Healthy Dieting and Dealing with Normal Office Temptations

Working in an office can definitely cause a strain on a healthy lifestyle. Whether you are trying to get into better shape, or maintain the healthy shape you're in now, having a way to deal with the normal temptations and lack of exercise in the office setting can go a long way to helping you out. Here are a few of the common things that can thwart any diet or exercise plan and how to combat them.

Temptation # 1: That Bowl of Candy on Your Neighbor's Desk

Everyone has at least one of people in the office. A small ceramic or crystalline bowl is sitting on the corner of their desk, overflowing with sweet, sugary hard candy. Every time you walk by it seems to simply beam like a lighthouse to your sweet tooth. Unfortunately for your waistline, each one of these little beams of light can add a lot of calories to your bottom line. Besides that, it's bad form to take things off desks that are not your own.

So how do you deal with this temptation? One option, of course, is to avoid the temptation altogether. Following this simple plan however, often leads to unpleasant feelings among co-workers since it gives the impression that you are avoiding the person, and not the candy bowl. So instead, try looking at why you constantly want to steal a piece of hard candy. Is it because you a truly hungry, or need a little sugar boost to get you through the day? Or is it because work has slowed, and you're looking for something to do? In either case, there are specific ways to help deal with the temptation.

The combating the drop in sugar or energy levels takes a bit of planning on your part, but it's definitely worth it in the long run. The first line of defense is to be sure to eat a healthy breakfast, making sure you eat some complex carbohydrates. Today, carbohydrates have gotten a bad rap due to various new diet plans, but the fact remains that they are an excellent source for energy, and unlike fat, they take a bit longer to break down, and therefore can supply their energy over a longer period of time. The next line of defense is to have an alternative to the candy at your desk. This can be anything from fresh carrots, to apple slices, to even a small juice box. By having these healthier alternatives to hard candy at your disposal, you can stem off the sugar cravings before you even walk near that candy bowl. If the urge to take the candy stems from boredom, then see if you can find another distraction.

Temptation # 2: Communal Kitchen Offerings

Just about every office setting has a communal kitchen. Nearly once a week or more, these places are filled with left over donuts, bagels, anniversary cakes, even candy bars being sold by your co-worker's children. It's enough to ruin any diet. So what can you do? Again, the trick is preparation. To win the battle with temptation, it's always a good idea to have your appetite and your thirst well satisfied. Begin each day with a nutritional breakfast, and when those hunger pangs hit around mid morning; be sure to have a healthy snack such as an apple, a few fresh vegetables, or even a nutritional shake to tide you over until lunch time. By having alternatives available, you can resist the urge to grab a piece of that double chocolate cake that is in the communal kitchen.

Temptation # 3: Going Out To Lunch with Clients or Colleagues

Sooner or later, either to seal the deal or promote team play, you will have to go out to lunch with other people. Often these excursions are filled with high calorie temptation. Since it's impolite not to order some type of meal, the best defense against ruining your diet is to be very specific about what you do order. By making a few, simple changes to your normal fare, you can seriously cut the calories that you intake during this time. Instead of your usual soda drink, which is full of preservatives and possibly sugar, consider getting a glass of water with a lemon wedge. Not only will you reduce your caloric intake possibly by 120 calories, and the water will provide much more to your body than the soda drink ever could. Looking forward to a burger? Feel free to have it, and add a few onions, tomatoes and other vegetables to the top of the sandwich. Not only will you be adding a lot of taste, but you'll also be adding a number of vitamins and nutrients that you might not get otherwise. If you decide to have a salad, make sure that the toppings you chose are healthy. Many restaurants offer low calorie dressings, and a number of different fresh vegetables, low sodium meats, and other possibilities to make your lunch both enjoyable and healthy.

Time for Exercise

Perhaps one of the most diet crushing aspects of working in an office is the lack of physical activity. Many people who are office professionals gain weight and become more lethargic, not only because their diet is poor, but because they simply don't get the physical activity that they need. The challenge, therefore, is to find a specific time to exercise. Yes, it takes a bit of planning to get up an hour earlier in the morning for that aerobic exercise tape, but it is definitely worth it.

Remember, keeping in shape and having a healthy lifestyle does take effort, especially if you work in an office setting. By taking a few small steps, and sticking with it, you can easily make the grade.