Yup, the winter blues have officially set in. But, it’s important to not allow the cold weather and dark days steer you off your office health track, especially while you’re at the office.
Here are five tips to help you get or stay healthy in the office as we make our way slowly, but surely, through the cold winter months.
1. Preparation
Proper preparation is crucial to success. It’s no different when it comes to eating well and staying healthy in the office. The workweek for many is filled with busy schedules and surprises that can sometimes steer you off track (think celebratory happy hour for that new sales deal). But, it’s important to not allow that to break you too far away from your goals.
Try meal prepping for the week on Sundays, making something that you can reheat throughout the week. Think of the word ‘quick’ when it comes to breakfast-oatmeal, smoothies, yogurts, fruit, etc.
2. Sneak in Exercise
Snow is nothing foreign to New Englanders and this season is surely no exemption. Instead of feeling anger towards Mother Nature, think of it as an excuse to get creative indoors.
While we don’t know if a treadmill desk is totally feasible, bringing in an exercise ball to share with your coworkers is a great way to use your core while typing away. Or if you’re like the LeanBox team, hop on a row machine for 5 minutes to get your blood pumping. For those not fortunate enough to have exercise machines in their office, try some bicycle crunches or jogging in place. Anything that can increase your heart rate will boost your office health.
3. Start big, end small
It’s been said countless amount of times that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and we agree. Think of your body as a vehicle and food as your fuel. A car that’s low on gas will struggle to go anywhere, just as your body will struggle to function without the proper nutrition. You don’t want to be this guy…
Start off the day with a meal combining complex carbohydrates and protein to make you feel full. This will help to minimize gorging later in the day, and will help to keep you alert and focused.
How about a greek yogurt topped with a crumbled-up locally made granola bar and banana? These are the kinds of things you can find in LeanBox.
4. Pick and choose your indulgences
The cold weather makes us crave comfort food: you know, the type that you can enjoy bundled up under a blanket.
Allow yourself one ‘cheat treat’ every day so that you don’t feel deprived, but also don’t overdo it. If you need a chocolate fix, reach for a healthier alternative that will also help to fill you up. One of our favorite cheat treats is from The Protein Bakery. Their brownies are packed with upwards to 12 grams of protein and full of flavor that will help make you feel full and satisfied.
5. Keep it accessible
One of our favorite sayings is “keep good food in your fridge and you will eat good food.” This quote hits home in the winter when going out to get food is just not in the picture . Keep a stash of healthy snacks in your desk drawer to combat your stomach growls.
Or, better yet, get LeanBox to give you the food you need to feel good and work hard without having to leave the warmth of your building.
Above all else, keep your head up through the final push of the winter months… Spring will be here before we know it!
