Donuts on a co-workers desk. The candy jar at reception. Sticking to smart and disciplined eating habits on the job can be challenging. According to a new survey by Working Mother Media, Inc., eight out of 10 women agreed that access to nutritious and convenient foods for lunch and snacks would help them better manage their weight and conquer poor eating habits in the office. And, although more than 80 percent of working women surveyed agree that nutrition is important for the food they eat on the job, they only occasionally pay attention to the food choices they make.
According to Katherine Lee, health and food editor with Working Mother, there are simple steps women can take to improve their office eating habits. For example, she suggests choosing better-for-you lunchtime options such as the South Beach Diet Caprese Style Chicken with Broccoli. The entrée contains 33 grams of protein and four grams of dietary fiber in a convenient-to-prepare product.
“Snacking between meals is another obstacle to overcome during the work days,” says Lee. “Our survey found that over 84 percent of women snack at least once during the day because they are hungry, and over half of them choose some sort of chips or candy — not nutritious options.”
To overcome these snack-time cravings, keep nutritious snacks and bars at work, or carry them with you. South Beach Diet Snack Bar Delights come in three delicious flavors, boast nine vitamins and minerals, at least five grams of protein, five grams of fiber and are an excellent source of calcium.
Whether following a specific diet or their own plan for eating right, most working women are looking for foods that taste great and help satisfy between-meal hunger. Currently, there are more than 50 South Beach Diet foods from Kraft that help satisfy hunger with protein or fiber, making it easier for working women to eat right during the work days. For more information on the complete product line and diet, visit www.southbeachdiet.com/kraft.
Confetti Tuna Wraps
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Makes two servings, 2 wraps each.
1 can (6 ounces) tuna, drained, flaked
2 tablespoons each; chopped green, red and
yellow bell peppers
2 tablespoons sliced green onion
4 teaspoons Grey Poupon Dijon Mustard
2 Kraft Deli Deluxe with 2% Milk
Reduced Fat Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Slices, halved
4 large leaf lettuce leaves
Mix tuna, peppers, onion and mustard.
Place 1 cheese piece on each lettuce leaf. Top evenly with tuna mixture. Fold in both sides of each lettuce leaf; roll up.
Serve immediately. Or, wrap individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information per Serving: 180 calories, 8g total fat, 3.5g saturated fat, 45 mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate, 1g dietary fiber, 1g sugars, 23g protein, 45% DV vitamin A, 80% DV vitamin C, 20% DV calcium, 8% DV iron
Real Life — Helpful Eating Tips for Working Women
From Working Mother health and food editor, Katherine Lee
Nearly all working women surveyed agreed that hunger satisfaction, also known as satiety, and convenience are important for the food they eat at work. Lee recommends the following easy and convenient tips for eating and maintaining a healthy routine during the week:
—Get in a routine of bringing your lunch.
Prepare your lunch the night before to be sure you have a balanced meal. Incorporate meat, chicken, turkey, fish, as well as eggs, reduced-fat cheese, non-fat yogurt and nuts.
—Choose foods with protein and fiber.
Many women say that they feel hungry all day long while at work. Eating foods high in protein and fiber help fill you up and control your hunger levels so you are not snacking all day long.
—Try one new fruit or vegetable a week.
Lunchtime routines and menu choices can get boring day after day. Try adding a new vegetable to a salad. Trying new things will keep you interested in your daily lunches.
—Hydrate.
Having water available is an easy way to stay healthier. Substitute water for juice, soda, coffee or whatever you usually drink.
—Be an advocate.
Start an initiative at work and encourage your company decision-makers to promote healthy eating in the workplace. Suggest that they make healthy and delicious food choices readily available in cafeterias, office kitchens and vending stations. In addition, have a lunch buddy so you can help each other stay on track
