by Mary Rose-Sellers

Created on: October 08, 2008   Last Updated: August 17, 2009

The workplace is the worst place for a dieter. Anyone can go off a diet without much convincing from his/her coworkers, with birthday cakes, afternoon snacks and vending machines all around. When an individual is on a diet, he/she will have to plan her work day meals accordingly. It's best to prepare the meals at home the night before so the dieter can take them to work the next day. By organizing and scheduling a weekly menu on the weekend, a dieter will be able to stay on his/her diet, even if there are plenty of temptations at work. Cutting up fresh vegetables or even buying already cut vegetables and packing them with your lunch is a great way to have a snack in the middle of the afternoon when everyone else is hovering over the cake at the coffee station. Keeping healthy snacks at your desk, like granola bars and trail mix bags is also another good option of staying off the candy dish at the cubicle next door. When working lunches are required and they are catered, request to order you something light, like plain tuna sandwich on whole wheat bread. Skip the potato chips and have a salad with it. Instead of a creamy salad dressing have oil and vinegar.

The worst temptation is the pressure from your coworkers. They are the ones who will tempt you to have the afternoon cake or cookie that came with the catered lunch. Politely decline, by telling them that you have a snack at your desk. Avoid the desks that are usually full of snacks and candies. Instead, if you need to go to someone's cubicle, take a different route and avoid the temptation.

Fruit is another healthy snack to have around, either as a midmorning or mid afternoon snack. It's a great idea to pack a fruit with your everyday lunch. Drinks are another set back for a dieter. Soft drinks and colas are the worst enemies for someone who is dieting. They are packed with sugar and caffeine. The only thing they do is just give you that extra buzz, when you need it mid afternoon, but load you with sugar. Instead of having a soda, have a tea sweetened with honey. It's not only good for your heart but will give you that little boost you might need in the afternoon.

When asked to go out for lunch with co-workers, either decline or accept. If you decide to go, order something that is not fattening. A light salad with soup would be a good choice; or a turkey sandwich with salad or soup would be another one. Always stay close to the diet plan you scheduled at the beginning of your work week. Allow one meal a week at a restaurant with co-workers. If multiple invitations arise, choose the one that fits your schedule, your diet and your pocket book.

If a day arrives when you had a terrible night the day before, you weren't able to prepare your lunch, for whatever reason, don't lose heart. By deviating a little from your diet, for one day, won't make you put on a pound. Just make sure that you stay focused and that whatever you eat that day, don't overdo it. The following day you can go back to your planned meals. By doing all these things you will be able to stay focused on your diet, and not only that, you will notice you are alert at work and feel much more energetic.

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