Tips to Eat Healthy While Working from Home

Over the past two years, many of us have made the transition from traditional office settings to working from the comfort of our home—often in our pajamas and maybe even stretched out on the couch! But how does this impact our dietary habits?

How Does Working from Home Change Our Eating Habits?

For so long we were used to the hustle and bustle of the busy workday and barely squeezing in time for our lunch break. Not only has the switch from the office to working from home slowed down the pace of our day from eliminating the commute to allowing us to switch from meeting to meeting with the click of a button, it has also given us constant access to our kitchen cabinets and fridge.

Many have experienced excessive snacking while working from home since most people typically sit at a computer screen for upwards of 8 hours a day. While those snacks can be nutritious and balanced, you may have found yourself wanting to consume chips, sweets, sugary drinks, and more.

Additionally, you may notice that you are looking toward the kitchen when you are bored or completing a tedious task that requires your full attention.

Let’s talk about some eating tips that will make a real difference…

While working from home, it is important to plan ahead for those times when you feel like munching on salty snacks or sipping on a soda or sugary coffee drink. Have your fridge stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables already cut up, washed, and ready to eat. Have your pantry cabinets full of healthy snacks, such as whole grain crackers, popcorn, nuts and seeds, and other fiber-rich foods to keep you full and satisfied so that you don’t overeat.

Have sparkling or flavored water at the ready to keep you from reaching for that soda or energy drink that can be loaded with added sugar and calories.

Make sure you eat breakfast so you can be energized for the day. Also, avoid skipping lunch because you may end up overeating later.

In other words, planning ahead for those moments in between meetings when you are looking for a snack or small meal can help tremendously in keeping you healthy and nourished.

Plan your lunches for the entire week, whether you meal prep or simply make sure you have all the ingredients you need. Meal planning will not only help eliminate the daunting decision of what to have for lunch, but it can also reduce money spent on ordering food or dining out and, of course, improve the nutrition of your meals.

Eat mindfully by putting away your phone or computer and spending a few minutes enjoying a meal or snack.

The bottom line?

Planning ahead is a key tip for mitigating the temptation to snack unnecessarily and overeat during the workday.