Stress and work pressures often sabotage the best intentions, but with a little focus, planning and support eating healthfully can be effortless…
Any of These Apply to You?
:: Stress Eating :: Diving into Chocolates on the Reception Desk :: Craving Comfort Foods :: Too much work and not enough time to plan :: Colleagues who Lead you astray :: Self-Medicating with Alcohol after Work :: Afternoon Sugar Fix :: Confused re what’s healthy and what’s not
It’s Time to Get Real…
:: We may have to spend eight hours at your desk, but it doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice our health for our job.
:: It’s you who are in control of your life … so own it and don’t give your power away.
:: Don’t take your health for granted because it’s way to precious …and don’t suffer or struggle in silence either. Reach out for help or support when you need it and in the meantime, here are some tips to get you started…
Tip #1: Don’t Skip Breakfast …
Infact don’t even think about it! Whether you have time to cook a full English, or a couple of minutes to make a quick Power Smoothie that’ll have you full to lunchtime, it’s worth the effort because it’ll stabilise blood sugar levels at the start of the day so that you experience fewer hunger pangs through the morning, and less cravings through your day.
Tip #2: Planning Makes All the Difference
When we want to experience success in any other areas of our lives we focus and create an action plan in order to make things happen. We’re not taught how to eat well, but we’re surprised when we put on weight or experience common conditions like reflux, eczema, high cholesterol/ blood pressure etc. Spending just 10 minutes looking at the week ahead and identify where the key challenges are means that you can objectively plan around them and get ahead of the game!
Tip #3: Drink Lots Of Water
Staying hydrated helps us to think clearly, concentrate and make good decisions! If you’re feeling fuzzy headed or experiencing headaches for instance try having a glass of water because you could be dehydrated. Water also helps flush-out toxins, crowds out cravings and it can act as an appetite suppressant. Remember herbal and green teas count too, as do salads, fruit and veggies because they have a high fluid content!
Tip #4: Keep Healthy Snacks and Super Foods At Your Desk
Yup, have a few health snacks in your desk draw because when that craving hits, a trip to the vending machine or corner shop doesn’t have to be a foregone conclusion.
Your favourite dried fruit, nuts and seeds along with fave super foods like goji berries, cocao nibs can make a fab trail mix that nips any craving in the bud. Alternatively try your favourite dips like hummous or guacamole w/ veggie sticks …or check out your health food store for the wide range of snacks, bars and raw food options that are widely available now-a-days.
Just remember to read the nutrition label and avoid anything where sugar is in the top three ingredients.
Tip #5: Avoid Caffeine
…it creates a high in blood sugar levels and the resultant crash will encourage cravings. Try green, white and herbal teas instead. Alternatively experiment with decaf …but choose the water method because coffee decaffeinated using chemicals can often be a worse option because it adds toxins to your system, something we definitely don’t want, thank you very much!
Tip #6: Integrate a Workout While You Work
Stuck in the office and no time for the gym? Have a go at some of these…
:: Don’t email co-workers …instead, get up, walk over to their desk and talk to people.
:: Don’t take the lift …instead take the stairs.
:: Don’t take the train all the way to your office …instead, get off a couple of stops early and walk.
Tip #7: Dealing With Negative Team Members
Most people will take the healthy option if there’s one available …ever noticed how the veggie option goes first on a mixed buffet?! Enough said, so share your healthy snacks and you’ll have everyone wanting more of what you have in no time!
www.attitudetofood.com
