Like many of us, maybe you gained a few pounds or inches during the “COVID Years”. It happens to the best of us. As cases begin to ease up, and we begin to transition back into the workplace. You may be thinking “how do I start eating healthier and more aware?”. I am sharing a few tips that I use to help keep the weight in check and keep my energy up without feeling deprived.

When you serve dinner pack your lunch for the next day. Leftovers Rock!

So many of us are out of practice packing meal to take to work. It is more than likely that you will not have enough time to pack your meal when getting ready for work in the morning. Therefore, make sure you have all of your meals, snacks, and drinks packed the night before so that you can grab it as you run out the door. Not only does this help you control what you eat. It will save some money too.

Have The Right Essentials

The right food containers make all the difference. My love of the Lock and Lock line ( a QVC favorite) always makes for some great handy food options. But other essentials make sense. A new favorite is the Yeti brand Rambler. This 18-ounce container is a perfect fit for most briefcases and bags, keep temperatures perfect and with the extra accessories, like the Rambler Chug Cap you can both the option of an open mouth container and the removable smaller cover. Great for beverages, soups, stews etc. Look for ones with a silicone seal, are machine washable and fit the bag you take with you each day

Politely Refuse 

If someone passes you a slice of cake at an office birthday celebration, you can help pass it along onto another willing candidate. Make sure to practice an answer such as, “Thank you, but I’m all set,” ahead of time so that you are not caught off guard. There is no need to mention your eating plan at this time. You can also give an extra congratulations to the special person that is being celebrated. Sometimes it also means the “fake out”, grab a small plate fork, a napkin and put some food on it.. then as you work your way around the party, you can dispose of it. But in people’s eyes, you will have “had something” and allows you to maneuver out of those more pushy folks.

Stack Emergency Snacks 

Portion out some small amounts of your favorite meal plan food that are shelf stable that you can keep at your desk or car. These can be eaten when you are stuck late at the office and get hungry. The last thing that you do not want to do is raid the vending machine out of convenience. Wherever you store these treats, whether in a drawer or in your car, make sure that they are in a sealed container. The last thing that you want to do is to attract ants, bugs, or mice to your workspace. I do this a lot, it may mean spending a few dollars more on some prepackaged snacks – but they keep longer that way.

Keep Motivating Pictures At Your Workspace 

Have a tangible reward in mind when you reach your goal weight. If you plan on going somewhere special, you can print out a picture and stick it in a spot on your desk where you can see it frequently. You have worked this hard to stay committed, and this is one assignment that you can see through to the end.

If You Don’t Like It, Don’t Eat It

If you don’t like certain types of raw vegetables or fruit - don’t pack them. It will feel more like a punishment and more often than not you will end up “going out to get something” or eating something from a vending machine. Pack the foods and snacks you like. If you aren’t sure. Sample them at home first and keep a running list.

Don’t Be Afraid To Treat Yourself

Look, we all deserve a treat. So changing your eating habits won’t happen overnight, this isn’t a sprint. It’s a long range process. Give yourself rewards and “cheat days”.