How to Stick to Your Diet at Work + Suitable Exercises at the Office

Sunday, March 02, 2025  Read time5 min

Every day, you battle with your diet, fueled by motivation to lose weight this year. But thoughts of losing control in various situations, such as at work, frighten you. Saed News will provide tips to help you stick to your diet at work. Following a diet is especially challenging at work, with plenty of snacks and break times.

How to Stick to Your Diet at Work + Suitable Exercises at the Office

Sticking to Your Diet at Work

To lose weight, you must stick to your diet. But it's not always easy. Many people on weight loss diets give in to the temptation of fast food, sweets, soda, etc., and abandon their diets. Is there a solution? Absolutely! This article will show you how to resist temptations and stick to your diet.

Start the Day Right

You know breakfast is crucial, but sometimes you oversleep. Such moments put you at risk of unhealthy foods, so be prepared. Always have a healthy breakfast ready to eat quickly. A protein and fiber-rich breakfast can keep you full for a long time.

Use White Lies When Needed

If a coworker offers their famous chocolate cake, avoid the temptation by staying away from the kitchen. If they distribute the cake as a prize, don't hesitate to tell a little white lie. Say you've just eaten but will take a piece for later. Once they leave, give the cake to another coworker. This way, you won't hurt anyone's feelings, and your diet stays on track.

Plan Smartly

Planning doesn't mean preparing all your lunches for the week (though it's not a bad idea). Aim to bring lunch a few days a week, but don't set unrealistic standards. Choose packable, healthy foods and have ingredients ready to avoid chaos during the week.

Don't Deprive Yourself

Bringing a healthy lunch from home benefits both your wallet and waistline. However, if your colleagues plan to eat out, join them. If possible, check the menu beforehand to make the healthiest choice.

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Avoid Food Traps

Coworkers might keep snacks at their desks, creating trouble for your diet. Avoid these food traps at all costs. Choose a route in the office that bypasses tempting snacks. Out of sight, out of mind!

Always Have a Water Bottle

Many of us don't drink enough water. Staying hydrated is crucial for health, skin, and hair. Thirst is often mistaken for hunger, so not feeling thirsty reduces hunger. Get a stylish water bottle that makes drinking water enjoyable. Modern water bottles can even remind you to drink water through your phone! Once you build the habit of drinking water regularly, you won't need such gadgets.

Snack Smartly

Snacking at work is inevitable, but done right, it can benefit you and keep your metabolism high. The key is to snack smartly. Instead of filling your desk drawer with cookies, chips, and other junk food, opt for snacks high in fiber and protein and low in sugar. Snacks like a handful of almonds, fruit and veggie pieces with yogurt can keep you full for a long time (especially on late workdays).

Change the Subject

Don't feel obligated to explain your diet to coworkers. Most people don't want to hear about your diet. However, some might turn into nutrition experts and share extensive information about calories and nutrients once they know you're dieting. To avoid such conversations, respond briefly and change the subject. For example, say you plan to follow your program as it is, then change the topic. If you want to end the discussion entirely, talk about your coworker's unfinished tasks—this works wonders!

Trick Yourself

If a chocolate roll tray in the office kitchen catches your attention, don't head straight for it. Give your mind a moment. Wait two minutes. During that time, relax and drink some water. If you still crave the chocolate roll after two minutes, have some. Chances are, your craving will diminish, or you'll opt for a better choice.

Six Effective Exercises at Work

We all know the adverse effects of prolonged sitting and inactivity, such as belly and side fat, back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain. No one likes inactivity, but work sometimes keeps us glued to our seats for hours. This issue is common among desk workers, leading to neck and back pain. What's the solution? Movement! With a few simple, effective stretches and strengthening exercises at work, you can relieve muscle tension and boost your energy.

Single-Leg Front Raise

Sit on a chair, grip the seat or armrests. Press your back against the chair and sit straight. Lift each leg alternately, pausing for a few seconds. This exercise strengthens the quadriceps and stretches the hamstrings, preventing knee pain. Do three sets of 10 reps for each leg every hour, gradually increasing to 20 reps.

Abdominal Tuck

Sit on a chair, grip the seat or armrests. Press your back against the chair and sit straight. Pull in your stomach, filling the curve of your lower back, then return to the initial position. This exercise strengthens deep abdominal muscles, preventing back pain. Do three sets of 15 reps every 30 minutes, gradually increasing to 30 reps.

Forward Arm Stretch

Sit on a chair, hold your palms in front of your shoulders. Extend your arms forward, spreading your shoulder blades apart, and straighten your elbows. Engage your abs as you extend. Return to the initial position. This exercise strengthens the shoulder girdle, preventing shoulder pain. Do three sets of 12 reps every hour, gradually increasing to 20 reps.

Shoulder Elevation and Rotation

Sit and raise your shoulders up and forward, then down and back. You can do this as a circular movement. This exercise strengthens and mobilizes the shoulders, preventing neck and shoulder pain. Do three sets of 15 reps every 30 minutes, gradually increasing to 30 reps.

Double-Leg Ab Raise

Sit at the front of the chair, holding the chair firmly. Cross your legs and lift them slowly. Keep your abs contracted throughout the movement. This exercise strengthens the abdominal muscles. If you have back pain, do this exercise cautiously. Do three sets of 10 reps every hour, gradually increasing to 20 reps.

Back Straightening

Sit with a straight back, bend forward from the waist, then return to the initial position. Pause briefly and repeat. This exercise strengthens the spine erector muscles, preventing back pain from prolonged sitting. Do three sets of 12 reps every hour, gradually increasing to 20 reps.

Summary

By following these tips and maintaining a steady, gradual approach, you can be confident in achieving your goals without abruptly abandoning your diet. I hope you enjoyed this sports therapy content. Feel free to share it with anyone who cares about their fitness. For more related content, visit the Saed News sports section. Thank you for your support!