Lisa Lillien - Hungry Girl - Recipes and Survival Strategies for Guilt-Free Eating in the Real World

DOarm yourself with snacks. make sure you keep your office packed with good-for-you treats.

DON'Tsnack from the vending machine. even items that seem healthy (like trail mix or juice drinks) usually aren't low in calories.

DON'Twait too long to order dinner if you're working late. if you do, chances are you'll be too hungry to care what you're shoveling in your mouth.

The (Dreaded) Kitchen/Break Room
Conquer cravings in shared spaces. .

HG Dilemma!
Does Susie in Accounting demand Potluck Pastry Fridays? Don't fall victim to the donuts and bagels that call out at you as you get your morning coffee. Get your coffee either
before
all the goodies arrive or after they've been picked over. Better yet, bring your own coffee from home and keep low-calorie sweets in your office for those weak moments.
EAT IT!
Fruit, veggies, snack bars, cereal, yogurt.
BEAT IT!
Cakes, cookies, bagels, donuts, muffins.

Caffeine-y Meanies!
Don't break up the day with some sort of humongous, fat-filled, blended, whipped-cream-topped «coffee» beverage. The calories in beverages count (no matter what Maureen in Marketing tells you). .

SIP IT!coffee, unsweetened tea, starbucks frappuccino light blended coffee drinks, diet soda, sugar-free energy drinks.

SKIP IT!ubbs (unidentified blended beverages), sweet tea, regular soda, sugary energy drinks.

USE IT!fat-free and/or sugar-free non-dairy coffee creamer, no-calorie sweetener, sugar-free syrup, light soymilk, fat-free milk, fat-free whipped topping.

LOSE IT!half amp; half, sugar, sugary syrups, cream, regular milk, whipped cream.

For more coffee tips, check out our caffeine-Fix-in-a-Flash Survival Guide on page 314.

TOP ATE Must-Have Office Snacks (No Refrigeration Required)
1. Canned Soups—if you're watching your sodium intake, keep an eye out for low-sodium versions because some canned soups are salty!

2. 10 °Calorie Packs—you get the perfect snack-sized portion of whatever it is you crave—salty, sweet, chocolatey. . you name it. impressive!

3. Nut Mixes—break these down into single-serving portions so you don't swallow the whole bag at once. the healthy protein and fat will keep you full for hours.

4. Fiber One Bars—there are about a zillion snack bars out there to choose from, but fiber one chewy bars are the best ones to have around during those moments of candy-bar-craving desperation.

5. Tuna Pouches—protein is the most satisfying of all food groups. go at that tuna with just a fork, or break out some high-fiber crackers to top with the stuff.

6. Instant Oatmeal—it's low-fat, low in calories, filling, and easy to stash (it takes up less space than a couple of envelopes). just watch out for a few of the crazy flavors that are packed with excess calories and fat grams.

7. Beef, Soy, or Turkey Jerky Snacks—keeping a bag or two of this stuff in your desk is a great idea. it's low in fat and calories and packed with protein. wanna know what's in hg's desk drawer? tillamook country smoked beef nuggets.

8. 94 % Fat-Free Microwave Popcorn Mini Bags—fresh, delicious, warm popcorn anytime. and they even come in flavors like butter and kettle corn. you may want to occasionally pop up a multiple-serving bag. your office mates will come running when they smell corn popping!

Catered Meetings

Pay attention—it's okay to pull the cheese out from your sandwich, wipe the mayo off your bread, or even ask ahead of time to special-order your meal. It's all right to be high maintenance every now and then. .
BITE IT!
Lean deli meats, whole wheat bread, salad (dressing on the side), veggies, fruit salad.
FIGHT IT!
Pre-made sandwiches, dressing-doused salad, pasta salad, pastries.

Desk-Bound Lunch-Hour Power

Whenever possible, brown bag it. That way you're in complete control of your afternoon intake.

If you do go down the takeout road, remember to special order. Ask for mixed greens or fruit instead of fries or pasta salad, and order all sauces and dressings on the side.