A few months ago I had a temp job where I had to sit down all day at a computer. This was much different than my previous jobs that had me out on sales calls or running back and forth to the management office. However, at this temp job there was a very accessible candy dish and several other temps eating the yummy goodness in front of me. Chocolate (my vice), peppermints, butterscotch, you name it; we had it. I caved and started eating the candy. Do not get me wrong I only ate a couple of pieces a day at the most.

It wasn’t until a couple of weeks later, while getting dressed, I realized my pants didn’t fit the way it used to. My shirts were hard to button and I started feeling lethargic. Quickly, I headed over to the scale. Eight pounds. EIGHT POUNDS?! How did I gain eight pounds in less than a month? Flashes of bite-sized chocolates entered my mind. “Oh yeah, the chocolate,” I mumbled to myself. Right then and there I resolved to quit the candy cold turkey, find some snacking alternatives, and lead a healthier lifestyle at work. Here are some things you can eat and do to maintain your health at work.

Snacks

1. Pretzels instead of potato chips
2. Granola bars instead of cookies
3. Grapes instead of fruit flavored candy pieces
4. Sliced apples instead of lollipops
5. Yogurt instead of pudding
6. Fruit smoothie instead of a milkshake
7. Drink water instead of a soda

If you sit at a desk all day try the following to get active at work:

Exercise

1. Park further away from the front door.
2. Take the steps instead of the elevator or do half and half.
3. Walk around the parking lot at lunch or up and down the steps.
4. Don’t e-mail or IM, walk to the person you need to talk to.
5. Stretch your arms, flex your head forward/backward and left to right while sitting in your chair to prevent stiff muscles.

What are some snacks you just can’t stay away from at work? Or what have you done to change your eating habits?