The workplace is a stimulating place where, not only do you learn new things and put your knowledge to use, but also develop strong interpersonal skills. When you love your professional and social lives, it’s often tough to maintain healthy lifestyle habits.

That’s the challenge Irénidice Morin, 25, a communications specialist, is facing. She decided this year to do something about it, resolving to fix her food dilemma. “I don’t usually make resolutions in January. I think, if you really want to make a change, you can do it any time of the year. But this year, I decided to make a New Year’s resolution, to give myself another reason to stick with it.”

The situation she’s looking to fix has to do with managing her appetite. She explains: “I usually find myself saying “I’m not hungry” versus “I’m hungry.” But I love to eat. I love good food, and I don’t deprive myself. I’d like to understand why, how to fit my meals into my schedule, and learn which foods to choose in order to better control my appetite.”

After a bit of thought, Irénidice comes to the conclusion that her job has a lot to do with it. “I think it’s closely related to my lifestyle. I work from 9-5, but I never have lunch at the same time. As for breakfast, sometimes I eat at home, sometimes at the office and sometimes I just plain skip it. At night, if I’m going out after work, doing groceries or hitting the gym, I’ll eat later in the evening, while other times I eat as soon as I walk in the door.”

TIPS FROM THE DIETITIAN

  • Listen to your body when it sends you hunger signs. A drop in energy levels is a subtler sign than a growling stomach, but it also means you should eat something.
  • Eat smaller servings. Small meals are digested faster. Supplement with healthy snacks as needed.
  • Listen out for signs of satiety so that you don’t overindulge.
  • Get physically active (take a walk after lunch, take the stairs, etc.) to get the digestion process going.
  • Opt for balanced meals: small serving of a food rich in protein (meat, legumes, dairy product) + grain products + vegetables.
  • Don’t skip meals. Eat later if you’re not hungry at meal time.

Read more on how to incorporate healthy habits in your life: