Diet and work; what to eat in the office

The concept of one’s diet in the office is often taken for granted by the majority of people who (almost every day) are obliged to have lunch out:  it is precisely at these times that our working rhythms are prioritised at the expense of our nourishment, causing problems such as obesity or other psycho-physical conditions.

Before we clarify what one should eat in the office in order to keep in optimal shape, we will provide a few practical tips on meals to be consumed as part of the daily routine.  The intervals when we require nourishment are usually five in any 24 hour period:  breakfast, lunch, dinner and a couple of snacks (one mid-morning and the other mid-afternoon).

Regardless of whether we wish to improve our diet at work or in general, breakfast should never be skipped because it is the most important meal of the day.  This is the meal which provides our organism with nourishment after the long nocturnal fast.  Even though a lot of people only have a coffee, if they wish to do things properly they should also add at least some milk, juice or yoghurt, or include some cereals.

Another essential meal which should never be skipped is lunch, during which we should do our best to balance the calories, quantity and quality of what we eat;  especially those who adhere to an office routine and diet, should opt for simple dishes, such as some tasty pasta with tomato and basil.

As regards dinner, on the other hand, we suggest a main course of meat or fish to be accompanied by fresh seasonal vegetables and fruit. Considering the carbohydrates already consumed at lunch-time and given that a varied diet is essential, the inclusion of some protein is highly recommended.

We should also give a thought to mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks: if the objective is to avoid putting on weight, it is better to opt for healthy snacks such as fruit, crackers or breadsticks:  these are a good solution to satisfy our hunger pangs, keep up energy levels required for work and at the same time avoid weight gain.

These are our helpful suggestions for making our diet compatible with our frenetic working rhythms;  two fundamental areas in everyone’s lives, which should always be correctly balanced.

Translated by Joanne Beckwith