August 10th 2005 - Staying on Top of Your Weight at the Office:Fear runs rampant through people new to the office. Secretary Spread is the dirtiest thing friends and family members can whisper behind your back. So how can you keep your office job and your toned behind?
Brown Bag It!
Do not fall in the habit of going to restaurant's and fast food chains for lunch. Yeah Wendy's and Wa-Wa and even Mc Donald's are offering salads these days but let's face it, a cheeseburger and fries are cheaper. They're also high fat. Eat that and you need to run a marathon to work it off. Doubtful if after lunch your boss is going to ask you to train for the Olympics. Another side effect of eating a meaty meal: sleepiness. Energy is diverted to digestion and away from promotion worth behavior.
Packing a lunch means you know exactly what's going into your body. Healthy snacks like fruit pack energy to get you through the second half of the day. Whole grains keep you full enough to fight traffic on the way home. And best of all? Less calories mean less bottom. Okay so now you look dorky with your brown bag, what's next?
Take it outside! Stepping outside the office will shake the cobwebs loose. Also sunlight is full of vitamin D and cancer so wear sunblock. But for the most part a healthy stroll out of the office and to a nearby patch of grass is a pleasant experience for your mind and your body.
Keep Moving!
Is your job on the 1 st floor? 2nd ? Or even 3rd ? Unless you're on the 20th floor, there is no reason why you should be taking the elevator. Knee problems? Take the elevator up and the stairs down. Downward movement still burns calories but with half the pressure on achey joints. The movement will also get your blood moving, upping your mood and metabolism.
Other ways to move: drop your pen. Pick up your pen. If there is a co-worker you need to talk to for legitimate business reasons, walk to their desk. Email is great if you live in California and the person you're emailing is in Florida but not if they're ten yards away. Also, if the bathroom is right near your desk, consider walking to one that's father away. The change of scenery will burn a few more calories and keep things from becoming stale.
Make Yourself Useful
Be the guy/gal who runs the errands. If someone needs a package mailed, do it. If your boss needs someone to go to Staples, be that person. Getting up and out does wonders for your mentality. Stress can cause weight gain, you know. Outings can reduce stress and have the added bonus of making you look like a team player.
Now not only are you still lean and mean but promoted and on your way. See? Weight management can be fun! Well, I'd also take an evening stroll or work out a few times a week to maintain your healthiest you. But at least with a few changes to your working life you won't ever worry about Secretary's Spread. Maybe just a few spread sheets…
-article by Karen Kalbacher