Do’s and don’ts of having lunch at work

Most people don’t bother about a lunch break and eat at their workstations. But it takes a toll on our health. Here are some do’s and don’ts of having lunch at work,

Taking a lunch break is important

Taking your time over meals gives your body the opportunity to release cholecystokinin, or CCK. This hormone is a “full up” signal that allows our brains to register we’re no longer hungry and to stop eating. If we eat too quickly, we don’t register fullness, which can cause us to overeat.

Dos and don’ts

1. Don’t drink your calories. Seemingly healthy juice drinks can contain as much sugar as a doughnut. Stick to water.
2. Don’t eat in front of a screen. According to research in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, we consume more calories when we eat at a computer or watching TV. Dr Connie Diekman, who worked on the study, advised: “Eat, then look at your computer. Look away, then eat a few more bites.” Better still, just focus on your lunch for at least 20 minutes.
3. Have healthy desk snacks. Eating something small and healthy between breakfast and lunch will
4. Skip morning coffee. “Too much caffeine floods your body with the stress hormone cortisol,” says A-list trainer Dalton Wong. “This can lead to sugar cravings later on. Stick to one or two coffees. Better still, green tea increases metabolism and is full of antioxidants.”
5. Don’t drink while eating. “Drink water before or after meals,” says nutritionist Henrietta Nortona adding, “Fluids with food can slow your digestive system, which can cause bloating. Drink five minutes before or after a meal.”