Step Away From Your Desk

You may not realize it, but your desk could be making you fat.

You may think the biggest problem with your office (or cubicle as the case may be) is the size of your in-box. But there are other issues at bay. For many people, desk-job habits can lead to weight gain. Here's how to break some of the bad ones:

• Candy dish. See that garbage can under your desk? That's where the candy dish belongs. Having sweets at such ready access while you're hard at work is a recipe for mindless eating.
  
• Stashes of snacks in desk drawers. Did the vending machine give you an extra candy bar one day? Or do you have some leftovers from lunch that you're saving for snacking? When you keep a stash of food in your desk, you're more likely to snack even when you really aren't hungry. Try keeping some healthy goods in the staff kitchen -- that way, when you really want a bite, you can make the conscious decision to get off your desk chair and get one.
  
• Working lunches. How many times do you eat while working? Unless you pack your lunch with just the right amount, working through your lunch break can lead to unconscious overeating.
  
• Bagel breakfasts. Well-meaning co-workers often bring in bagels or donuts to share in the office. Be sure you eat a good breakfast at home so you can turn down those treats. And maybe bring in a healthful treat to share once in a while -- your co-workers might even start to follow suit.

Check out this Prevention article for ideas on how to make over bad office habits.