What to Do at Work to Stop Weight Gain

POPSUGAR Photography / THEM TOO
POPSUGAR Photography | THEM TOO

There are plenty of reasons your job may be making you fat, so take charge of your work life and add these healthy habits to your daily to-do list. They can certainly help prevent you from packing on those desk-bound pounds.

01
Bring a Huge Salad For Lunch
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Bring a Huge Salad For Lunch

Skip the lunches out, and aim to bring a homemade salad every day. Since they're low in calories and full of fiber, you can eat an enormous bowl of veggies without doing damage to your waistline. Include a variety of greens and fresh veggies in your salad along with a low-fat protein source like chickpeas, cottage cheese, baked tofu or tempeh, or grilled chicken. Don't forget to pack a low-cal dressing like this strawberry balsamic vinaigrette. Not only does a daily lunchtime salad ensure a low-calorie meal, but it'll save you money too. Be sure to vary the veggies and protein source each day to prevent boredom.

02
Sweat at Noon
POPSUGAR Photography | Kat Borchart

Sweat at Noon

Don't just hit Facebook or shop online during your lunch break — use that hour to burn some extra calories. Take a jog, go for a walk, hop on your bike, or hit a noontime yoga class at your gym. Scheduling time each day to exercise prevents skipped workouts, and it also gives your mind a mental break, alleviating stress that can cause you to reach for high-calorie treats.

Remember, sitting all day is dangerous for your overall health — not just your waistline! Here's a guide to help you get up and get moving throughout your workday.

03
Use Your Minty Breath to Prevent Snacking
POPSUGAR Photography | THEM TOO

Use Your Minty Breath to Prevent Snacking

After finishing each meal, snack, or that cup of joe, hit the bathroom for some dental hygiene. Not only will brushing your chompers prevent cavities and bad breath, but your minty mouth will also remind you that you already ate and aren't really hungry for a handful of M&M's from your co-worker's desk.

04
Keep Healthy Snacks Stashed in the Fridge
POPSUGAR Photography | Jae Payne

Keep Healthy Snacks Stashed in the Fridge

It's really sweet that so many of your co-workers love to bake, but all those platters of goodies in the break room can pull you off the healthy path. Avoid temptation by keeping a stash of healthy munchables in the office fridge or in your desk drawer. Yogurt, cheese sticks, fruit, cut-up veggies, crackers, and even chocolate-covered peanuts offer more nutrition than a cupcake.

05
Sip on Water All Day
POPSUGAR Photography | Jae Payne

Sip on Water All Day

Did you know that a 12-ounce Coke is 143 calories? Downing a can of soda each day adds 715 calories to your workweek. Stay hydrated and energized with nature's beverage instead. Keep a reusable water bottle on your desk, and take sips throughout the day. Water is not only free of calories, but it also gives your belly the sensation that it's full, which cuts down on mindless snacking.