When working in a restaurant, it is often difficult to maintain a healthy weight. Working in an area surrounded by food and fat makes it hard to avoid constant eating. I myself fall victim to the smell of freshly cooked french fries and mashed potatoes topped with butter, sour cream, cheese, and bacon. Walking through the kitchen during the times when it is slow makes it even more difficult to avoid constant picking of food. In the months approaching summer, many people will be worried about getting their summer bodies back. Here are some tips for restaurant workers to avoid excessive eating on the job.
1. Eat small portions BEFORE you go to work. If you work in the morning, eat a healthy breakfast at home. If you are working a dinner shift, eat dinner before you go into work!
2. Bring healthy snacks from home! Bring a ziploc bag of unsalted peanuts, fat-free popcorn, or other health-conscious snacks.
3. Make use of the HEALTHY food at the restaurant. If you get a craving to steal a french fry off the plate, use your head and go in the fridge to grab a piece of fruit instead.
4. Drink a lot of water at work. The temptation of a fresh coca-cola surrounded by ice may look great, but think about the beach this summer! Bring a bottle of water, or keep a cup filled with water on the side with your name on it. Refill it throughout the shift.
5. Don't just snack on the food in the kitchen because of boredom. If you are bored, clean or do something productive. Keeping yourself active can make you forget about the hunger.
These tips may make it look easy to avoid food in the restaurant industry, but it takes dedication. If you don't have the desire to stop snacking incessantly, the cravings will not stop. Follow these tips and you are on your way (with some diet and exercise) to a great summer body!
