Guides › Diet › Office / IT worker

Desk-based, 8+ hrs sitting

Diet plan for office / it worker

Daily energy demand: Low (activity factor ×1.35 on resting energy).

Focus on

  • Lead with protein and vegetables; keep rice and bread portions moderate.
  • Fibre-rich foods (dal, oats, vegetables) keep you full at the desk.
  • Pack lunch to avoid canteen fried food.
  • Move every 45–60 minutes: 2-minute walk or the Desk-Break Reset.

Watch out for

  • Biscuits and sweet tea at the desk add up fast.
  • Weekend overeating undoing a careful week.
Training: 3–4 strength sessions a week plus 7,000–10,000 steps daily. Add mobility for neck, hips and upper back.

Sample day

TimeMealVegetarianNon-veg
07:30BreakfastIdli (3) with sambar and chutney2 eggs, wholemeal toast, fruit
13:00LunchSmall rice, dal, two vegetable sides, curdChicken salad wrap with soup
16:00SnackRoasted chana or fruitBoiled egg and fruit
19:30DinnerChapati, paneer or tofu curry, saladGrilled fish, vegetables, small rice

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