If you’re anything like me, getting through a workday without becoming ravenous at some point is nearly impossible. When you’re cooped up in an office it is easy to drift into daydreams about food or count down the minutes until its time for your next meal. If you’re trying to watch what you eat, you might already be on the right track by bringing a bagged lunch from home but sometimes one meal stretched over the daunting 9-5 isn’t quite enough for your productive body’s roars of hunger.
Recommended for you
Here are some of my best tips and tricks (besides overdosing on coffee) to survive the workday:
1. Bring your breakfast to work. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. We've heard it millions of times. I used to make the mistake of simultaneously cramming a bowl of oatmeal into my mouth and chugging my coffee while throwing on some makeup and then running out the door. By the time I finished my hour-long commute, my metabolism was revving and I was already ready for a morning snack. Recently, I've started pushing my breakfast back as long as I can and instead, savoring my coffee during my commute. I've found that I can survive without my oats longer than I thought and I really enjoy my new routine of eating my breakfast at my desk while replying to emails.
2. Sparkling beverages. This tip is a godsend in my opinion. The carbonation in sparkling beverages makes you feel fuller- perfect for those days when you really need to stretch the time in between meals. Reach for a sparkling water (they come in tons of fun flavors) or a diet soda if you don't have any other options. If you're worried about artificial sweeteners go for a carbonated mineral water instead but remember, artificial sweeteners are fine in moderation. 3. Eat higher volume foods. There's just something so sad about staring down at a tiny half-sandwich or cup of soup when you're hungry at work (or bored, its okay to say it). Psychologically, we associate smaller portions with being less filling. Try adding way more lettuce in your salad than you normally would or bringing sides with your lunch to bulk up your portions. I've never been good at the whole "eat slowly and take tiny bites to feel fuller" thing so I prefer to trick my brain by doing what it actually wants: giving it more food. P.S.: a little protein and fiber go a long way to keep you full longer. 4. Have a snack bag. Unfortunately, my workplace doesn't have a vending machine or a cafeteria so having a snack bag in your office really comes in clutch for those days you completely under-pack your lunch bag. Below are my holy grail non-refrigerated snacks to keep in your desk:
- Rice cakes: Perfect for when you need quick-digesting carbs and that afternoon crunchy snack. The topping possibilities are endless.
- Jar of peanut butter: If you know me you know this is 100% necessary. Delicious and actually sticks to your ribs. YAS.
- Protein/granola bars: The bar options are endless these days. If you actually want a bar to fill you up, look for something over 10-15 grams of protein or one that contains fiber. I’ve personally been obsessed with Power Crunch bars and Oh Yeah! One Bars recently.
- Fiber One Brownies: Yummy pick-me-up snack that’s great with some aforementioned peanut butter on top. I’ve heard their other bar flavors are good but I haven’t gotten a chance to try them because my 18-count family sized box hasn’t run out yet.
- Popcorn: Pre-popped or un-popped, popcorn is a great volume snack- especially if you’re eating from boredom. Just don’t burn the popcorn or your coworkers will shoot you the stank eye.
Surviving the workday can be tough, but food makes everything better, right? Even if that means utilizing a rewards-based system and popping a peanut M&M in your mouth every time you finish a task (I've certainly never done that).
