How to Stay Healthy in the Office

How to stay healthy in the office

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Let’s be clear—there is no willpower like lunchtime in the office willpower. While you’re noshing on a roasted kale salad, the scent of a gooey cheese pizza or fried fish tacos are assaulting your olfactory senses. Trust us, we feel your pain.

We work in an office where catered and group lunches are a regular occurrence; there’s always a birthday celebration, an office visit from an out-of-town employee and an ex-boyfriend to cry over (our current record is two separate break-ups during a 24-hour period). Nothing heals the heart or says “Go Team!” like a group meal. After all, food is better than trust falls.

But if you’re trying to eat healthy, office lunches are a daily challenge worthy of a Survivor episode. Read on for our tips.

1. Did you say quinoa party?

Work with your coworkers and office manager to provide healthier lunch options. If “Taco Tuesday” is a weekly occurrence, request grilled fish in addition to fried. Do end-of-the-month sales meetings end with an office pizza party? Order a salad. Is this the fun option? No. Is this the healthy option? Yes.

2. Mutual moderation.

Form a healthy alliance with a coworker and encourage each other to stay on target. If you make your monthly goal–treat yo’ self to a slice of pie, a piece of cake, or whatever satisfies your craving.

3. Don’t be that girl.

The office doesn’t need a constant reminder of your diet. Your eating habits are a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. Got it? Good. Moving on.

4. Be a recluse.

If your willpower has taken a sick day, don’t join the lunch. If your office has an outdoor seating area, go get some sunshine. If you’re stuck in a high-rise, put on your headphones, surf the web, and enjoy a desk lunch.

The Politesse

The Politesse was created with one goal: to provide everyday tools to help young women navigate the real world. You can climb the corporate ladder in heels, but we're here to make sure you don’t flash us on the way up.