Happy hour has become somewhat of a staple of business interactions in many companies. Many deals are closed at happy hour, and many new ideas are sparked.
As you could probably guess, though, happy hour isn’t always the healthiest place to be. It can be filled with salty snacks, alcoholic beverages and overall empty calories.
You wouldn’t want all of the hard work you put into your healthy day to be sabotaged at happy hour. So it’s important to carry your healthy habits over into that space. Here are a few ideas to help you have a healthier happy hour.
Drink Plenty of Water
A hydrated body is a healthy body. Make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day—but also at happy hour. That will help your body to keep working as it should.
Drinking water also helps you to handle alcohol better. You won’t end up as that guy/girl who was acting a fool at a happy hour. Water can also help you to manage the munchies. If you’re properly hydrated, you’ll be better able to realize when you’re actually hungry instead of eating just to eat.
Snack on Veggies
There are lots of snacks and finger-foods at most happy hours. Unfortunately, many of those snacks are salty, high-fat options. Occasionally, though, you’ll be presented with some healthier options like carrots, celery or fruit.
Always choose the more natural, fresh snack options. Fruits and vegetables fill you up and provide a wealth of good nutrients for your body. They’re the healthy opposite of chips and pretzels that usually serve as empty calories and leave you feeling hungry.
Opt for Low-Cal
One hidden danger of happy hour is the fact that you’re not always sure how healthy your drink ingredients are. Many drinks seem harmless, but are really loaded with sugary syrups and flavors.
Obviously no alcohol option is the healthiest choice around—but it’s happy hour, so there’s a little wiggle room. Try your best to choose the lesser of two evils. Opt for lower calorie drinks with fewer ingredients like light beer or wine.
Don’t Overdo It
The occasional alcoholic drink really isn’t going to damage all the healthy progress you’ve made. Binging on alcohol, however, can be incredible dangerous and unhealthy—not to mention you’ll probably get in trouble with your colleagues.
As is true with many healthy behaviors, moderation is key. Listen to your body and take care of yourself. Only you can truly tell what you’re feeling, so don’t let yourself overdo it.
Eat a Real Meal
Happy hour isn’t an excuse to skip your evening meal. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. When you spend some time at happy hour, it’s probably more important to stay in your regular meal routine.
That way your body still knows what to expect, even if you’re eating and drinking things that are somewhat out of the norm for you. It helps to stay on a familiar routine. Eating a full, balanced meal can also help you to handle your alcohol and snack cravings.
In some workplaces, happy hour is an age-old tradition—and that’s okay! You don’t necessarily have to boycott happy hour to have a healthy lifestyle as long as you take action to have a healthier happy hour.
How do you carry your healthy habits into routines (like happy hour) that maybe aren’t so healthy?
