Healthy Habits to Prevent Weight Gain at Work

There are plenty of reasons your job may be making you fat, so take charge of your work life and add these healthy habits to your daily to-do list. They can certainly help prevent from packing on those desk-bound pounds.

• Bring a Huge Salad For Lunch: Skip the lunches out, and aim to bring a homemade salad every day. Low in calories and full of fiber, you can eat an enormous bowl of veggies without doing damage to your waistline. Include a variety of greens and fresh veggies in your salad along with a low-fat protein source like chickpeas, cottage cheese, baked tofu or tempeh, or grilled chicken. Don't forget to pack a low-cal dressing like this strawberry balsamic vinaigrette. Not only does a daily lunchtime salad ensure a low-calorie meal, but it'll save you money too. Be sure to vary the veggies and protein source each day to prevent boredom.

• Sweat at Noon: Don't just hit FB or shop online during your lunch break - use that hour to burn some extra calories. Take a jog, go for a walk, hop on your bike, or hit a noontime yoga class at your gym. Scheduling time each day to exercise prevents skipped workouts, and it also gives your mind a mental break, alleviating stress that can cause you to reach for high-calorie treats. Remember, sitting all day is dangerous for your overall health - not just your waistline! 

• Use Your Minty Breath to Prevent Snacking: After finishing each meal, snack, or that cup of joe, hit the bathroom for some dental hygiene. Not only will brushing your chompers prevent cavities and bad breath, but your minty mouth will remind you that you already ate and aren't really hungry for a handful of M&M's from your co-worker's desk.

• Keep Healthy Snacks Stashed in the Fridge: It's really sweet that so many of your co-workers love to bake, but all those platters of goodies in the break room can pull you off the healthy path. Avoid temptation by keeping a stash of healthy munchables in the office fridge or in your desk drawer. Yogurt, cheese sticks, fruit, cut-up veggies, crackers, and even chocolate-covered peanuts offer more nutrition than a cupcake.

• Sip on Water All Day: Did you know that a 12-ounce Coke is 143 calories? Downing a can of soda each day adds 715 calories to your workweek. Stay hydrated and energized with nature's beverage instead. Keep a reusable water bottle on your desk, and take sips throughout the day. Water is not only free of calories, but it gives your belly the sensation that it's full, which cuts down on mindless snacking.