Being an At-Work Vegetarian

Apples are very filling and make a great lunch.

There are lots of people nowadays, focusing heavily on their health.  Diet and exercise get a lot of play in the media and it seems to be on everyone's mind.  It seems to be very easy to think about these things without putting those thoughts into action though.  It's easy to constantly tell yourself that you need to exercise more or eat better without actually doing it.  Today, I want to share with you an easy way to improve your diet.  I know it works, because I have put this into practice.  You may get some funny looks from your family or co-workers, but it's worth the effort.

The trick that I'm referring to is what I call being an at-work vegetarian.  Most people don't include enough fruits and vegetables in their diets, choosing instead to eat the fast and easy fare that so often tempts us even though we know we should pass.  Fast, fried and fatty food is the norm at my workplace just as I suspect it is at most places around the country.  I decided a few months back that I would make a change for the better, and I have yet to regret it.

My normal breakfast consists of a smoothie.  Most of the time I use kale, banana, mixed frozen berries, chia seeds, coconut water and sometimes plain fat free yogurt.  You can of course find what works for you, as a smoothie.  Smoothie recipes are everywhere!  Mine changes from time to time depending on what I have.  (I blend it in the morning and pack it to work for breakfast)  It is delicious, nutritious and a stark contrast to the grits, eggs, and sausage that is so often eaten on the job.  The absolute best part is how people look at you when you sit there, drinking your smoothie while they are eating a "real breakfast."  It's like they think you are absolutely insane, but that's okay.

So how about lunch?  I go for an apple.  Apples are so filling, that I find just one holds me until I get home in the evening.  If one apple is not enough for you though, by all means eat some more!  Another apple or some grapes or whatever you want.  It's a fruit and veggie plan we're on here, preferably raw, and there's no limit on how much of it you can eat.  Expect some funny looks when you sit down by the guy devouring a half of fried chicken and mashed potatoes with your apple though.  Fair warning.

When I get home, I try to eat a sensible dinner, but even if we're having burgers or something not so healthy, I know that I've eaten healthy all day and can cut myself some slack.  The key is to be flexible, but not too flexible.  Too much flexibility will land you back into your same bad habits.  That's my experience anyway.
It's not going to be easy at first, but if you are searching for a good way to fit more fruits and vegetables into your diet, this is the easiest way that I have found.  Good luck and good health!