The next time the lunch bell tolls, step away from the screen and take a break. Here are some tips of what to do instead of working through your lunch break:
Get outside. Take this time to clear your head and get some fresh air. Whether it is 30 minutes or five minutes, getting up and moving your body can help boost your mood and also help you be more productive, creative and energetic. This will help make the rest of your work day smooth sailing.
Eat with co-workers. Break away from your cube and take it to the break room for lunch. Not only is this more sanitary than eating at your desk, but the change of scenery and social interaction can do wonders for your mood and energy. Better yet, walk to a local lunch spot. You’ll get the quality time and movement your body craves all in one lunch break.
Practice food safety. Keep foods at proper temperatures to avoid the risk of food-related illnesses. Keep perishable foods out for no longer than two hours and store properly in a refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Reheat leftover foods in a microwave until they have reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Put down the electronics. Eating without distractions, like computer screens, cell phones and televisions, is key to eating mindfully. This allows you to better listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues, which can help prevent you from getting too hungry or overeating. Take the time to enjoy your meal by taking breaks in between each bite, and focus on all the flavors and textures it has to offer.
Emily Cooper, RD, LD, is a Portland, Maine-based dietitian. Read her blog, Sinful Nutrition, and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
(Photo: Wavebreakmedia Ltd/Wavebreak Media/Thinkstock)
