“If you don’t take care of your body, where are you going to live?”
~Unknown
Today the majority of us spend more time at work and/or school than we spend at home. With work hours increasing throughout the years along with obesity rates it is hard to not address health promotion in the work place as a possible solution to fighting obesity. Many individuals who are struggling with your weight tend to blame their poor eating habits on lack of time. Personally, I think that this is just one of the many excuses that individuals use to ignore the problem.
Five Ways to Eat Better with A Busy Schedule:
1. Meal Planning: When you have a packed schedule you understand the importance of planning, why should planning stop at work? Studies show that individuals who plan out their schedule ahead of time tend to accomplish more things. When you plan your meals ahead of time this will prevent binge eating and that "I'M STARVING I NEED FOOD NOW" feeling that usually leads people straight to the drive thru line. Take time at the beginning of the week to plan and prep all of your meals for the week.
2. Water: How many of us are guilty of drinking all those sugary empty calorie drinks? Set limits for yourself, tell yourself thank once you drink your suggested daily amount of water than you can have another drink; however, keep in mind as a rule of thumb that for each soda you drink you need to then drink a bottle of water. Think this is silly? About 60% of the human body is composed of water, and the brain is composed of 70% of water. If you're depriving your body if this necessity it could explain why you're having trouble doing well at work.
3. Sleep: Let's admit it, most of us don't get the recommended 8 hours of sleep every night. If you've ever pulled an all-nighter and remember that sluggish feeling you have the entire next day? This is why sleep is important! Sometimes our bodies even confuse being tired for being hungry causing us to overeat. Have a set schedule of waking up and going to bed at the same time everyday.
4. Healthy Snacking: Many of us have always been told that snacking is bad, but this isn't always true. Eating a bag of chips or a bag of cookies in the middle of the afternoon is bad, but having healthy snacks is actually beneficial for our body. When planning your meals for the week put aside a few healthy snacks to put in your briefcase or purse. Having a healthy snack on hand can prevent us from making poor eating choices.
5. Add Color: Add more fruits and vegetables to your meals. Americans are notorious for not eating enough fruits and vegetables and instead we overload on carbs and fats. When you start eating more fruits and vegetables you will notice you not only feel better but you're meals will keep you full longer.
2. Water: How many of us are guilty of drinking all those sugary empty calorie drinks? Set limits for yourself, tell yourself thank once you drink your suggested daily amount of water than you can have another drink; however, keep in mind as a rule of thumb that for each soda you drink you need to then drink a bottle of water. Think this is silly? About 60% of the human body is composed of water, and the brain is composed of 70% of water. If you're depriving your body if this necessity it could explain why you're having trouble doing well at work.
3. Sleep: Let's admit it, most of us don't get the recommended 8 hours of sleep every night. If you've ever pulled an all-nighter and remember that sluggish feeling you have the entire next day? This is why sleep is important! Sometimes our bodies even confuse being tired for being hungry causing us to overeat. Have a set schedule of waking up and going to bed at the same time everyday.
4. Healthy Snacking: Many of us have always been told that snacking is bad, but this isn't always true. Eating a bag of chips or a bag of cookies in the middle of the afternoon is bad, but having healthy snacks is actually beneficial for our body. When planning your meals for the week put aside a few healthy snacks to put in your briefcase or purse. Having a healthy snack on hand can prevent us from making poor eating choices.
5. Add Color: Add more fruits and vegetables to your meals. Americans are notorious for not eating enough fruits and vegetables and instead we overload on carbs and fats. When you start eating more fruits and vegetables you will notice you not only feel better but you're meals will keep you full longer.