The right lunchtime habits can leave you rejuvenated and ready to face the second half of your workday, while the wrong habits can leave you crashing and crankier than ever. Here are 5 healthy lunch tips to improve your workday and your overall health.
Keep your meals well-balanced.
Lunch meat and processed cheese on white bread simply won’t do the trick. A meal like this lacks the nutrition your body needs and is a great recipe for a mid afternoon crash. When you eat foods with highly refined carbs (like white bread) or a lot of sugar, your blood sugar spikes suddenly and then crashes, leaving you feeling drowsy and often moody throughout the day. For a well balanced lunch, try eating lean meats like chicken or fish with whole grains like brown rice or whole wheat bread, and finally, don’t forget your vegetables with every meal.
Pack enough.
If you don’t pack enough food, chances are you’ll end up buying a less-than-nutritious snack or buying a new lunch altogether. Packing enough food ensures you’ll have a high quality meal and allows you to save some money while you’re at it.
Plan ahead.
Set aside a day during your week to make your meals ahead of time and freeze them. This way you’ll have quick access to nutritious meals during the week and will be less likely to throw an unhealthy meal together before work or grab fast food during the day.
Drink water with your meal.
Make it a point to drink at least ½ liter of water with your lunch everyday. Not only will this ensure you’re getting enough water during the day, but it will also help you pace yourself during your meal and help keep you full for longer.
Eat with others.
Try to avoid eating at your desk or in your car if possible. Use your lunch break to chat with your colleagues; this will prevent you from rushing through your meal, allowing your body to properly digest. Eating with coworkers also helps to take your mind off of work and is a good opportunity to clear your head and re-energize before facing the rest of your day.
By establishing good mealtime habits at work, you’ll increase your health and productivity both inside and outside of the workplace. For tips on how you can sneak physical into your day, check out 4 ways to add physical activity to your day.
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