Sometimes we can become sedentary while at work and get little to no exercise throught the day. Next thing you know, your packin’ on the pounds while punching the time clock. Never fear! Follow the tips below to manage your movements and waistline during the day.
I recently switched career paths from an active role to a job in which I sit in front of the computer ALL DAY. It’s like taking a four hour plane ride to transfer to your connecting flight for another four hours. That’s a long time for anyone to sit on their tush. Needless to say, I gained six pounds in three months. And at the end of the day, I was hungry, mentally exhausted and ready to go home, not to the gym. The tricky part is that the pounds accumulate slowly so it isn’t as noticeable until you go to put on a dress that you haven’t worn in a few months and suddenly, you can hardly breath it’s so tight. Here are some quick tips to keep you active and avoid the dreaded “Freshman 15″ as a career woman.
Take a Walk During Your Lunch Hour
If you have an hour, reserve 30 minutes for a walk outside. If you only have a half an hour, try to eat something on your break or walk to a near by park and have lunch there. If you can’t sacrifice your lunch time, get outside on each of your 10 minute breaks and walk then. I will have you know, this only works if you avoid buying treats along the way. The first couple of times I tried this one, I bought baked goods and milk shakes. Hmmmm. Not so much.
Wiggle, Wiggle, Wiggle, Wiggle, Wiggle – Move Your Legs
It is really important to keep your blood flowing properly to avoid health problems like blood clots down the road. I’m not suggesting that you become a River Dancer in your seat or anything like that but maybe just a stretch or two to activate your muscles.
Choose the restroom furthest away from your desk
This will add some extra laps/leg stretching to your daily routine.
Always take the stairs and skip the elevator
You would be amazed how many calories are burned by this choice!
Bring healthy snacks to work with you to avoid a mid-day binge.
Snacks such as fresh fruit, a small handful of raw almonds, edemame, etc. Keep these an hand at all times to help you make better choices throughout the day. Avoid all processed snacks no matter what they say. It’s all marketing and they are making you fatter. Stick to the good stuff.
Last but not least make a healthy, fresh salad made of organic spinach, mixed greens, crunchy vegetables-and lots of them. Top with a homemade dressing made of 2 parts olive oil, 1 splash vinegar (balsamic, sherry, champagne etc.) a small scoop of Dijon mustard and a drip of honey. Season with a touch of salt & freshly cracked pepper and shake it up. Store the dressing at room temperature until your lunch hour. Pour over your salad and shake it up right in your Tupperware container to ensure equal coverage (that way you will use less). Eat different varieties of fresh salads with healthy, homemade dressing and you will notice a difference in your waistline.
