Going to work every day not only can presents challenges during your commute and when dealing with coworkers, but can also seriously disrupt any attempt to eat healthfully. Making the right food choices can be that much more difficult when you’re stressed out and crunched for time. But, if you’re armed with some good ideas and can devote a few hours each week to meal and snack planning, you’ll be able to maintain a healthy eating plan more easily.

Eat a Good Breakfast

Your mother always told you to eat breakfast, and she meant it. Don’t start skipping breakfast just because you’re late for work and don’t have the time to create a more time-intensive morning meal. Breakfast doesn’t have to be a big buffet, but what you eat should be packed with protein to help you jumpstart your day and help keep you fuller longer.

When you first wake up in the morning, drinking one or two large glasses of water can help get your metabolism going and prepare your body to accept food after being asleep. Next, whether you eat at home, on the way to work, or in the office, choose protein-packed breakfast options such as smoothies, protein shakes, or even scrambled egg whites with vegetables. Yogurt, particularly Greek yogurt, has lots of protein and is another great meal option when paired with a little honey and berries of your choice.

Choose Healthful Snacks

There’s nothing worse than having a pang of hunger before its lunchtime or before you clock out for the evening. Instead of running to the vending machine for M&M’s or a bag of chips, you can combat hunger with a healthful snack.

Sometimes, eating a piece of fruit with plenty of fiber, such as an apple or a banana will satisfy your hunger without packing a lot of calories. When you need a slightly more substantial snack, consider a handful of almonds and dried cranberries, or even a few whole-grain crackers with a light cheese spread or peanut butter smeared on top.

Eat Light at Lunch

A cheeseburger and fries may be calling your name come lunchtime, but eating heavy, greasy foods will only slow you down the rest of the day and may even make that urge for a quick nap become stronger. Instead, try to plan ahead and buy lighter lunch options when you do your groceries and bring food to work. Salads are always a great option, especially when you make them interesting. Instead of just throwing lettuce and tomatoes together, try cutting up some grilled chicken, slicing up some cucumbers, and adding some feta cheese and olives. Pour a little homemade oil and balsamic vinegar on top and you’ve got a basic Greek salad that sure to taste great and keep you full without that heavy feeling. Pairing healthy vegetable soups and half sandwiches or a few crackers is another lunch option to consider.

If you’ll be in a business meeting where lunch is provided, or must bring a prospective client to lunch, it’s still a good idea to choose options that won’t weigh you down. If food is prepared for a business meeting, choose foods that have whole-grains (think wheat bread-based finger sandwiches), lean meats and/or veggies, and have little or no mayo. Skip the bag of chips and opt for a piece of fruit. If you’re dining out, avoid heavy cream-based pastas and soups and instead go for salads with chicken or fish, turkey burgers, or other light options.

Stay Productive

Eating healthfully at work may seem like a drag, but you’ll see that bringing healthy foods or choosing them as best you can when business requires you to be out of the office, can help you stay alert, stave off hunger, and allow you to be more productive throughout the day.

Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to business.

Peg Smith is an experienced writer who is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to business. http://www.topworkplaces.com/frontend.php/regional-list/company/tampabay/laser-spine-institute

Author Bio: Peg Smith is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Thomas is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to business.

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