Healthy Eating Tips for Work.

Healthy food at the gymnastics center by Rick McCharles

During the fast-paced, busy workday it is easy to overlook our regular healthy eating habits. Many of us could use a little help or a quick reminder to keep us from hurrying to the vending machine for the high-calorie temptations that lurk there. Here are a few tips to help keep you on the straight and narrow:

• Diet and low-calorie drinks – diet soda, fruit juice boxes, orange juice singles and low-sugar mixes like lemonade and fruit punch. Get your vitamin C and a refreshing drink without the caffeine overload.
• Dried cereal mix – bag up some easy, healthy dried cereal. Choose a brand with nuts, raisins, cranberries or other tasty additions. This can be a healthy start to your work day. Try some during your morning break.
• Small portions – choose items with good portion sizes like vanilla or chocolate pudding cups, granola bars, or flavored yogurt. They’re easy to pick up on the go and have lots of varieties.
• Fruit – don’t just go for the standard apple, banana or peach. Make sure to include canned fruit, pre-mixed fruit cocktails and dried fruit. Trail mix with dried fruit will keep your energy up all afternoon.
• Veggies – get a pack of small baby carrots or cut up some celery, broccoli, or cauliflower. Bring some low-fat ranch dressing for a zingy snack or side dish.
• Cup of soup – keep a stock of flavorful soup mixes at your desk along with a handy mug and spoon and you’ve got a ready-made meal anytime. My favorite is chicken noodle.
• Mixed nuts – in your snack drawer be sure to keep a handy can of mixed nuts. Cashew, almonds, Brazil nuts and walnuts are full of flavor and nutrition. Grab a handful before your next meeting to keep you going until lunch.
• Lunch from home – bringing lunch from home usually keeps calories and fat to a minimum. Bring sandwiches, a tuna wrap, salad, frozen dinners, leftover spaghetti and whatever yummy recipes you can find. Go online to spice up your choices.