For those days when the meetings won’t end or when a lunch break is used to run errands, follow these tips to make smart decisions about eating and drinking:
- Keep some easy meals on hand. Try healthy frozen entrées, bean soups, cold-cut sandwiches and other convenient foods.
- Eat small, frequent meals and snacks to keep your blood sugar and energy levels steady. Going more than four or five hours without eating can lead to fatigue, low concentration and headaches.
- Limit sweets and sugary foods or drinks. Too much sugar can lead to energy crashes and weight gain. Limit sugary drinks to one 12-ounce drink per day.
- Choose meals and snacks that include protein as well as carbohydrates. Protein helps keep your energy levels steady.
- Avoid overdoing caffeine. Caffeine gives you immediate energy and a drop in energy later on.
- Water, water, water! Include a glass of water with all meals and take a few water breaks during the day.
- Don’t forget fats. Fat helps food to stay in the stomach longer, giving a greater sense of satisfaction and preventing hunger soon after meals. Diets too low in fat may trigger cravings.
