When it comes to winning the battle against obesity, work can definitely be the enemy. Many people find that they struggle with unhealthy habits in the workplace, and after weight loss surgery, work can be one of the most difficult places for many people to follow their plans. Fortunately, work doesn’t have to disrupt your efforts to lose weight and stay healthy. These strategies will help you fight back against work-related weight gains.
Stock Your Desk With Healthy Snacks
One of the biggest problems that many people face at work is the easy availability of unhealthy snacks, from birthday treats to donuts for meetings. It should be noted that bariatric doctors recommend NO snacking for bariatric patients. However, if you are unable to comply with that recommendation, it is best to keep a stock of healthy snacks at your desk. You’ll be less likely to cave and eat something that is not bariatric friendly just because it is available. Preferred foods include whole fruit, fat-free cheese, and other filling protein snacks. Nuts are a good option but remember they are high in calories so your portion should be smaller than the palm of your hand (about ten nuts).
Walk Instead of Sending Emails
Sitting at a desk all day can leave you feeling stiff and doesn’t burn any calories. If you need an answer from a co-worker about something, get up and walk over to them instead of sending an email. Doing so will burn calories and help you loosen up. If you can’t go ask colleagues questions, simply get up and walk around the office a few times per day to get some movement.
Develop a Food-Free Way to Manage Stress
It’s easy to reach for a sugary snack when you are feeling stressed at work, but those calories can add up quickly. Find something you can do to de-stress that doesn’t involve eating, such as taking a walk around the building, getting up to make some coffee, or chatting with a work friend to take some of the pressure off.
Garden State Bariatrics offers nutritional counseling and online support groups as well as bariatric surgery to help you succeed in your weight loss journey. Find out how we can help you reach your goals by scheduling a consultation.
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