Experts warn against dangers of eating at your desk

health

Written by Erica Ramberg, FOX News

Many people believe that by “working until lunch” and eating at their desk, they can save time, get more done, and end their day at a more appropriate time.

But is working at your desk through lunch really the best lifestyle and career decision?

Two experts weigh in on whether eating at your desk during a busy workday is really the best way to refuel and stay productive for the rest of the day.

Here’s what you might not realize about the effects of not actually taking a lunch break.

What’s behind the work-through lunch trend?

of ezCater 2023 Lunch ReportA survey of 5,000 workers across the United States found that nearly 48% of them miss at least one actual lunch break per week.

There are many different factors that go into the decision to work until lunch.

According to the report, 23% of people said they wanted to finish work on time, 22% were worried that if they didn’t work until lunch, they wouldn’t have enough time to finish their work, and 20% said they wanted to finish work on time. He replied that it was to finish his work on time. I said I have too many meetings and can’t take a break.

“This data suggests that employees are thinking about the short-term impact on productivity and are losing sight of the bigger picture,” Diane Swint, a spokeswoman for ezCater in Boston, told Fox News Digital. Ta.

“In the long run, not stopping to replenish your energy can lead to burnout, stress, and decreased mental clarity.” said Swint, who works with businesses, universities and organizations that want to use the food.

In this regard, the Lunch Report showed that 48% of workers said that taking breaks reduces burnout.

“While workers may feel like they’re saving time by skipping the midday break, the reality is that this habit reduces focus and reduces productivity,” says Swint.

Why is it so important to take a defined lunch break?

The benefits of taking a lunch break are evident in the Lunch Report, with 53% of workers saying they feel more mentally alert when they take a break for lunch.

“And 78% of workers say taking a lunch break improves their job performance,” Swint told FOX News Digital.

In today’s fast-paced work culture, many people find themselves trapped in the common practice of working until lunch, believing it to be a time-saving strategy to leave the office early or on time. Ta.

“But this choice has profound implications for your physical and mental health, as well as your productivity,” says Sarah Heckler, a registered dietitian at Ann Till Nutrition Group in Raleigh, North Carolina. .

Another notable benefit of taking a full lunch break: It can boost your work-life balance goals, she said.

“Taking a break during lunch supports a healthier work-life balance,” Heckler said.

“This allows individuals to temporarily step out of their professional mindset and fosters a sense of separation between work and personal life. This boundary prevents work-related stress from seeping into other aspects of life. “It’s essential to prevent it,” she said.

A defined lunch break also facilitates the cognitive recharge needed during the workday.

“Stepping away from your desk provides a mental reset, allowing you to return to work with increased focus and clarity,” Heckler told FOX News Digital.

What is the nutritional impact of working until lunch?

When you eat at your desk, you’re probably multitasking while cutting back on lunch.

According to Heckler, there are several other drawbacks to eating your entire lunch in the office or cubicle.

You are more likely to eat mindlessly. According to Heckler, people who work while eating lunch often end up eating it unconsciously.

“This means they are consuming food in a hurry with little thought, resulting in poor chewing and digestion,” Heckler continued. “When you eat too quickly, larger food particles can reach your stomach, making it harder for your digestive system to break down and absorb nutrients efficiently.”

Decreased nutrient absorption. Rush lunches can consist of processed and fast foods and may be lacking in essential nutrients.

“Nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins contribute to overall health and sustained energy,” Heckler told FOX News Digital.

If you ignore these food groups, you can experience deficiencies and affect your ability to maintain focus and energy throughout the day.

Decreased energy level. Heckler said skipping lunch or choosing foods high in refined sugars or fats can lead to a mid-afternoon lack of energy.

“These foods give you a quick energy boost, but then your energy levels often drop quickly,” she continued.

“This can have a negative impact on your productivity and concentration, making it more difficult to tackle tasks effectively.”

Poor food choices can also reduce cognitive function, she said.

So what should we do instead?

If possible, leave your seat and eat lunch in the break room.

Go outside if possible. If you have time, you can also eat off-site.

Whether you brown bag your lunch, get takeout, or stop by a restaurant, the key is to have a healthy meal plan, not just for nutrition but for your overall health.

“Choosing a well-balanced lunch with a mix of macronutrients like carbohydrates, protein, and fat will help keep your blood sugar levels stable,” says Heckler.

“This will keep you energized throughout the afternoon and eliminate the need for excessive caffeine intake or unhealthy snacks to stay alert.”