When Birthdays Happen Every Day: Avoiding Office Temptations

The Office. To some, this is a place just begging for you to show off your dance moves. To others, this is a danger zone, and for far more than those embarrassing dance moves. The office is a place where you spend 8+ hours of your day surrounded by all sorts of temptations... a pantry full of edible treats, weekly birthdays to celebrate, lunch meetings off-site. Whether you are trying to lose weight OR just trying to eat healthy, the office can be a huge roadblock on the road of good intentions.

So what do you do when faced with office temptations? 

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1) Be Prepared - Grocery shop on Sunday and prepare a few lunches ahead of time. That way, you don't have to do it as you're running out the door that morning and you can ensure that you're eating healthy all week. If you're like me and just desire to leave the office and eat with your friends, try bringing a small salad or side of fruit, order less at the restaurant and supplement with your healthy addition when you get back to the office (or take it with you if you're eating somewhere that will allow that sort of thing).

2) Avoid Temptation - If you know the office pantry is full of goodies, avoid it at all cost! Out of sight, out of mind. Try keeping fiber and protein rich snacks at your desk (like almonds or trail mix) so that you have an alternative. Your energy-packed snack will keep you from feeling the mid-morning hunger pangs and running for the pantry.

3) Wait To Indulge - Let's be real. Office food is not even that good. Wouldn't you rather indulge on food that's worth indulging on? Yeah, you could grab a cheap slice on your lunch break, but wouldn't you rather have that brick-oven delicacy at your favorite pizzeria this weekend? Splurge on something worth splurging on.

4) Just Eat Less - For some of you, lunch meetings are a weekly reality. If you know you have a lunch meeting, load up on a big, nutrient-packed breakfast and go light at lunch. This doesn't mean you can't sample the spread. Just eat less. Plus, more talking and less munching equals more sales and networking opportunities!

5) Follow The 'Plate Rule' - At office parties or luncheons, follow this rule when filling your plate: 1/2 fruits and veggies, 1/4 protein and 1/4 grains. You still get to try everything and satisfy that craving... you're just smarter about your approach.


See? It doesn't have to be that hard. And if all else fails, just distract yourself with dancing! You won't remember to grab that slice of birthday cake AND you'll burn extra cals.