I work in a great office environment, and with some really great people. My colleagues and I have a lot of fun, especially around people’s birthdays and anniversary dates with the company.

We don’t want to leave anybody out, though, so we bring something in for our own birthdays. This way, nobody forgets.

With over 14 people in our office, there are a lot of birthdays and work anniversaries. Plus, some people just bring things in for fun. We regularly have treats on our shared table. There’s a joke with other departments that if you forget your lunch, you should head on over to the one that I work in.

While it’s all in good fun, it’s just not healthy to be eating pastries and cookies and cakes every second day, and it can increase your caloric intake substantially.

The problem is that when the treats are sitting there on the table, taunting you and tempting you, it’s hard to say no. I’ve recently decided I am not going to give in to my whims all the time, and here’s how I’ve been able to ward off the office bulge:

Keep Busy

If you have down time at work, you are more likely to get an unexpected craving for your poison of choice. Usually, that’s something sweet and carb loaded, particularly in the middle of the day. This messes with your metabolism and blood sugar levels, so if you have any extra time in your daily schedule, fill it up. Doing even menial tasks will keep you busy and your mind off of snacking.

Get Moving

Many colleagues stay at their desks in their office chairs on breaks, and this is probably the worst thing you can do; not only for your weight, but also for your circulation, brain functioning and concentration. On your breaks, go for a stroll around your workplace. If it’s a cold day, even up and down the hallways or stretching in your office will help.

This can also help if you have a break in work and want to avoid the food; get out of the general area and get your blood moving.

Have “Healthy” Potlucks

You’d be surprised as to how many of your colleagues also want to avoid the treats and sweets that tend to linger around the office. Next time a potluck is announced, suggest having a healthy potluck, where treats are avoided and everyone brings in something nutritious.

Even if half of the dishes are healthier than they would have been, your office is getting ahead.

Hydrate (With Calorie/Sugar Free Drinks)

Every time I catch myself gazing at the office snacks, wanting to curb a sudden craving for whatever is there, I first go and make myself a cup of tea. Not only does it get me up and out of my desk, which removes me from the snacks to begin with, but tea is also a warm beverage which can make you feel full. This is beneficial if your body is telling you that it’s hungry (even though it’s likely not) when you see or smell food.

Water can also create the same desired effect, but if you are craving something sweet, you might want to try sugar free juice crystals, such as Crystal Light. That way you are getting your sweet fix, without sugar to make your blood sugar levels spike, and without calories.

It’s difficult to stay away from bad habits when you are working in an office environment, but it’s important for your health and your productivity to stay focused, get up and move, and stay away from those harmful, sugary and carbohydrate laden snacks.