4 Simple Ways to Avoid Unhealthy Workplace Snacking 

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When it comes to summertime, our appetites tend to increase and our diets are left a bit on the back burner. But no place is worse to help you stick to your diet than the office.

Between doughnuts in the break room and birthday cake just about every week, there’s a plethora of goodies you can treat yourself too while working nine to five. Lest we forget that mouthwatering aroma floating from those midday food trucks that are oddly conveniently parked outside your window every single day too. 

It’s no secret that around every cubicle lurks some kind of delicious food that tempts us away from a healthy path of clean eating. While we might try and get our workouts on after work, it is a big hindrance on keeping a balanced diet. To deter from empty calories or sugary snacks that might run amok on dietary habits, implement effective methods to help you avoid unhealthy workplace snacking.

Enjoy a high protein fueled breakfast

If you’re craving snacks at work, it is a real sign you’re not eating a high-protein breakfast. In a study from the International Journal of Obesity, those who eat a protein-packed breakfast actually eat 26 percent less calories at lunchtime than those who eat a calorie-identical meal with less protein. With plenty of options available from eggs to dairy and nut butters, expand your penchant for protein beyond cold cereal or toast. If you want to know how much protein you need in a day, Harvard states you can multiply body weight in pounds by 0.36 and designate appropriately among three round meals.

Keep yourself hydrated

One of the best ways to limit those unhealthy workplace snacking habits is to keep yourself hydrated, especially with water. Not only is this a helpful way to keep blood sugars stable, but you tend to feel less hungry as the day goes on. Moreover, add fruits to a plastic lunch bag with sliced limes, lemons or strawberries and pop them in water. If you want something more comforting and reminiscent of that weekend feeling, try hot tea.

Don’t be boring

When it comes to choosing between celery sticks and a chocolate cupcake, many of us go with the latter — especially if it has sprinkles! But Instagram-worthy food doesn’t always have to mean overindulgence or forbidden calories. In case you did not realize, but healthy food has come a long way today and not limited to unsatisfying snacks. From dark chocolate avocado pudding to sweet potato cupcakes, inject workplace snacks with healthy swaps and healthy fats to avoid those empty calories.

Invest in a healthy drawer of snacks

While some vending machines might give you a bit of a workout during office hours through the challenge of getting that tempting candy bar out like George Costanza, it’s really just a box of sugar and empty calories. As a replacement, create your own vending machine in your drawer by adding some of your favorite healthy snacks, like homemade trail mix, packets of instant oatmeal, canned organic fruit and juice. If you have a fridge at work, you are in luck! Just keep cheese sticks or yogurt on hand, and it is a snack lover’s paradise.

What are some ways you steer clear of unhealthy workplace snacking habits? Share with us in the comments below.