FitSugar -- Healthy, happy you.

Healthy Eating Tip: Pack Meals For Long Days in the Office

FitSugar — Mon, 05 May 2008 16:00:00 -0700

We've all pulled a late night at the office. Sometimes late hours can creep up on us with no warning and other times we leave the house in the morning knowing that it's going to be a long day. For the latter, just like you would pack yourself a healthy lunch, pack yourself a healthy dinner. When I am working late and we order food here at Sugar HQ, it tends not to be the most healthy foods — think pizza, and even McDonalds, ack!
On the occasional late night, I've also tried waiting until I got home to eat but that just leaves me starving. The probability of making smart food choices is highly unlikely at that point.

Not only does having a nutritious meal give me the energy I need to get things done so I can get out of there, I'm not left wondering how many unnecessary calories I just inhaled. So next time you know you may be staying late, bring yourself something healthy to eat for lunch and dinner.

Source

5 Things: Preventing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

FitSugar — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Since many of us are working on a computer all day, we may be putting ourselves at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). It happens when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. This nerve controls sensations to the palm side of your thumb and fingers, as well as impulses to some small muscles in the hand that allow the fingers and thumb to move. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand, which houses the median nerve and tendons.

Some people are more prone to this because they have a smaller carpel tunnel. For this reason, women are three times more likely than men to develop CTS. It can also be caused by an injury, fluid retention during pregnancy, or repetitive motions like using a mouse or keyboard.

Here are some ways to prevent the pain and tingly sensations caused by CTS:

Check out the ergonomics of your desk setup. Adjust the height of your chair so that your forearms are level with your keyboard so you don't have to flex your wrists to type.
Using one of those pads that run along the length of your keyboard will prop up the heels of your palms, so that your forearms, wrists, and hands are in one straight line, which could prevent the nerve from getting squeezed. If your mousing hand bothers you, try one of those mouse pads that has extra cushioning you can rest your wrist on.

There are a few more suggestions, so

Do You Move More When You're . . .

FitSugar — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:30:00 -0800

When at work, many people move around more during the day when they are dressed comfortably, as opposed to when they feel uncomfortable in typical work attire. I know that I, for one, walk around a lot more when I have on flats or boots rather than heels. I am way more inclined to take a walk at lunch rather than sit at my desk when I am comfortable in my clothes. All we need to do now is convince our bosses of the health/productivity benefits. Until then, I'm curious. . . Source

Do You Move More When You're . . .

When I'm in casual clothes.

When I am dressed to impress.

Depends — share your comments below.

Beat Job-Related Weight Gain

FitSugar — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 10:15:00 -0800

In a study of 5,600 workers worldwide, 28 percent report they have gained more than 10 lbs. and 13 percent say they have gained more than 20 lbs., while in their present positions. Comparing genders, more women (52 percent) than men (46 percent) say they have gained weight at their current jobs — yikes. If you fall into that category or if you've just started a new job then I've found some great tips for avoiding the inevitable weight gain so

Flexibility Is Healthy in Many Ways

FitSugar — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 07:30:00 -0800

Flexibility in the workplace could be just as good for your health as flexibility in the body, new research has found. A flexible work life, including telecommuting and job shares, is good for your health as researchers found that if people have the ability to work from home and to compress work weeks, they are more likely to make healthier lifestyle choices, to exercise more and to sleep better.

It makes sense to me, but it's sad that most of us do not have this flexibility without quitting our jobs completely. So maybe, just maybe, you should print this out and leave it on your boss's desk and see what happens (wink, wink).

If you're interested in increasing the flexibility of your muscles while you are at work, then check out these desk stretches.

Source

Relax Already: Eat A Balanced Diet

FitSugar — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 07:30:00 -0700

You're stressed because your boss is on vacation, as a result you've been skipping meals to focus on work. Once you realize you haven't eaten for 12 hours, you reach for the easiest and quickest item to satisfy you - fast food, candy bar, etc. Your lame attempt at giving your body nutrients only fools your body into thinking it's going to make it for a short period of time. Now, you feel even worse and even more stressed than when you had the candy bar in the first place. What gives?

Stress is probably first to blame for the chaos, but new research suggests that skipping meals could be stressing you out more than your day job.

Here's why:

Our demand for nutrients increases during periods of stress. Research shows that there is a faster turnover of protein, fat and carbohydrates in order to produce energy to keep up with the demands we place on ourselves. Vitamins B and C are rapidly depleted in the course of this carbohydrate and protein metabolism.

Therefore, if we are skipping meals or not eating a balanced diet, the level of stress increases as the demand for nutrients is increases and is not met.

It's a very slippery slope, but remember to feed yourself and feed yourself well. This means balanced meals with lots of nutrients. Keep a banana and almonds in your desk to keep from hitting that slippery slope. Your wits and your diet will thank you.

Source

Gaining Weight? Blame It on Your Co-Workers

FitSugar — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:30:00 -0700

We spend a lot of time at work, and if you're anything like me, when other people are snacking, it's hard to resist the urge not to snack too. It seems like it's always someone's birthday, or someone's mother made homemade cookies, or someone ordered afternoon pizza.

Here are some tips to help you stay healthy and fight the urge to over-eat...

Eat a delicious and wholesome breakfast before you get to work. That way if someone is going for a Dunkin Donuts run, you won't be tempted to get something unhealthy.
You don't have to skip going out to lunch all the time. Denying yourself is no good. Instead designate 1 day out of the week for eating out. Try to find a place that serves nutritious soups, sandwiches, or salads. If you know a portion is huge, share it with a friend, or save the other half for tomorrow's lunch.
Pack your own lunch the other days. That way you know you'll like it and you'll know it's good for you. Plus it'll save you time if you're too busy to pick up lunch.
Try to take at least 20 minutes away from work to eat. Get outside, eat at a park, or go to your break room. We tend to eat too fast and overeat when we are mindlessly shoveling food in our mouth. So concentrate on just eating, so you can really enjoy your food slowly. It's a great time to catch up with a co-worker and give your mind a break too.

Want to hear the other tips? Then

Three Ways to Stay Hydrated at Work

FitSugar — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Hydrating at work is just as important as hydrating while exercising. Office environments are notorious for being some of the driest places on earth, particularly with air-conditioning and heat going at full blast. Hydration is simple to do, but if left undone can leave you feeling less than stellar. So stick to this 3-point plan to focus on hydration from RealBuzz.com:

Limit caffeine intake. Caffeinated drinks including cola, tea and coffee, all dehydrate your body. This can result in headaches, dry and sore throats, and lethargy.
Don’t lose your bottle. Always keep a bottle of water at arms reach. Take frequent swigs and you’ll keep your fluid levels topped up.
Don’t neglect activity. However, just because you have water close at hand and don’t need to move away from your desk for a drink, still make sure that you take regular exercise and mobility breaks.

Source

What's Your Major Cause of Stress?

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 07:30:00 -0700

Most of us have something that is the leading cause of stress in our lives, but it is interesting to me that it can be so different for everyone. Me, I get stressed out when I've skipped the gym for more than a week -- So what does it for you?Source

Which is MORE Embarrassing?

FitSugar — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 02:45:00 -0700

Being human, there are things that happen to all of us, but they don't make them any less bearable. So, tell me, which is more embarrassing...?

Which is MORE Embarrassing?

Having a huge zit on your face.

Having bad gas at work.

Relax Already - Bring an Eye Pillow to Work

FitSugar — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 15:15:00 -0800

If you stare at a computer all day long, you've probably found yourself squinting, which can cause major head and neck pain.

To relieve eye and head strain, keep an eye pillow at work. You can place it in the fridge for a few minutes, and then go someplace where you won't be disturbed (go to the bathroom or your car if necessary). Place the pillow over your closed eyes and allow yourself to just take in the cooling relief.

Try to find an eye pillow that's made with natural ingredients like flax seed, dried lavender, peppermint, and chamomile.

I found these made by Barefoot Yoga. They're $15.50/17.00, which is more expensive than most, but they're made out of silk, and they come with a zippered storage pouch to keep your eye pillow clean.

Fit's Tips: Feeling crafty? You can also make your own really easily. Just buy fabric, flax seeds, and dried flowers and herbs. You can even make them for your co-workers and have designated eye relaxation breaks.

Vending Machine Killed the Health Food Nut

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 11:30:00 -0800

Lots of people have a hard time staying on their diet at work due to one main culprit: The vending machine. Duh, duh, dom...

It's hard to believe that one machine can wreak so much havoc on your diet (and your wallet), but it can and it does.

If you find yourself heading to the vending machine during the day,

Stressed Out? Shake it OFF

FitSugar — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 13:00:00 -0800

So you're stressed out and shaking inside. Maybe you're angry. Maybe there's too much adrenalin coursing through your veins. Maybe you just want to run away. But the reality is you can't. You're at work.

Try this to release some of that stress:

Walk calmly to the bathroom (this might just be an Oscar winning performance).

Close the stall door.

Pick up your right leg and shake it, like you are trying to shake something icky off the sole of your shoe. Put it down and try the left leg. Then shake both arms down by your sides (make sure you don't smack you hands into the stall walls). Then shake them above your head. I know it sounds a little like the hokey pokey.

Then shake your booty (now really sounds like the hokey pokey).

Then shake your entire body. If there is no one else in the bathroom with you, make a little noise too (my kids do it all the time and they are stress free).

Work it Girl!

FitSugar — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 07:00:00 -0800

Almost everyone is trying to find out ways to stay active at work. We've seen everything from jumping jacks on the hour every hour, to offices with treadmills placed right in front of computers.

For some less embarrassing ideas try any or all of the following:

The easiest way to get an extra workout at work: Take the stairs! Everyone should know where the nearest stairs are in your office building anyway, so use them.
Wrist work: Stretch a rubber band using all of your fingers, then over 2 or 3 fingers.
Inner thigh work: Place full water bottle (or anything similar that is not breakable) between your knees and, keeping abs in, squeeze bottle gently. Repeat several times throughout the day.