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Diet & Nutrition

2010-02-01 08:42:00

How to eat healthy at business meetings

Question: Are business breakfast meetings a downfall to your healthy eating habits? I am a business person. I often find myself in breakfast meetings where the choices don’t appear to be very healthy. Sometimes I’m running out the door at the last minute and don’t take time to eat even though I know breakfast is important. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer: Breakfast meetings don’t have to be the downfall to your healthy eating plans. Here are a few tips on how to dodge those not-so-healthy items that seem to show up in the morning. Be flexible – Life is full of surprises and plans need to change. If early morning meetings make breakfast impossible at home, you may need some alternatives, such as packing something healthy for breakfast to have at your desk. Be creative – Make a list of all the possibilities, such as all the breakfast options you can have at home, in the car or at work. Here are some examples. Put some yogurt in a large cup and add some cereal and fruit or, microwave some egg whites or egg substitute and place on two slices of low calorie bread for a quick morning sandwich. Whole wheat toast with a slice of melted low fat cheese, or a smoothie made with skim milk and fruit. Most of these are quick, easy and portable. Stock up on those options – Once you have a list of possibilities, stock up. Fill your cupboards, car, and desk drawers with healthy options. Having healthy options at your finger tips eliminates last minute decisions. Last minute decisions are not usually the best decisions. Plan ahead – When situations pose a problem, make a healthy plan. Ask whoever is in charge of the meal what will be served and plan accordingly. When you know you have a meeting where they serve giant cinnamon rolls or doughnuts, plan ahead and take something with you like fruit or a bagel. Making a decision ahead of time eliminates creating temptation in your mind. Your brain already knows the plan thus making it easier to stick to the plan. Remind Yourself of your goal – Remind yourself why you are making healthier choices in the first place. Is it so you can enjoy your kids or grandkids, enjoy more energy, or remain active into your later years? Whatever your reason, remind yourself on a daily basis. Keeping the goal at the forefront of your mind makes it easier to make great healthy decisions. Forgive yourself – Healthy eating does not have to be perfect eating. If you make a choice that’s not so healthy or miss a few days of healthy eating, no biggie--just get back on track ASAP. You don’t have to wait till tomorrow, or next week, to get back on track. You are ALWAYS only one meal away from being back on track. Congratulate yourself – Changing your eating habits can be tough. Just think how long you’ve had your current habits. Give yourself a pat on the back for any healthy changes. Reward yourself for great choices with a good book, a bubble bath, or a nice massage. Every positive step toward your goal cements the positive effects in your mind making reaching your goal a surety You can make great choices every day, even when circumstances get in your way. Plan ahead, keep your goal in mind, and congratulate yourself.