The first bite left almost a burning sensation in my mouth. I still can’t figure out if it’s because the lemon flavor was so tart or if the cookie was just old (or soaked in lighter fluid). Regardless, I quickly convinced myself the second bite would be better. It wasn’t. Before I knew it, I had eaten the whole cookie.

An hour later I was still thinking about it. Why did I just do that?

It’s the biggest struggle I have at work – the constant snacking. There are always cookies or chips sitting around for various events – birthdays, anniversaries, holidays. Every other cube has a candy dish and every break room has vending machines. It’s a challenge to get through one day without having a snack.

Eating snacks isn’t bad. In fact, most health websites will tell you snacking is actually good for you – if it’s done right. According to HealthCentral.com, snacking helps to promote calorie and portion control in between meals. Doing it right means snacking on something healthy, like fruits and vegetables.

To help curb your snacking on all of the readily available junk food at work, pack your own snacks. Bring some fruit, such as apples and bananas, at the beginning of each week. These will stay fresh for a few days, so you don’t have to remember to pack a snack every morning. Another way to reduce cravings is to chew a piece of sugarless gum.

It’s difficult to eat healthy ALL of the time. It requires a lot of discipline and a lot of will power to curb the cravings. However, if you’re trying to be healthy and have an urge for junk food, remember one thing: it is okay to be bad once in a great while and treat yourself to a cookie. I do. Every day.

-Mary