You might feel compelled to skip lunch throughout your workday for several reasons. And you wouldn’t be alone- about 67% of adults skip meals because of stress. Perhaps you are racing to meet a deadline or do not want to interrupt your routine. You can even convince yourself that you aren’t hungry- it is okay to simply wait until supper time. After all, you are just being productive, right? However, this type of erroneous thinking may be extremely counter-productive. Skipping lunch is bad for your physical, emotional, or mental well-being, especially if you do it frequently. Here are a few reasons why you should not skip lunch at work.
- Skipping meals results in weight gain
According to the National Institutes of Health, many people who skip meals throughout the day eat larger portions later and ingest more calories. In another study published in the Journal of Metabolism, researchers discovered that healthy adults who missed meals during the day but ate more when they sat down were at risk for major metabolic changes, which can eventually contribute to weight gain. As it turns out, it may be a long-term problem and distraction for an entrepreneur.
- Your body and mind require energy
Guess what occurs when you are hungry for an extended period of time. You become hungrier. Think about the last time you were very hungry. You were undoubtedly lethargic, grumpy, and unable to concentrate, right? Perhaps you even felt a little queasy. While working, this is not the right thing to do. That is why it is not ideal to miss lunch. It’s much more difficult to work when you are on an empty stomach. Did you know your brain consumes 20% of your body’s energy daily? That’s a lot of energy which necessitates food. Get something to eat. When you return, your job will be ready and waiting for you. In addition to that, you will be more alert and productive when you return.
- It can lead to impatience, frustration, and lack of focus
It goes without saying that these psychological signs and symptoms will not work in your favor. Working forty to sixty hours per week is exhausting, so you must maintain your energy levels to be on top of your game. According to research published in the Journal of Nutrition, doctors who skipped lunch felt emotionally exhausted and drained later in the day. The researchers’ observation of the doctors’ lunchtime behaviors verified what many employees in other sectors had. So, if you can’t leave the office, get on a good restaurant’s website and order a meal for yourself.
- It could turn into a bad habit
Skipping lunch can be difficult to break. If you habitually skip lunch, you may train your mind to believe you are not hungry around midday, even though your body still requires that nourishment to thrive. Then you are stuck in a vicious cycle, feeling like crap and fighting to get through the rest of the day. Eating balanced meals on a daily basis is essential, including a nutritious lunch to keep you going until it’s time to clock out
