at just two pieces?” Most don’t.
2. Plan Ahead
Try to schedule in when and what you will eat for meals and snacks throughout your workday. When you have planned ahead with healthy, nutritious snacks, it with help you to avoid random grazing.
3. Mount a Counter-Attack
If the unhealthy food just isn’t shifting, here are a few ideas:
- Keep a stash of fruit, raw nuts, seeds, chewing gum and other healthy snacks in your office drawer.
- Drink lots of water.
- Propose that fruit is served a staff meetings, along with the usual donuts and cookies, so that you have a healthy option.
- Fill a bowl with healthy snacks and set beside the office candy bowl.
- Start a competition to see who can get to their target weight first. Then, club together so that there is a prize, or some incentive at the end of it. There’s nothing like a bit of competition to make sure less high-calorie treats show up in your workplace.
So, what are your suggestions for healthier office snacks?
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Love your site!
I work in an office with constant temptation of very unhealthy foods. Everyone around me indulges on a regular basis but I try to stay healthy and fit. I constantly get asked why I’m like this since I’m already quite thin and healthy looking by people who are overweight. This becomes very difficult to manage at work when these people are overweight and sometimes your boss. Any suggestions?
Hi Lynn,
That’s a really difficult one, and I fully understand it as I have been in similar situations myself… but it sounds like you are dealing with it exactly right, no?
You need to stand your ground if you want to remain thin and healthy. Perhaps the people who are asking you are (deep down) just looking for some inspiration from you, so that they can do the same. I personally think the worst thing you could do is start to give in… you will most certainly be an inspiration to those around you by remaining healthy.
Having said that, if you want to have a little treat now and then, go for it… that will also show your colleagues that being healthy isn’t a total “chore,” and that you can have a treat and still remain thin.