Do we eat
junk food because we’re stressed, or are we stressed because we eat junk food?
It’s a little like asking what came first: the chicken or the egg? Or, perhaps, in this case, the salty deep-fried chicken or the Cadbury caramel egg.
In reality, the answer is “either” (or maybe even “both”). Because while
non-food-related circumstances at work can certainly stress us out, so too can the snacks we
consume throughout the day.
As part of wellbeing
month in September, today in our Wellness Wednesday session we’re learning
about the tricks of treats; how hyperpalatable foods such as fried, salty,
processed, sugary and/or fatty snacks can supercharge our stress, hamper
healthy working habits and, ultimately, derail our day – so much so that poor
workplace eating habits could be considered a new form of occupational
hazard.
Here are ten top tips we’re learning today to maintain healthier eating habits while at work:
- Value quality over quantity: Focus on whole foods or meals with minimal (and natural) ingredients.
- Find feel-good habits and stress-relievers that support your goals: Now that we know junk foods are ineffective short-term solutions, it’s time to look towards more active and enduring ways to wind down.
- Slow down and be curious: Take the time to try new foods instead of grabbing the first or cheapest thing on the shelf.
- Banish the candy jar and bring out a fruit bowl instead: You’ll find it’s actually often cheaper, too.
- Instead of cafes and takeaways for work catch-ups, aim for healthier alternatives: Think salad bars, smoothie shops or a walk to the park.
- Encourage your workplace to equip the kitchen as well as possible: Giving
A team detoxifying yoga practice this morning, before our nutrition session. For more
information on what we’re learning about nutrition in the office this
September, see our previous post on Anxiety-Inducing Snack Traps and How to Avoid Them.
