Office Grub: The Diet of a Secretary

Since I graduated college and began working an office job (8 hours a day sitting on my bum), I have had to become even more conscious about what, and how much, I am eating.

Less activity = Less caloric needs

However, my tummy doesn't always like that.  She still wants to eat like I was when I walked/biked several miles each day, took kickboxing classes 4 days a week, and lifted weights on top of that!

In order to transition into this new situation without feeling grossly sluggish or overfed, I have had to make a few changes.

1.  Smaller snacks and larger meals.

I was eating 6 small meals per day, but I have found that simply eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with small snacks (of 150 calories or less) works a little better.  I don't have to bring Tupperware to the office, and I feel less anxious about when I will get to eat next because I am full for hours.

2. Strategic placement of snacks in the desk.

If I put cocoa roasted almonds in my desk drawer, you can bet they will be gone in a week or so.  This means that having healthy, appropriate foods nearby is a must.

3. Incorporating more activity in my daily routine.

Because I am no longer walking to classes every day, I have to incorporate more physical activity into my life; i.e. running up the stairs, doing squats at my desk, stretching every hour, doing leg lifts in my chair, maintaining good posture, etc.  This may look ridiculous to co-workers, but it certainly makes me feel better!

This post is a little more about the fitness/health side of being a foodie.  Feeling your best is important, and there are lots of ways to maintain optimum health in all of life's situations.

How do you stay healthy and feeling great at work?