When You Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail

Do you know a lunch bag diva? She might own 6 different lunch bags or boxes, totes, coolers and assorted containers. She walks into work like she's planning a feast--when really, she's carrying in her two healthy snacks and midday meal because she's on a mission.

Want to succeed in the nutrition department? Cook, pack your meals and take them to work. If you want to kickstart your metabolism, you need to eat small meals throughout the day which include a protein, a good carb and some veggies. They don't sell that in vending machines--at least not where I work.

It's also a good idea to stock your desk drawer with snacks like almonds,  low sugar protein bars, and even an easy open can of tuna. That's to prep for those crazy days when you leave the house and leave that fantastic lunch on the kitchen counter. Or when you're just too swamped to cook.

If you work for 8 hours, you'll need a meal and up to two hearty snacks depending on your drive time. Greek yogurt is an excellent snack containing all the food groups and it's easy to take on the go. String cheese is also very portable. Most people need to eat 2 pieces to satisfy the body's protein needs. Add a serving size of whole grain crackers OR a piece of fruit and you have a decent meal that won't spike your blood sugar or make you crave the office crap in the corner cubicle.

Need a quick lunch? Save a portion from dinner and make that meal do double duty. If you're cooking chicken stir fry for dinner, cook a few extra ounces of chicken, add veggies and tomorrow, you eat like a queen.

Can you eat out with the gang? --once in a while. But here's the problem: restaurant meals are typically loaded with calories, fat and sodium, and virtually ANY meal you cook at home will be better for you that one served at a restaurant.

Have a strategey for eating out. Split a meal. Put half or more in a box. Order a salad that includes protein and order dressing on the side.

Let's face it. When you fail to plan, plan to fail!