Throughout the year, many people make resolutions to try to lose weight -- committing to exercise, eating healthier and reducing stress. Inevitably, work is the one aspect of many people's lives that interferes with this goal. With stress at work, unhealthy foods tempting you and a lack of time during the work week, it can be difficult to stick to your goals. However, with some knowledge, you can work together with your co-workers and employers to create a healthier work environment for weight loss.
Contests
Attempt to get your entire workplace on board with your weight loss goals. More than likely, plenty of your co-workers have similar goals. Start a contest in which the person who loses the most weight gets a prize. Everyone could put in a small amount of money, and the winner gets the pot or a gift certificate. Encourage co-workers by noticing each other's weight loss, motivating co-workers during difficult times and remaining positive. Take walks together during breaks.
Pitfalls
Many workplaces create environments that encourage negative eating habits. A co-worker might bring in doughnuts or cookies and generously leave them on the table for everyone to enjoy. Others might bring in cakes, chips, soda and pizza for numerous work parties throughout the year. Try to change this whole environment. Ask other co-workers to get on board with you and make healthier food options for parties. Politely ask everyone if they would not put the doughnuts in front of your desk.
Wellness Initiative
Go a step further than asking your co-workers to stop bringing in doughnuts. Ask your employer to become involved by starting a wellness initiative in your company. Wellness initiatives are spreading to many workplaces around the country. Your company could host health seminars and fairs, offer evening or lunchtime exercise classes, start a workplace gym or sponsor a discount to a local gym. Back up your request with information from workplaces with established programs. These initiatives improve the health and productivity of workers and are likely to save your company on health insurance costs.
Meals and Snacks
While you're working to get your workplace on board, you need to focus on your own meals and snacks at work as well. Choose simple and healthy breakfasts such as granola bars and fruit. For lunch, avoid eating out or frozen meals loaded with salt and preservatives. Try making large batches of food on the weekend and bringing a serving with you each day. Throw some ingredients in a slow cooker in the morning so you can come home to a delicious meal for dinner. Also, have a list of go-to options handy, such as soup and a sandwich, for nights when you're hungry or don't feel like cooking. And, of course, plan ahead for those times you'll be craving a snack at work. During that mid-afternoon binge time, you'll be much less likely to hit the vending machine or a co-worker's chocolate stash if you bring some trail mix, crackers, or vegetables with ranch dressing from home.
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