Eighty-degree heat coming our way Friday has many people thinking of summer and shedding a few pounds before beach time, but your office job may be sabotaging your fitness goals.
Fox News got tips on common diet mistakes people make at work from Lauren Blake, a dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, and Angel Planells, a Seattle-based dietitian and spokesman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
1. Sitting for hours on end: Planells recommends taking a brief walk around the office every 30 to 45 minutes or taking stairs instead of elevators.
2. Vending machines are too readily available: Without healthy snacks on hand, it’s simple to snag up a candy bar or mindlessly eat cookies a colleague brought in. Blake and Planells recommend keeping a stash of healthy snacks like fruit and nuts.
3. Cortisol overload: Chronic stress can trigger cortisol, which Blake said is a stress hormone that leads to fat storage. Take deep breaths, go for a walk or take a short break to manage stress.
4. Eating at your desk is a no-no: You’re not paying attention to what you eat, which can easily lead to overeating. Planells suggests eating in a common dining area if possible.
5. Get some rays: Studies have show sun exposure is associated with lower body mass indices, so try to grab some sunlight throughout the day, Blake says.
6. Pack your lunch: If you don’t, you’ll fall back on fast food or delivery services. Blake suggested adding vegetables if you eat out or going for lighter options like soup and salad.
7. Bad influences: It’s easy to join in with coworkers going out or have some of the doughnuts they bring in. Planells suggests taking just a small portion of treats.
