Forget the freshman 15 – Here is how to fight the full-time 15!
Working full-time, especially in an office job that requires you to sit for the majority of your 8 hour work day can really take its toll on your body. We end up moving less and eating more – usually out of boredom. And there is always office snacks and staff pizza lunches. Soon enough your work pants start feeling a bit tight.
No need to fret! Here are 5 ways to combat the
dreaded “full-time 15″.
1. You’re thirsty – not hungry; Drink water!
Many of us confuse
hunger with thirst. And it’s understandable when you’ve been asleep for (hopefully) 8 hours without water. For many of us, the only water
we consume in a day is in the form of coffee. Don’t get me wrong, I love my morning coffee, but I make sure I drink at least 500ml of water before I start my coffee. And I always have water on hand at my desk. Yes I know, it makes you go to the bathroom a lot, but regardless of how “annoying” that is, it’s good for you! So drink up before you grab that next donut.
2. Bring healthy snacks
I am a breakfast eater. Every day without fail I have breakfast. But I still rarely make it to lunch without the hunger creeping up on me and therefore wanting a snack to tide me over. This is dangerous territory if you aren’t prepared. Bring health snacks with you –an apple & organic peanut butter, veggies & hummus, protein bites (check out www.featherskitchen.com for some delicious recipes). These snacks are healthy and do not take much time to grab and take with you.
3. Get Moving!
Unfortunately, many of us are required to sit at a desk for our workday, and this is slowly taking it’s toll on our posture and movement. We must seize every moment we can to move throughout the day. Have an hour lunch break? Unless you are the slowest eater I’ve ever met, you do not require the entire hour to eat. Go for a walk outside during your lunch break. Print documents to a farther printer in the office requiring you to walk through the building to pick it up. Take the stairs up to your office. Get up and walk around at least once an hour for 5 minutes. If you need a reminder set a timer on your phone.
4. Avoid routine or mindless eating
Let’s face it – we all get bored at work if you have an office job. We tend to search the web, chat with colleagues, and snack. Recognize when you are eating out of pure boredom instead of hunger. Try tackling another task, drink some water, go for a walk – even go have a quick chat with a colleague. Afterwards, you may realize your craving has subsided. Time to get back to work!
5. Workout and stretch!
Somewhat obvious but just because you are working full time, doesn’t mean your workouts should stop. Working out and stretching are essential for keeping the body healthy and combating the rounded shoulders and tight hips from sitting all day. Yes you may need to either get up a bit earlier or head straight to the gym after work, but your body will thank you for it.