Friday Five: 5 Necessities for Healthy Habits at Work

I'm constantly trying to maintain my healthy lifestyle at work, but sometimes that's really hard to do.  It's easy to get wrapped up in my work and let my healthy habits go by the wayside.  Lately, I've been skipping my snack, and then when I see donuts in for the break room, it's really hard to say no!

I know I'm not alone in this feeling, so for today's Friday Five, I thought that I'd share five necessities I keep at work to help continue my healthy habits.  As usual, I'm linking up with Courtney, Cynthia, and Mar.  Thanks, ladies, for the Friday Five party!

1. Water Bottle (20 ounces or more)

To make sure I'm drinking enough water, I keep a water bottle around and try to fill it up at least 2 times each day.  I like it to be able to hold at least 20 ounces, so that way, I know I'm having at least 40 ounces of water before heading home.  Check out some more tips for drinking more water that Stephanie shared recently!

2. Healthy Snacks in a desk drawer

I always keep a healthy snack (usually almonds or dried fruit) in my desk at work.  That way, if I don't have time to pack something in the morning, I know I've got something nutritious to eat between breakfast and lunch.  I also love bringing NatureBox snacks to have on-hand for something healthy but delicious!  Another idea would be to keep a box of granola/protein bars in your desk for a quick, easy, and healthy snack (like these Special K Snack Bars Kathryn reviewed recently).

3. Packed Lunch (in a cute lunchbox!)

I try to pack my lunch every day to ensure that what I'm eating is nutritious.  If I have to go pick something up (though I really can't do that very often), I try to get something healthy like a sandwich or salad.  Some ideas of packing lunch: make a large, healthy dish on Sunday and each a portion of it each day; put together a giant salad and each part of it each day (or make mason jar salads!); or slice up some fruits and veggies and bag them for "side items" each day of the week.

4. An activity goal

To make sure that I'm staying active at work, I set a daily step count goal during work hours!  My normal goal is to get 5,000 steps on my FitBit before I get in my car to leave each day.  I periodically check in using the app on my phone, and if I see that I'm nowhere close to that goal, I'll walk to the further restroom or run a few errands around the school that I've been putting off.

If you don't have a FitBit or other activity counter, you can set goals like "get up and walk down the hall once an hour" or "take a 30-minute walk on my lunch break."  That will help you make sure that you aren't just sitting at your desk all day long.  It just might give you some extra energy and brain power, too!

5. A gym bag (preferably packed with gym clothes!)
It's really easy to head straight home after work and skip the gym.  However, if you have your gym bag at work, you eliminate one excuse!  In the past, I've changed in to my gym clothes before leaving work so that I can head directly to the gym.  I know this really helps me get my workout in!

I hope y'all find some of these helpful!  These are things that I've tried and have worked for me, but I'd love to hear your ideas, too!

Question for you: What are some of YOUR necessities for making healthy choices at work?

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! :)