Is Your Job Packing on the Pounds?

Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.ca writer

Every employee strives for a fatter paycheck – but a recent survey shows that most are getting a plumper waistline instead.

Forty-seven per cent of Canadian workers say they’ve gained weight at their current jobs, according to a 2007 CareerBuilder.ca survey. One-in-ten (11 per cent) workers have gained five to six kilograms at his/her present job, while another five percent of employees have gained 12 to 13 kilos.

“Nearly one-in-five Canadian workers say they have gained at least 10 kilograms at their current jobs. Between hectic schedules and the temptations of office celebration treats, it’s often difficult to make good decisions about food when you’re at work,” says Remy Piazza, Managing Director for CareerBuilder.ca. “However, taking the time in the mornings or evenings before work to pack your own lunch and snacks helps keep you on a healthy track because you’re controlling what you’re eating and how much of it.”

Living in a world of convenience, it’s no wonder employees aren’t taking food matters into their own hands – that would be too easy. Instead, 58 per cent of workers surveyed say they eat out for lunch at least once a week. Nearly one-in-ten (9 percent) eat out five times a week for lunch.

Some employees don’t even make their way out of the building for their meals and hit up vending as their source of nutrients. Eleven per cent of Canadian workers say they eat lunch out of the vending machines at least once a week.

If your job seems to be packing on more pounds than punch, here are some simple ways to be healthier at work.

Use Your Commute

Burn more calories by putting your commute to work for you. If you drive, park farther away from the building than necessary to get in a little more distance; if you take public transportation, get off a couple stops early and trek it the rest of the way.

Stock Up on Brown Bags

Packing your lunch will not only help you to control your nutrition and portions – it’ll also fatten your wallet, instead of your tummy.

Put in Some Face Time

Defy today’s traps that force us all to get lazy: Instead of e-mailing, calling or instant messaging your co-worker, walk over to him or her. Rather than having your colleague pick up your papers from the printer, jump up and grab them yourself. The extra steps will add up.

Only Eat When You’re Hungry

Let’s face it – we all get a little stir-crazy at work. Instead of munching on snacks to ease your boredom (or stress), try drinking some water. Not only will it curb your appetite – it saves you many an unwanted calorie.

Snack Smart

Sixty-seven per cent of Canadian workers snack at least once per day, while 36 per cent say they snack at least twice per day and one-in-ten snack at least three times per day. Of those workers, one-third says they eat more unhealthy snacks in the office than at home – another one-in-five say fruits or vegetables aren’t included in their snacks during the work week. Our only advice? Start including them!