There’s CAKE in the Lunchroom!

Written by Shoshana Pritzker Tuesday, 14 June 2011 17:38

Everywhere we look, there’s some sort of tempting food nearby. And it seems especially noticeable when we’re following a strict meal plan for an upcoming competition or to reach a personal goal.

I work in an office environment, where treats seem to be the speciality every single day. I never know what I’ll find when I walk into the kitchen to refill my water bottle for the umpteenth time. I’ve found cake, cookies, pizza, M&M’s, peanuts, and banana bread … and that’s just within the past month!

Why can’t my co-workers leave food that’s actually a part of my meal plan in the kitchen? Apparently things like cucumbers or broccoli aren’t popular items to serve at meetings.

Here are a couple tips to help you stay on track with your goals when you find yourself staring longingly at that piece of cake, imagining what it’d taste like.

●    Drink water. Drinking water will not only give your mouth something to do, it also helps your stomach feel full.
●    Chew a piece of gum. Chewing gum also gives your mouth something to do, plus it tastes good! My current favorites are Extra Dessert Delights gum. With flavors like Strawberry Cheesecake, Mint Chocolate Chip, Key Lime Pie, and Orange Crème Pop, I don’t feel deprived of my favorite foods.
●    Imagine yourself reaching your goal. Whether you imagine yourself on stage, or rocking the beach in a new bikini, picture how great you’ll look and feel. Then remind yourself that the piece of cake in front of you isn’t a part of that picture.
●    Walk away. It’s as simple as that. Put some physical distance between yourself and the tempting food.

I understand there’s a time and a place for treats; we can’t deprive ourselves all the time, or we’ll be more likely to binge. But if that cake in the lunchroom isn’t on your meal plan that day, remember these tips and you’ll stay on the fast track to being fit and to achieving your goals!

Kari Keenan
National-Level NPC Figure Competitor
FigureGirlWorld.com