Ever have the feeling that eating healthy would be so much easier if you didn't have to go to work? You know -- you walk to your desk, full of resolve to eat right and keep control of your blood sugar, then you come face-to-face with a conference room table full of doughnuts, bagels and...what's that? Someone baked brownies?
You have already had a diabetes-smart breakfast at home. Are you hungry? Probably not. But, you think, "Doughnuts taste so good with my morning coffee...I'll just have one." So, a French cruller goes on a napkin -- maybe with an "everything" bagel smothered with cream cheese, because those are your favorite. And then you add a sidecar of some brownie, because you just know Sue Ellen is going to be disappointed if you don't at least taste the treat she made.
There goes your diet -- and all of your best intentions.
The workplace can be a minefield of diet-busting temptations. On the way to your desk, there are probably candy jars sitting in cubicles, calling your name. Co-workers are selling candy bars for charity and softball teams, not to mention Girl Scout cookies and Boy Scout popcorn. Vending machines lurk in corridors, and people are ordering take-out for lunch all around you.
Is it any wonder diets fail and diabetes management sometimes goes out the window?
If this sounds all too familiar, know that you can stare down that doughnut...and win.
6 Tips for Dodging Diet Landmines at Work
Bring your own snacks
Where I work, many people bring in plastic zipper bags of fresh vegetables and fruit to snack on during the day. Sliced red peppers, carrots, broccoli, and strawberries are some good options. Hundred calorie packaged snacks, zipper baggies filled with cereal, or granola can also help with temptations. String cheese is a good protein source, and it's convenient and filling.
Pack a bag lunch
Pull out all the stops and make it a great one. Buy your favorite sandwich fillings. Bring microwavable soups or frozen entrees. If you're excited about what's in your lunchbox, you won't be tempted to order take-out with the crowd.
Keep herbal or green tea bags in your desk
Teas are refreshing and have antioxidants. A nice cup of tea in the afternoon can keep you away from sugar-laden sodas and fruit drinks.
Don't be a soft touch
Just because someone is selling candy bars at work, doesn't mean you have to buy them. That goes for the cookies, too. Leave them alone. Someone else will buy them. If you feel that compelled to buy because it's for a charity, simply make a monetary donation.
Divide and conquer that office birthday cake
This one is hard for me to handle at work. I love birthday cake, and I feel absolutely deprived and depressed if I don't have a piece. But I also know that having a big piece of cake every time someone celebrates a birthday means I'm eating way too much cake. My solution is to turn to the nearest person in the office and ask if they'd like to split a piece. That way I only eat half as much as I would have, and the other person usually appreciates my offer (you'd be surprised at how many others are on diets, too).
Come to meetings with a full stomach
If you know what snacks will be served at a meeting that will throw your diet efforts out the window, be sure that you eat a healthy snack prior to the gathering so you're not compelled to munch.
The workplace might be loaded with temptation, but a little planning and preparation can keep you on track.
