A new week and an office challenge

Have you ever noticed that when you walk into the office coffee room or break room there are always snacks? I was really impressed when our office went "healthy" a while ago. There is a big fruit basket, some low-fat microwave popcorn packets, bottles of water, things like that. It feels good to be supported this way and we always have a good time saying things like "Hey, did you try that new organic fruit smoothie" and sharing healthy finds. In a way, when you think about it, we spend so much time at work, it should be a healthy place!

I'd like to share an article I wrote on this topic for one of our newsletters. I was amazed at the feedback we got on this piece. Tell me if this sounds familiar to you and your office setting:

Is your Office making you FAT?

Take a careful look around your office. Is it conducive to working or working out? If you’re confined to your cubicle or behind your computer all day, you will never lose weight. How can you make your workplace more diet-friendly? Here’s how:

•Replace those morning donuts with a nutritious fruit tray for everybody instead.

•Spread the word about healthier food choices. Clip out related newspaper and/or magazine articles and post these up on the lunchroom bulletin board. Another way to share the news would be to write up a nutrition article for your company newsletter.

•Take the stairs rather than the elevator. Climbing or descending a few flights of stairs will provide some healthy exercise and, often, get you to your destination far quicker than waiting for the elevator to arrive.

•Bring in a selection of herbal or decaffeinated teas. Substitute your “coffee break” for a “tea break”.

•Form a lunch-hour walking group. Why stay inside the office when you don’t have to? Gather a few colleagues together, stretch your legs outside and get some fresh air. Plan a few different walking routes to add variety.

•Break away from your desk occasionally. Stand up and stroll around. If nothing else, you can also stretch at your desk. While sitting in your chair, place your arms on your hips and bend from side-to-side. Hold each bend for 10 seconds.

As you can see, there are plenty of easy suggestions to make the office a healthier place. Continue to eat well and move around at work plus encourage others to join you. You all will feel far more invigorated throughout the workday and at-home as well.

Copyright © 2006-2009 Curb Your Cravings LLC. All Rights Reserved Worldwide