When you work from home, you may think it will be easy to eat healthy because you don’t have coworkers bringing in donuts or cookies to the office. But having 24-hour access to your kitchen and refrigerator could be dangerous. Here are some tips on how to stay focused and eat healthy while working from home.
1. Create a Real Office
It may be tempting to just use your kitchen table as a desk, but having the food in close proximity can lead to unnecessary snacking and junk food cravings. Set up an office that is away from the kitchen and use it for working only. Use the kitchen and dining room for snacks and meals only.
2. Plan Your Snacks
Place a bowl of fruit on your desk, or a bag of carrots so that you graze on healthy snacks during the day. You’ll be more likely to just grab something that’s right in front of you rather than walking to the kitchen where you’ll have the options of chips or candy.
3. Pack Your Lunch
Sounds silly, but if you plan or pack your lunch every day, you will be less likely to make an unhealthy lunch or grab unhealthy snacks instead of a lunch that you’ve already prepared.
4. Schedule Your Break
When you’re working from home, you can get caught up in your tasks and lose track of time. Set an alarm on your phone or computer to remind you it’s time to eat. After a while your stomach will get used to eating at that time and will remind you to eat without an alarm.
5. Eat a Good Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If you start the day off with a good meal--stocked with protein to fill you up--you’ll be less likely to graze until it’s time for a break. Then you should take a break and eat every 2 ½ to 3 hours to improve your focus and energy.
6. Drink Water
Have a large glass of water at your desk at all times. Drinking eight glasses of water a day is essential for overall health, but it also helps keep you full.
7. Get Rid of the Junk Food
The easiest way to eat healthier is to not have junk food in the house. Clean your kitchen and get rid of the processed food and unhealthy snacks. Instead stock your fridge with fruits, vegetables, Greek yogurt, natural cheese, chicken, and fish.
