The Work at Home Diet
By Brandi Koskie - DietsInReview.com Senior Editor
Three years ago I left my corporate, grey-walled cubicle for my comfortable and self-decorated home office. I work my 9-5 (plus) at home and it's something you'd have a hard time convincing me to give up. Not only do I get to throw caution to the wind when it comes to dress code (and sometimes the happy hour policy), but I also get more time to actually live my life. I could go on and on about what I find to be the benefits of a work-at-home job, but the one I get most excited about is my health.
I eat most of my meals at home these days. With an office and kitchen just steps apart, there's no reason to dedicate a line in my budget to co-worker lunches at greasy downtown pubs, or feel like rush-hour is jeopardizing my breakfast plans. That's why I'm sharing my "work-at-home diet." If you plan your meals ahead for the week and make sure there are plenty of nutritious snacks readily available (since you can't depend on that vending machine), you'll start to reap the benefits.
Six months after I'd made my office move I'd lost 15 pounds, and I've kept it off. You'll have more time and more access to healthy foods, more flexibility to work in a regular fitness routine, and be less stressed; not to mention getting to wear your slippers to the office!
Breakfast
I never had breakfast before, now it's part of my daily routine. It truly is the most important meal of the day. Now that you're not pressed for time in the morning, you can try:
Veggie Egg White Scramble - This is my 5-minute-ish breakfast recipe that will fuel your entire day.
Cereal and Skim Milk - No matter what's going on, you've always got time for a quick bowl. Choose high-fiber, low-sugar varieties like Cheerios or Kashi Go Lean.
Fruit Smoothie - I blend strawberries, a banana, blueberries, fresh spinach, Greek yogurt and a few avocado slices with ice.
Lunch
A lunch meeting once a week is imperative to keep your sanity and get out of the house. The rest of the time, these quick-fix meals will save you money and calories.
Black Bean Mushroom Quesadilla - Make a whole batch of this at the beginning of the week and you can reheat for a simple lunch.
Hot Sandwiches
- The turkey and baby swiss you took to the office has a whole new life when you toast it in a skillet or panini press. This is even better served with a side of homemade tomato soup.
Entree Salads - You don't have to worry about transporting or wilting when all the ingredients are in your produce drawer at home. Last night's grilled chicken or roasted peppers are perfect toppers.
Snacks
In addition to skim cheese sticks, raw almonds, crudites like carrots and celery, peanut butter and apples, and fresh snackable fruit like grapes, you'll want to have the makings for these healthy finger foods, too, for those mid-day pick-me-ups.
Hummus - Make a batch and eat throughout the week. Dip whole grain crackers or pita, or those crunchy crudites.
Granola - You, the kids, at home or on the go, this homemade snack is a perfect cure for the munchies.
Melon Balls - Each week buy a watermelon and cantaloupe. Then, ball each in their entirety and place in a bowl. Place this in your fridge and you've got a quick, poppable snack when you find yourself in the mood to graze.
Dinner wins in this at-home game, too. While you're waiting for lunch to cook, chop the vegetables you'll use in tonight's meal. Put something in a slow cooker during your lunch break and it's ready by evening. Or don't feel hurried to beat 5:00 traffic so you can spend more than a half-hour whipping up something special one night.
Trying to stay fit while on the job? Here are some more tips:
Why You Should Care that Your Employees are in Good Shape
Yoga for Work
How to Have a Healthy Lunch at Work
© DietsInReview.com
