Oh, the joys of summer … vacations, special outdoor events, trying on swimsuits. Huh? Perhaps the trying on of swimsuits belongs in the “things-I-dread-the-most” category. Who loves going into those little dressing rooms with the florescent lights, squeezing into miniscule pieces of fabric, and staring at cellulite? Not me. Alas, swimsuit season is right around the corner and for many people that means one thing: dieting. In an office setting, though, cutting back on calories and finding time to exercise can seem like an impassable hurdle, as a new CareerBuilder.com survey reports that 45 percent of workers have gained weight at their current jobs, similar to last year’s findings. The survey was conducted from February 11 through March 13, 2008 among 7,688 workers. "Weight gain can be quite common in the workplace, especially when the winter months keep most of us cooped up all day and calorie-laden treats seem to wait around every corner," said Rosemary Haefner, vice president of Human Resources for CareerBuilder.com. "As the weather warms up and people are more likely to get in a healthy mindset, it's a great time of year to be more aware of your health, get active and be more cognizant of your food choices." Haefner recommends the following tips for fending off workplace weight gain: Start the day off right - Eating a high-protein and fiber-filled breakfast can provide the energy you need to get you to lunch and avoid the temptation of break room donuts, candy or other high-fat treats. Stay hydrated - Sometimes a snack craving can be mistaken for dehydration. Be sure to keep water or another healthy beverage at your desk throughout the day so that you can hydrate freely. Write it down - Keeping nutrition and food journal can help you track how your snacks and meals add up during the day, allowing you to notice when you overindulge. Mix up your routine - Every little bit of activity helps, so take the stairs to your floor, walk over to co-workers instead of calling or emailing them or try parking your car farther away from the office. Keep your cool - Stress can fuel poor eating habits, as you can tend to overeat or make inadequate food choices when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Try to manage stress with regular exercise and speak with a supervisor if you’re workload is drowning you.
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