Let’s face it: no matter where you work, unhealthy treats lurk around every corner. Even worse, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, it’s as though everyone goes on a baking frenzy, and our places of employment become even more inundated with cake, cookies, and other delicious but not-so-healthy treats just bursting with holiday cheer. A bite or two every once in awhile won’t kill you, but treat yourself too often and you’ll be bursting too. To ensure that you’ll be able to button your dress pants come January 2nd (and the rest of the year, too) take note of the Salt Lake Tribune’s pointers for putting the breaks on when it comes to office indulgence.

1. Don’t Skip Meals – Skipping meals might seem like a smart way to save calories, but nothing makes you more likely to go for the goodies than a ravenous appetite. Before you get so hungry you’re willing to eat anything, have a healthy lunch or snack on hand. Once you’re satisfied, it will be much easier to resist unhealthier fare.

2. Just Say No – You might be worried about seeming rude if you don’t try John’s grandmother’s homemade sugar cookies, but only you can decide whether or not you’re going to stay on track with your healthy eating plan. Don’t feel pressured to eat if you don’t want to; a simple ‘no thank you’ or ‘I’m not hungry’ should suffice. Trust us, John’s grandmother will get over it.

3. Make Your Desk a Safe Zone – It’s pretty obvious that you’re much more likely to munch on something if it’s right in front of you. Instead of cookies or candy, keep a bowl of clementines in your office. Since they are a winter fruit, they are perfectly sweet during the holiday season, not to mention packed with Vitamin C and fiber.

4. Find Better Alternatives – Stock your drawer with a few healthy snack options so that when hunger strikes, you are armed and ready. Sugar-free gum, nuts, dried fruit, mini bags of microwave popcorn, dry whole grain cereal, and a jar of natural peanut butter are some good options. Be careful not to stock up too much, however, or you’ll end up snacking all day long!

5. Prepare for a Party – Holiday potlucks are a great way to socialize with co-workers, so opt to bring a nutritious dish like a vegetable tray with hummus or fruit with yogurt dip. Try to focus more on mingling than food, so you don’t end up by the buffet table all afternoon.

6. Have a Plan – Decide in advance how many treats you are going to allow yourself each week. On days when you decide to splurge, limit it to one cookie, a small piece of cake, or two or three pieces of candy. Then, adjust your eating for the rest of the day to allow for the extra calories and incorporate more nutritious items.

Holidays in the office are only a problem if you allow them to be. Decide for yourself what is going to work best for you, then follow through with it. That way, you can save your New Year’s resolution for something other than weight loss!

There are tons of reasources pertaining to healthy holiday eating available through the ADA website atwww.eatright.org, and be sure to check out our other healthy holiday posts as well!

If you’re enjoying the healthy lifestyle blogs we’ve been posting over the last couple months, please feel free to let us know on Twitter: @FamilyFoodLLC!

Source: http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/lifestyle/52989729-80/challenge-weight-holiday-office.html.csp

|

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

JEANETTE

I had a great 1st visit with the nutritionist. I went to get tips on changing by diet, but got much more. I was able to set a physical activity and nutrition goal. The nutritionist was knowledgeable and helpful.

I am so grateful for the stellar support and advice provided by Meghan, the dietitian I'm working with. She is both knowledgeable and kind, and it's a deeply productive journey. Thank you."

MICHELLE
[/db_pb_slide]

Consulting with a Family Food nutritionist is turning out to be helpful in my effort to live healthy. The consultations are a way of having a sense of accountability and I get helpful feedback on my dietary decisions.

STAN
[/db_pb_slide]

Great nutrition experts who inspire you! I am happy with the nutrition specialists at Family Food. They make me excited about nutrition, answer all my questions, and provide excellent recommendations! Thank you!!

AS
[/db_pb_slide]

Very professional experience. I felt she listened to my needs and adjusted to personalize my nutrition needs.

L
[/db_pb_slide]

My initial appointment was helpful - helped me consider new ways of addressing some problem areas for me and helped set attainable, concrete goals.

CHARLOTTE
[/db_pb_slide]

Insightful and Informative. She was very attentive and helpful. She gave excellent tips on what to do and eat to meet my goal weight.

TRACEY-ANN
[/db_pb_slide]

I feel confident about the changes we made to my goals and look forward to implementing them into my everyday routine. The health adviser was very helpful and didn't make me feel shameful for not meeting all my previous goals.

ERICA
[/db_pb_slide]

I highly recommend Family Food. The nutritionist, Erika is helpful and provides great information and positive feedback.

KELSHA
[/db_pb_slide]

I had an excellent experience with the representative from Family Food. She really read into what I was telling her and offered excellent advice that I am already able to implement after one visit. She also helped to make the best use of the hour long session. Very good time management!

AB
[/db_pb_slide]

I met with a dietician for the first time and I had an idea of what to expect but I find this to be an invaluable resource because I have already received great ideas of things to use for meal planning and I also received more information of how to read nutrition labels. I am looking forward to my next appointment.

SHANA
[/db_pb_slide]

I really enjoyed my first session with Christine. She provided me with a lot of solid information on issues I was not aware of and positive reinforcement for behaviors I have already engaged in. I outlined specific goals I would like to work on with her guidance and she gave me some initial steps to start. I found what she had to say respectful of the space I am in and cognizant of obstacles to making lifestyle and lifelong changes.

LYNN
[/db_pb_slide]

I walked in without any specific questions/concerns, and my counseling was well-guided and ended up helping me see specific small changes that I can make to keep me on-track with my nutrition goals. Solutions fit my lifestyle and were not cookie-cutter, which is fantastic. I was able to start making improvements immediately. Thank you!

KAYLEY
[/db_pb_slide]

I am finding the sessions helpful and a good way to talk through improving habits and making better food choices.

ANDREA
[/db_pb_slide]

I am very happy this program exists. It has been very helpful and informative. My deitition is very nice and intelligent I am happy to have her help and support.

ATTANYA
[/db_pb_slide]
[/db_pb_slider]

The Family Food blog

The most reliable evidence-based nutrition information on child and adult nutrition.

5 Unexpected Nutrients to Optimize Your Immune System

5 Unexpected Nutrients To Optimize Your Immune System by Carlie Saint-Laurent Beaucejour, MS, RD, LDN The immune system protects us from disease by fighting infections. Our immune system function is lowered during stress. It is important to note that no food can...

read more

Eat Right Bite by Bite

March is National Nutrition Month! .This years theme is “Eat Right Bite by Bite”. This means that we should be trying to eat healthier in small steps. Making improvements and changes to your nutrition and lifestyle in small bites can really add up over time. Think...

read more

3 hacks to eating guilt-free holiday desserts

3 hacks to eating guilt-free holiday desserts  by Carlie Saint-Laurent Beaucejour, MS, RD, LDN Who says you can’t make cookies, cakes, and desserts nutritious?  The holiday season includes more time with family, food, and yes - even holiday treats. Here are 3 hacks to...

read more

Gain access to a personal Registered Dietitian today.

We accept most Health Insurance plans