The Sad Desk Lunch [Infographic]

Do you ever dread your lunch break?

If you face yet another uninspired plate of reheated leftovers at your desk, you’re one of many Americans who now treat this mealtime as a chore. More than 65% of U.S. professionals have reported staying at their desks for lunch. Communal dining in the breakroom is being replaced by a lonely, soggy sandwich in front of the computer screen.

It’s time to say goodbye to the Sad Desk Lunch once and for all. Read the infographic below to learn why dining at your desk is an unhealthy option for your body and mind, and what you can do to reclaim your midday meals.

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<p><strong>Please include attribution to <a href=”https://www.tricitymed.org/”>https://www.tricitymed.org/</a> with this graphic.</strong></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p><a href=’https://www.tricitymed.org/2017/05/sad-desk-lunch-infographic/’><img src=’https://www.tricitymed.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/1701_ig_tri-city-medical_sad-desk-lunch.jpg’ alt=’The Sad Desk Lunch’ width=” border=’0′ /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <p>

Roughly 50% of all Americans eat lunch alone.

Nearly 25% of millennials actively prefer eating alone.

More than 6 in 10 professionals eat at their desks.

THE SAD DESK LUNCH IMPACTS YOU

People eat more calories at their desk than if they dine out.

They also snack more throughout the day.

The average office worker has 476 calories’ worth of snacks stored somewhere at their desk.

Those who feel socially isolated have a 4x higher risk of death.

INITIATE A NEW LUNCH SEQUENCE

Only 20% of American workers report leaving their desk for lunch on a daily basis. Let’s change that.

Eat at common areas! Studies state that teams who eat together collaborate better.

Create a lunch culture! Research shows, getting away from your work site stimulates creative thinking.

Treat lunch with respect! Bring real bowls, glasses, and silverware instead of plastic, and try keeping your favorite condiments and sauces at work.

INSPIRED EATING

Shake up the sad desk lunch with some of our favorite options:

1. Munchable Lunch Bowl: Sauteed kale + brown rice or quinoa + chickpeas + fried egg = Wow in a bowl! 
2. The Open-Faced Flatbread: Try chicken salad with almonds or smoked trout and lemon juice on thick crackers for a handy lunch. 
3. The New Toad-in-a-Hole: Baked eggs fit neatly inside ripe avocados for an easy, protein-packed dish that inspires envy.
4. Charcuterie Cuties: Sliced Genoa salami, cured pepperoni, hard Parmesan, a bit of Manchego and a hunk of crusty bread? Classy and savory.
5. Soups ‘n’ Stews for Days: Find your favorite slow-cooker recipe to take care of a week’s worth of meals. Baked pastas and casseroles also work.