Battle of the Cubicle

Working in a cubicle can cause many issues when it comes to weight loss and working out. I know from experience, as I have been sitting in one for 7 1/2 years. I struggle with eating, movement, boredom, and many other things that come up during the workday. Here are some simple tips to help control a work environment, which may feel out of control.

Eating: When sitting in a cubicle all day, if you are not watching what you are eating, or how much, the pounds will sneak on you fast. Stay away from the vending machines and the donuts brought in by co-workers. I don't know what it is which makes us feel like kids at a bubble gum machine. There is some form of power in putting money in the slot, making a decision, and watching your yummy candy fall to the cubby at the bottom. But be smarter than the five year old inside you screaming for that Twix bar at 9 AM.

Pack your own food. Empty a drawer at your desk and make it your personal pantry. Fill it with almonds, gluten free crackers, oranges, bananas, apples, zip-locks filled with measured portions of oatmeal, etc. Keep a small honey bear for sweetener for your oatmeal, and organic peanut butter to dip your apple chunks in to. This will help your sweet tooth. Also, have some chocolate protein mix measured in zip-locks and a shaker available. This way, when your co-workers are grabbing for the Mountain Dew, you can whip up a chocolate shake. You can also keep powdered milk at your desk for adding to your shakes. Or buy a half gallon of milk, magic marker your name on it, and keep it in the break-room fridge. There really is no more excuses for the lighted box of high fructose corn syrup taking your last dollar.

Move: Make sure you are stretching and moving throughout the day. I have noticed, if I put in a hard workout the night before, by mid-afternoon I am really starting to cramp. This is worse on the days after a leg workout. Sitting all day also slows your metabolism causing more belly fat. At least once per hour you should be up and moving around. Simply stand and do some stretches. Put your arms above your head to promote blood circulation. Do some back bends and reduce stress on your spine. If stretches can be seen by the entire office, visit the bathroom and stretch in the stall. You should be drinking enough water to take you there at least once an hour if not more.

Ask your office manager or supervisor about the possibility of an exercise ball at your desk in place of your standard desk chair. Most employees sitting on a ball increase movement by the simple act of rolling back and forth without realizing they are even doing it. This will increase blood flow and help with the possibility of blood clots in the legs (a common factor for those who don't leave their desk enough.) The chair seen here can be purchased at Target for $99 (Giaiam Brand) and has a stand for a more standard desk chair look. Having one at the home office is also a good idea.

Remember, just because you have a job where you sit all day does not mean you actually have to sit ALL day. Take those breaks, stretch, and eat right. Maybe even throw in a power nap on a break. All these things will help you in finding and keeping a healthy happy heart~