Is Desktop Dining Damaging your Health?

More and more people are working in offices now, call centre’s are taking over where heavy industry used to be. Therefore more and more people are eating at there desk. Last estimations were up to 67%. Whilst the main reasons are time dependant, the consequence is ever increasing waist lines.

Dietitians are now warning, Adults are growing obese, due to unbalanced food choices, along with mindless munching.  Eating whilst distracted by e-mails, phone calls and spreadsheets, will allow you to “MISS” the bodies fullness cues, hence going onto overeating, and as a daily habit is enough to cause weight gain.

Energy levels, nutritional intake and weight control are all compromised, by desktop diners, heading to the nearest vending machine, or bringing in  crisps or chocolate (or in some cases, both). All due to time restrictions on their breaks

If you must work through lunch so you can get home before the sun sets, here are some suggestions for more sensible desktop dining: Bring a healthy lunch from home. Even if you are busy, you can still munch on nutritious foods and avoid the snacks that do little for your overall health. Keep your meal portion controlled. Bring food in single-serve containers so you won't overindulge if your mind is focused on something else. Take at least five minutes and really taste your food. Since distractions make us mindlessly overeat, ignore your phone calls and turn off your computer monitor.

Lunch is also a social hour. Having lunch with your co-workers or boss is an important way to build relationships, so leave your desk and join in with the conversation.

Skipping the chance to be part of the team and to interact with peers can have a negative impact on your career since work-related dialogue often takes place over pizza or sushi. During lunch, you can develop friendships with other employees and make valuable new contacts.