Avoiding the Cubby Chubbies
The National Center for Health and Statistics estimates 66 percent of American adults are either overweight or obese, and our jobs are a big reason why.
So, what gives? Why do our work environments hamper our efforts to maintain an appropriate weight?
- About 1/3 of us eat out at least twice during our work week. That means we’re more likely to be tempted by less healthy items offered in excessive amounts.
- Many of us buy our lunches from vending machines, which typically stock the worst kind of food. Nearly 2/3 of us buy at least one snack from a vending machine every day.
- In addition to eating larger quantities of bad food, we don’t usually exercise during the work week, so we’re not burning off those extra calories.
What can we do?
- Eat a protein-rich, fiber-packed breakfast. Hopefully, that’ll quash the need to raid the vending machine.
- Drink plenty of water. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger.
- Keep a food journal. Writing down what you eat makes you mindful of your consumption. Sometimes awareness is all it takes to keep you from downing that next mouthful.
- Move more. Get up and walk around the office whenever you can appropriately do so.
- Chill out. When we’re stressed, we often eat to soothe ourselves and calm down. Instead, get more exercise, say a positive affirmation or do some deep breathing.
Add comment July 4, 2008

Isn’t this a super darn hoot of an idea?!?! Kudos to 
