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Working in an Office has made me gain lbs. Advice Plz!

lexy83
lexy83 Posts: 122 Member
edited October 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Ever since I started to work in an office setting I realized all we do in munch! OH MY! I need advice what snacks to you munch on? or how do you avoid eating when there is food all over the place? Help!

WE HAVE MANY POTLUCKS!!!

I usually buy a family size salad from Olive garden but the temptations can be hard to deal with! Any advice on this matter too?

Replies

  • kngarber
    kngarber Posts: 227
    This is really hard. I pack my breakfast, morning snack, lunch, and afternoon snack. Like today I had...
    Breakfast - Orange - 8am
    Morning Snack - Hard Boiled Egg - 10am
    Lunch - Chicken and Green Beans - 1230pm
    PM Snack - Granny Smith Apple - 3pm

    You really just have to come prepared and drink lots of water.
  • shesblossoming
    shesblossoming Posts: 426
    Oh, yeah. That was a big problem in my office. We had nacho parties way too often. Always keep your own stash of food. Almonds, granola bars, oatmeal, peanut butter, and mutli-grain crackers. They have saved me time and time again. Also, almond milk with Amazing Foods (chocolate flavored) Drink is pretty delicious (it was difficult to drink at first). Since I've made changes with my own weight loss, people are starting to bring healthier foods. Today, someone brought in vegan cookies and fruits. Lead by example, and everyone will want to follow!
  • kleather4
    kleather4 Posts: 1 Member
    We started a "Game On" group at work. You can Google it and check it out. We modified our game so it was not as strict, but it has really helped us. I also joined a gym and work my butt off 3 days a week.

    I had lost 125lbs before I got this job. In 3 years I had gained 90 of it back. It really sucks sitting at a desk all day, even if you love your job.

    Hang in there and see if you can get your coworkers to play the game with you.

    Oh, and I have to add WATER!!! Minimum of 8 cups a day. I was a diet-coke-aholic and now I rarely drink it.
  • chef970
    chef970 Posts: 196 Member
    you can actually do exercises while sitting in your chair...
  • KendraElmendorf
    KendraElmendorf Posts: 837 Member
    Celery, Apple slices, Raspberries (1 cal a berry), Dill Pickles (5 cal a spear), Light Laughing cow cheese wedges (35 cal a wedge), boiled eggs with yolks removed (17 cals per egg white), and Sugar Free Jello!!!!
  • ChanMay
    ChanMay Posts: 39
    My office is the exact same!! Someone is always bringing snacks. It is very frustrating!! When I first starting trying to make the changes, I didn't tell anyone but it became way to hard always being offered something! Finally I explained what I was trying to accomplished and asked for their help, They still bring the snacks but don't constantly try to offer me some. I also keep a few "treats" in my desk for when I really need a little something too. My favorite is peppermint patties. I am totally satisfied with just one or two, so when they are all eating cupcakes or something I can have one of those and move on with my day!
  • tbessler
    tbessler Posts: 3
    Drink tons of water. Tons. I'm running to the ice/water dispenser and bathroom once an hour...nice opportunity for a break, a quick walk, etc.

    I keep raisins and peanuts around for snack (sometimes cashews). If there's going to be food around, it might as well be good for you. In fact, see if you can work snacking into your schedule as a conscious thing, so you deliberately eat a handful of nuts or fruit every 2-3 hours or so, to keep from binging, or pigging out at lunch. Even something small, just to keep your metabolism up and the sensation of eating there, so that you don't feel as hungry.
  • kyle4jem
    kyle4jem Posts: 1,400 Member
    You just have to ahve the will power to avoid teh snacks or else bring in grapes and snack on those.

    Also, does the building you work in have stairs? I've taken to walking down from the 11th floor and back up again. It's a killer but it's also 84cals of exercise for me :laugh:
  • rmartin72
    rmartin72 Posts: 1,085 Member
    Hi lexy, I work in a office also and I have found that I can do a lot of exercises at my office.
    1. Crunches in your office chair.
    2. Up and downs of your calfs.
    3. launges
    There are a lot more you can do. I have had to bring my on lunch from home and yogurt and fruit, and cut up raw veggies and drink a lot of water durn work. I'm here if you want to talk about it. Pleasure to meet you Lexy. I'm Robert, I have had to do the same thing and this is what is helping me. I know you can do it lexy and stay on your journey.
  • harleygirlT
    harleygirlT Posts: 223 Member
    OMG can I relate. I work for a national food distributor with a corporate chef and I gained too. They have vendors all the time with samples, etc....I have to just walk away and say to myself "NO, I'm on a mission!" I even told everyone to stop offering me food. I munch thru day on carrots, celery, cucumbers, light cheese (smalll amounts). THe veggies really fill me up for practically no cals. I just made my mind up what's imporant to me and try to stick with it everyday!
  • rebeccask
    rebeccask Posts: 140 Member
    Just come prepared with snacks/meals for the day. I keep tea at my desk and drink that in the afternoon to hold me over, afternoons tend to be the time of day I mindlessly snack. I also drink plenty of ice water.
  • cathyAprice
    cathyAprice Posts: 81
    I manage a physicians' office so there are snacks and catered lunches almost every day! I gained about 30 lbs the first year there and then 30 more due to illnesses. Like the others have suggested, plenty of water, raw veggies, almonds, etc...just try to get a snack with protein to keep you fuller longer and keep your energy up. I like Bear Naked Fit granola crunch with Dannon Light and Fit yogurt, as well as Clif mini bars. I don't get the full size--too much sugar. And I like to munch on carrots and cheese too. Apples and bananas, etc. If I do eat the luncheons, I eat very small portions but none of the desserts...I keep sugar free pudding handy for my dessert ;)
  • tladame
    tladame Posts: 465 Member
    I also can relate. I work for the State, aka "home of the potluck". Somebody is always bringing in donuts, leftover cupcakes, etc. Since my cubicle has a lot of counter space, they are usually placed in my area. :noway: Sometimes it's hard to resist, but most of the time I hardly even notice. I'm so happy with the weight loss that it's a great motivator to continue. If I do indulge, I just work it into my daily calories. Special occasions happen, so I just roll with it.

    I agree with everyone else, just make sure you have plenty of snacks on hand that will satisfy your cravings. I love those crunchy dark chocolate granola bars, or apples dipped in peanut butter.
  • is4031
    is4031 Posts: 71
    Pack you lunch and have snacks at hand. Take a walk during lunch. Drink lots of water. Try and get some coworkers who are also interested in being healthy doing it too!
  • IMYarnCraz33
    IMYarnCraz33 Posts: 1,016 Member
    bring your own lunch & snacks....
    also here's a few exercises you can do while at work. =)

    http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/features/exercise-at-your-desk
This discussion has been closed.

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