The Office Snack-demic: How Munching Became a Norm and How to Snack Better

The world of work has evolved, and offices have come a long way. Since the 1840s, from the invention of the lightbulb to a series of communication technology breakthroughs, the length of the average workday has grown. Along with these advancements, theories of 'productivity' have emerged, and staff members are constantly expected to produce more per unit of cost.

Not long after WWII, office design was reinvented to replace Taylorism’s soulless grids and cubicles. This shift has driven the modern office culture that celebrates egalitarianism, ‘human-ness’, and collaboration. This also comes with the acceptance of more relaxed and ‘human’ sentiments at the office, including snacking.

The flexibility to munch on a treat at work has transitioned from a privilege to a norm. In fact, breaking bread together has been a defining way to foster workplace friendships (the word “company” is derived from the Latin words ‘com’, meaning ‘together’, and ‘panis’ — meaning ‘bread’). Companies strategically use snack stations, cafes, or micro-kitchens to nudge work teams who work separately to interact. At a minimum, this fosters friendly conversations, and if things get lucky, an innovative idea that can help boost the company’s prospects.

This integrated approach of working and eating has its drawbacks too. With the abundance of engineered and packaged foods that have long shelf lives and easy accessibility, the office space can become an unhealthy one. Researchers have found that office workers can consume up to 2,500 extra calories a week simply from indulging in office treats. While these numbers may not seem threatening, an excess of 7,000 calories can mean 1 kilo of weight gain.

What’s worse is that the types of snacks are often low in nutrients and filled with processed sugars and hydrogenated fats. Our office snack-demic that was meant to boost morale is now boosting our waistlines.

Hence, having the right workplace snacking culture is extremely important to put employees' health and the organization’s intentions on the right track.

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Here are a few ways you can make office snacking work for you:

Drink your water. Often, you are not hungry but just thirsty. Pack a reusable water bottle and keep it filled throughout the day. Hydration helps regulate body temperature and reduces headaches, tension, and tiredness.

TIP: Infuse your water with citruses, mint, or add in vitamin effervescent for extra flavor to make sipping more fluids easier!

Avoid vending machine junk foods. The ubiquity and availability of chocolate bars and chips, combined with stress-induced impulsiveness, make it all too easy to make a bad choice. Strictly ignore them and opt for snacks or meals made of whole food ingredients instead.

TIP: Pack your own healthy yogurt pots or sandwiches, whether store-bought or homemade.

Learn to deal with sugar cravings. The mid-day slump coupled with an intense desire for a sweet treat for a boost of dopamine can only get worse if you give in. You will need time and effort to recondition your brain and gut to get rid of this problem.

Sleep and stress management, nutrient-dense meals, and hydration set a good foundation to curb sugar cravings. Practice relaxation and mindfulness methods to regulate moods, and accept that thoughts of food are like fleeting clouds. Keep calm, keep yourself busy, and it shall pass.

TIP: Replace the candy bar with fresh fruits on Greek yogurt. When craving chocolates, eat the real stuff—70% or higher—and enjoy it with a cup of tea.

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In conclusion, the office snack-demic is a double-edged sword. While it can boost morale and foster connections, it also can also make us fatter. By becoming more mindful of our snacking habits and making healthier choices, we can turn this trend into a positive force for our well-being.

Embracing a healthier snacking culture at work isn't just about cutting calories; it's about nurturing our bodies and minds to perform at their best. So, let's raise a water bottle (with a splash of citrus) to smarter snacking, better health, and a more productive, energised workday. Remember, every small step towards healthier habits is a giant leap for your overall wellness.