WFH is the new diet buster. We are snacking all.... day... long. Okay, so it's plant-based but it's getting out of control. For help, The Beet turned to nutritionist Erika Fox, a Registered Dietitian and community manager at 310 Nutrition. Here are hertipsfor staying healthy and stopping the snack attacks, whilespending too much time inside with a ready path to the fridge. (Guilty, guilty guilty.) Her advice, with notes from The Beet.
The Beet: Okay, we love this tip. tell us more.
Foxsays: Ensuring sure youre eating meals throughout the day will not only give you the nutrients you need to stay focused and keep energy levels up, but it will help keep you satiated, so youre not feeling the need to snack all day long!
Secondary Tip: Make sure your meals are well balanced with a combination of complex carbs, healthy fats, and lean protein, soyou wont be reaching for a snack right after.
The Beet: This is hard. I work within easy view of the kitchen and the pantry (and about ten large steps away from where the snacks are sitting on the counter.
Fox says: If your workspace is right next to your kitchen, or youre working from your kitchen table, its going to be extremely difficult to ignore all those snacks calling your name. Take a look around to see if theres another spot you can work from thats further away from the kitchen. This will help keep you focused on your work and not so much on snacking!
The Beet: Like online shopping? JK, that's bad too, at least if it becomes a habit.
Fox says: When youre in an office, its easy to get up, walk around, and chat with others when you feel like you need a brain break. At home, these brain breaks usually turn into snacking. Oftentimes, people arent even hungry, but rather just need something to do so they can refocus. Instead of resorting to snacks, try incorporating a different activity into your routine. Here are some ideas: go outside for a walk, take a 5-minute journal break, stretch, incorporate exercise into your day, etc. Play with the kids on the couch for a littlefunstudy break.
The Beet: but I know where I hid the chips and Cracker Jacks.
Fox says: If you find yourself overindulging on junk food just because its in the cabinet, move it to the back, or even better, hide it away in a spot that you wont reach to. Alternatively, make sure youre stocked on nutritious, balanced snacks. This way, if you do need a little something, you have plenty of options that will keep you going until your next meal.
Additional Tip: For a well-balanced snack, make sure it includes at least two of the three macronutrients (carbs, protein, fats) and focus on real, whole foods!
Here are some examples
The Beet: But that's the best place to snack. I don't pay attention to what I'm eating on repeat.
Fox says: Many people over-snack while working from home because theyre either bored or need something to do while they work (aka mindless eating). If you let yourself eat while working, its likely that youll end up over-snacking. Instead of chowing down on food all day, be mindful of your hunger levels and make time for snacks/meals. When you are hungry, step away from the computer, take the extra time to sit down and eat a snack/meal, and dont get back to work until you feel fully satisfied.
The Beet: Thank you, Erika. We will try. And anyone who has more tips, please send them. We need them now more than ever! Write to us at info@thebeet.com.
Erika Fox, MBA, RDN, is a registered dietitian with an undergraduate degree in dietetics from Purdue University and a masters in business administration from Dominican University. Erika works as the registered dietitian and community manager for 310 Nutrition, motivating thousands of individuals to reach their health goals every day.
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How to Snack Healthy and Smart When Working From Home - The Beet
