8 Healthy Eating Tips for Working from Home
Personal life and work have become a delicate dance. Instead of work-life balance, it has become work-life blend. One of many things we have discovered is that it is much more difficult to eat healthy when we work from home. We are surrounded by our favorite foods 24/7, so how can we have better eating habits?
8 Healthy Work From Home Tips
1. Consider Your Workplace Setup
If you can, set up your workspace somewhere that is not near the kitchen or fridge. Working away from any temptations will keep you from checking the pantry several times a day. The only times you want to visit the pantry or fridge are when you have scheduled meals or snacks.
2. Block Out Time For Snacks
Put yourself first by blocking time for snacks and lunch. Setting a schedule like you would if you were in the office is very important when working remotely. Acting like you are in the office will help you avoid grazing all day.
3. Plan Out Snacks And Meals Weekly
Thinking ahead will make it easier to avoid poor food choices during your workday. Focus on buying balanced and nutritious foods. Food is our fuel, and choosing wisely will help us concentrate, stay fuller longer, and be more productive.
4. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
If you do not drink enough, headache and fatigue are the first signs of dehydration and will lead to a lack of productivity. Keeping away from sugary drinks and setting a goal to drink 64 ounces of water per day is key. An easy way to accomplish this is to always have water next to you at your workstation. Plus, there are lots of gadgets and apps to help remind you to drink water!
5. Remember That Caffeine Is Not Always Our Friend
Too much caffeine can lead to many health risks, such as palpitations, anxiety, headaches, digestive issues, and insomnia. Limit your intake of caffeinated drinks to one or two cups per day to help avoid any negative health issues.
6. Think About Where You Take A Snack Break
Walk away from your workstation to eat your snack or meal. Eating in front of your computer has become too easy. Distraction during a meal can lead to overeating and decreased fullness. Plus, stepping away from your computer a few times a day can help you clear your head and allow you to approach problems from a new angle when you return.
7. Try Food Prep
Instead of eating out of a bag or container, try prepping your meals for the week on Sunday night. Preparing portions in advance will encourage you to choose the healthy option and avoid overeating.
8. Know When To Treat Yourself
Treating yourself now and then is enjoyable. The recommended rule of thumb is to eat healthy 80% of the time and treat yourself 20%. If you completely restrict snacks and junk food from your diet, chances are you will crave it, which could lead to an imbalance in the 80/20 rule.
Hopefully, these tips can help you to eat healthy more often when working from home. Small changes can have big results, so don’t try to do everything on this list all at once. Pick a few things that seem the most doable for you, and work your way up from there.
