On health: Becoming a buff busy bee

Don’t go blaming work for your weight. You say you have to sit in front of the computer seven hours a day every day. And that’s why you’re growing not-so-lovely love handles. Nice try. Just because you have a desk job doesn’t mean you can’t stay fit. Get moving with the following steps:

Advertisement

Use the stairs

They’re the ones that have steps on them. And if you climb them one at a time, you’ll get to your floor. We promise. It won’t take you there as fast as an elevator, but you’ll burn calories quicker, and it’s a great way to avoid your boss. When you get used to doing it every morning, you’ll discover how much more energy you’ll have throughout the day. If you work on the 25^th floor, you can start slow by tackling the first few floors on the stairs then taking the elevator the rest of the way. Add a couple more levels every day until you get to your office without needing the lift.

Start with a stretch

Always begin the day by prepping your body. A 30-second stretch routine before you check your inbox can do wonders for your limbs and neck. Taking breaks throughout the day to stretch can also help alleviate stress.

Exercise while brainstorming

If you don’t have time to go to the gym, you can do leg squats, shoulder shrugs, bench dips, and push-ups while you’re crunching numbers. Get the body active along with the brain. Movement actually helps your brain get in rhythm, so you’ll function better while burning calories.

Work your butt off

Just because you’re in your chair the whole day doesn’t mean you can’t give your tushie a good workout. Squeezing and releasing your gluteus maximus as fast as you can several times can help you tone and trim it. Also, ditch your ergonomic chair for an exercise ball a few hours a day to work out your stomach and back muscles and help you with your posture.

Eat like a champ

Take the diet of champions by eating complex carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats in the morning to boost your metabolism, fuel your day, and stop you from binge eating later in the day. Try scrambled eggs on whole wheat bread and finish it off with fruits. If you don’t have time to scramble your eggs, go for a whole cup of whole grain cereal with banana and skim milk.

Engage in telethons

Instead of staying in your chair while on the phone, walk around or march in place. You can also do dumbbell curls and do your stretches while on a conference call.

Bring your own grub

By bringing your own healthy meals, you won’t be tempted by the greasy lineup at the cafeteria. Nutritionists claim that you eat better when you plan ahead and pack a lunch. Go for fiber, protein, and carbs.

Never go hungry

Deadlines can mean the death of lunch, especially if you have to finish a proposal two days ago. But avoid skipping meals. Studies show hunger hinders your ability to focus. You’ll function better and make wiser choices on a full stomach. And if you don’t starve yourself, you’ll less likely to gorge after a hard day’s work. Also, if you eat at regular intervals, your body doesn’t store fat, because it knows that you always have food on the way.

Snack away

Eating small but nutritious snacks throughout the day lowers chances of obesity and stabilizes sugar levels and energy levels. Stock up on pistachio nuts, raisins, and apples but stay away from the cookie jar in the pantry. When lunch time rolls in, you’ll find that you’re too hungry for a greasy burger.

Organize sports leagues

By starting a basketball or badminton league within the company, you’re also encouraging everyone to stay fit. It’s also a way of fostering team camaraderie.