As we enter into the week of Thanksgiving, it’s official – the holidays are here.
And one place that can be an endless parade of holiday goodies is work.
At my work, someone is always bringing in a plate of cookies from a new recipe they wanted to try out, or donuts “because it’s hump day!” And during the holidays, this activity seems to double.
Almost without exception, I avoid all these things.
I’m not trying to be Debby Downer, but think about it- If you want to enjoy a treat, isn’t it best to save it for a time when you can really enjoy it???
I’d like to save that 400 calorie brownie for when I’m curled up on the couch in my PJs. Not when I’m crunched over my desk, zipping out emails.
And to that point, how many of us skip dessert at night if we had a “treat” at work?
If you’re anything like me, you don’t. Somehow in my head the calories consumed at work “count less” than my nightly sweet treat.
So, how do you avoid these calorie pitfalls? Here are a few tips that have worked for me:
Decide that outside of the annual potluck or holiday party, you aren’t eating the goodies that come into work.
It’s a hard and fast rule, but it works. It also takes the debate out of it. And I promise, rarely will you regret NOT eating the brownie.
Avoid the area where the treats are going to be displayed.
In our office we call it the “Crossroads”. When I see the email to “meet the best chocolate chip cookie ever at the Crossroads,” I don’t even walk over to see what it’s about. Out of sight, out of mind.
Have a couple of snacks on hand at work.
I eat three times a day at work. A morning snack (normally an apple and 2 tablespoons of Justin’s Maple Almond Butter), lunch, and an afternoon snack (normally Siggi’s with 2 tablespoons of granola). This way I’m never too hungry and needing to justify that the candy bowl is the only option between life and certain starvation.
Don’t be guilted into trying someone’s “world-famous” dish or baked good.
It’s completely fine to decline. I use to feel bad, but now I know eating out of guilt is one of the worst ways to blow your sweet treat for the day.
And remember, at the end of the day, passing on a cookie or cheese dip isn’t the end of the world.
There will certainly be many more opportunities to enjoy all the treats of the season. But why not save it for the times when you are really celebrating?
Stress or guilt eating at work is about as far away from celebrating as it gets!
