February 9, 2012

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Tips to Avoid Putting on Weight at Office

Like it or, but a sedentary lifestyle at office seems to be the professional fate for most of us. However, sitting in a similar posture for hours over several days can actually kill you slowly but steadily. According to studies, a deskbound job dramatically increases you chances of becoming obese which you may not notice initially. You can’t change your job but you can definitely inculcate some healthy habits to lower the risk of fat accumulation while at office.

breakfastNever skip breakfast. Avoid microwave shortcuts; instead prepare an elaborate breakfast which would provide you with enough energy to last the day. Carry healthy snacking options like a bowl of chopped fruits, energy bars, a fistful of nuts or whole grain crackers to office. Always keep a bottle of water nearby; drinking water not only reduces the tendency to snack, but water flushes out toxins from your body making you leaner and healthier. At the office cafeteria, have your coffee black with skimmed milk instead of the regular cream.

Carry your own lunch whenever possible. With an elaborate breakfast already in your system, you may not need a heavy meal. So prepare something which is light and simple like lean meat sandwiches or salads without dressing. If you are on a diet and having prepackaged portioned meals, carry your special lunch to office so that you don’t succumb to the temptations of cafeteria food.

Grab every opportunity of taking a walk. If you need to send papers or retrieve documents from somewhere else, get up and do it yourself without depending on somebody else. Climb stairs instead of taking the elevator. Park you car a little distance from your office block so that you have to walk to your office. Go out for lunch to some nearby place which serves healthy food. Not only will you eat wholesome food but that walk too; is good for your fitness. Take a walk while a program is loading on your computer. Check out various sites on the internet which show you how to do exercises while working at your desk using office equipments like your chair.

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February 6, 2012

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Tips to Avoid Putting on Weight during Vacations

Eating on VacationA vacation is the time to let go of restrictions on all things, including food. This means unhealthy eating and binging and once back home, people are forced to buy dresses in larger sizes or go on unhealthy crash diets. If this sounds like a familiar oft-repeated situation, you can plan a little in advance to maintain you weight while still enjoying the holiday food.

While planning your vacation, specifically select locations which offer plenty of opportunity for physical activities. There are many holiday hotspots which offer excellent options for water sports, tennis, biking and hiking trails, kayaking, golf and jogging areas. Search for resorts which have gym and facilities for tennis, basketball and swimming. Outdoor activities during vacations help you to burn calories, savor the joys of sports and when done together; these are a great way of bonding with family members.

Carry low-calorie low-fat snacks with you when you are driving long distance to reach your holiday destination. Try out chicken or turkey sandwiches with whole grain bread and tomato and lettuce. Even sliced fruits and veggies are a good noshing option while on the road. Be determined not to make long distance drives an excuse to indulge in unhealthy food like burgers and chips. Stock up on nuts, seeds, dried fruit, cereal bars or low-fat crackers. These would also help you to avoid unhealthy snacks later during your stay at the hotel. Carry water so that you can skip the soda.

It is indeed a little difficult to order healthy food from restaurants at most hotels. Even then, you can control your calorie intake by ordering meat, fish and veggies which have been boiled, baked or grilled. Avoid crispy deep fried items, salad dressings loaded with mayonnaise and creamy desserts.

Search for local food made with fresh produce that use very little processed ingredients. Soda contains a lot of empty calories so drink water instead. Apart from being a healthy choice, water flushes out the toxins accumulated in your body due to intake of any unhealthy food you might have indulged in. Above all, remember that moderation is the key to maintaining a healthy weight. Restrict yourself to the same portions as you normally have at home.

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February 3, 2012

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Tips to Eat Healthy at Parties

Eat HealthyWith the holiday season going on, it’s a wonderful opportunity to let your hair down and party with friends and families. Parties are synonymous with sinfully delicious treats along with a lot of outside food. While this means that good times are round the corner, it also means consuming a lot of unhealthy high-calorie fatty food items which invariably add to your girth. However, with a little planning and determination, you can straddle both the worlds of good food and healthy eating.

One of the most practical tips to eating healthy at a party is to eat less. To achieve this, eat at home before you leave for the party. If you are on a diet, have your diet meals beforehand so that you do not crave and feel miserable while others seem to be enjoying their heaped plates. Check to see if the party has any healthy snacks like pretzels, nuts or crackers. Even salads without the creamy dressings are a healthy option of snacking rather than finger chips and other fried savories.

Control your portions. Just sticking to this basic principal will help you to control your intake of unnecessary calories even if you are eating all that is on offer. Never hover around the buffet table with a plate in your hand. The temptation of good food is enough to make most people forget their dietary goals. Before you fill your plate, study the buffet carefully to plan out what to eat and what to skip. Take your pick and leave the room to have your food elsewhere. While having your food, chat with friends or family members. This takes your mind off the plate and you also take more time to finish the food so that you never really feel like going for a second helping. Avoid alcohol and soda and go for fruit juices or water instead. Stay away from the dessert section.

Update your diet logbook with everything that you have had at the party immediately after the party is over. Use this as a useful guide for types of food to include or avoid at future parties. Involve yourself in different activities that make a party lively. This is another ploy to keep your mind off the buffet table.

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