Working from home comes with challenges -
Don't let mindless eating get your health off track.
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The body is a powerful entity; it knows when to send signals if we are hungry, tired, in pain, or in danger.
Our bodies do a lot for us, and giving it respect in return is sure to benefit day-to-day wellness.
The foods we consume and our mealtime habits contribute to our overall health and well-being. Munching out of boredom or binging when you aren’t hungry could potentially be the root of why you may feel sluggish, less energized, or bloated, or even why you may be packing on “COVID weight.”
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Here are some tips and suggestions to help you curb your cravings, redirect your boredom,
and eat more mindfully.
1.) Plan accordingly. Meal and snack planning can be just as convenient (if not more) as reaching for the unhealthy snack or food item! Take some time to discover what your “go-to” healthy snack or favorite healthy meal will be. It doesn’t have to be a complicated recipe, and it can be as simple as your kitchen will allow. Feel free to reach for baby carrots or cucumbers with hummus instead of chips or popcorn. Veggies will give you the same crunch to keep your mouth and mind stimulated!
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5 Snack Suggestions:
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Trader Joe’s Persian Cucumbers (Persian cucumbers are about ¼ the size of a regular cucumber- optimal for dipping!)
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Trader Joe’s Buffalo Hummus
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Think Thin Bars: 20g protein/bar and 0g sugar!
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Pumpkin or Sunflower seeds: nuts are also a great option, but seeds are allergen free!
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Blueberries (or any berries): pop as many in your mouth as you’d like, or add to ½ cup cottage cheese for extra protein
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Extra pro tip: drink half your weight in pounds in ounces of water per day!
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3.) Exercise power. If you are working from home or staring at the computer for hours on end, take a few 10-minute breaks throughout the day to stretch, walk up and down the block, or find a 10-minute cardio or yoga workout on Youtube. Always remember that you have a choice! Exercising on a regular basis is great for our bodies and our minds during this difficult time. Keeping our body moving will also help keep our health on track if we do find ourselves overindulging from time to time.
2.) Be mindful. When eating, try to eat slowly and recognize each flavor. When consuming food too quickly, the digestive system doesn’t have the time to tell the brain it is full. This practice aids in easier digestion, and slower eating allows our digestive system to work properly. When we are “starving,” our mind tells us to grab anything. Ask yourself "Is my body actually sending signals that I'm hungry, or am I bored?"
(You'll thank us later)
Feeling nourished and energized is easier than you think. Have no fear; you are not alone! At some point in life, everyone struggles with eating habits. Following theses simple guidelines will help get you back on track toward a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. It begins with mindset and comes to fruition in your own kitchen!
Mindful Methods
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By: Julianne Barredo
Want to Curb your cravings?
By: Julianne Barredo
February, 2021
Follow Mindful Methods on Instagram for more healthy food inspiration!