Living in the age of remote work means that your dining room often becomes your office.
While there are many perks when working from home (including how close we are to the kitchen), maintaining a healthy diet around convenient snacking can be challenging.
With a bit of mindfulness and strategic planning, I’ve got some tips that can help you fuel your body and mind so you can maintain a healthy work-from-home lifestyle.
Start Your Day with a Wholesome Breakfast
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and for good reason.
Not only does a nutritious breakfast jumpstart your metabolism, it also provides the energy needed to kickstart your workday.
Go for balanced protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to keep you satisfied and focused until your mid-morning break.
A bowl of Greek yogurt topped with fresh fruits and a sprinkle of nuts will make you feel amazing.
You can also whip up a veggie-packed omelet with whole-grain toast; these proteins help keep you alert and energized.
Stay Hydrated All Day Long
It’s easy to forget hydration when work overwhelms you. I’ve been there!
However, staying hydrated is crucial for overall health, and it will help support your productivity.
My best tip is to make sure you keep a water bottle by your side and take frequent sips so that you get to that target of at least eight glasses of water throughout the day.
Not a fan of plain water?
Herbal teas and infused water will add flavor and variety to your hydration routine.
Remember, staying hydrated keeps your body functioning optimally and won’t make you crave as many snacks full of empty calories that can lead to a little more around the waist.
Nutrient-Dense Snacking
Ok, so snacking isn’t always bad. You shouldn’t go for a bag of fatty crisps simply because there are better ways to snack.
Stay away from sugary processed snacks and start eating nutrient-rich options that provide good energy sources.
Keep your pantry stocked with wholesome snacks like raw nuts, seeds, whole-grain crackers with hummus, or sliced veggies with guacamole.
Planning and portioning your snacks ahead of time will help prevent mindless munching and ensure your body is full of the nutrients it needs.
Mindful Meal Planning and Prep
With the convenience of working from home comes the temptation to order takeout or rely on pre-packaged meals.
While the occasional indulgence is perfectly fine, you shouldn’t get used to it.
I suggest you prioritize homemade meals for both better eating and watching your wallet.
Dedicate some time each week to plan the meals and prepare them a few days in advance.
Have you ever thought about cooking a batch of soup or your favorite stew?
You can do the same with grain-based salads (fusilli pasta anyone?) and save time during the week.
You’ll have ready-made nutritious options available when hunger strikes during your office hours and you don’t have the time to cook a meal from scratch.
Bake Homemade Bread
Baking homemade bread comes with a ton of benefits!
Aside from the enjoyment of fresh, deliciousness, you’ll get the satisfaction of creating something from scratch.
Baking bread also allows you to control the ingredients, making it easier to accommodate dietary restrictions or preferences.
Use whole grains, seeds, and natural sweeteners to boost the nutritional content of your bread while minimizing additives and preservatives found in store-bought breads.
Plus, baking bread is more cost-effective in the long run.
The initial investment in ingredients and equipment tends to be pricey, but baking homemade bread is more practical and saves money.
That’s especially true when you consider the quality and quantity you can produce in your kitchen. You have the option to buy ingredients in bulk and reuse mixing bowls and bread pans.
Using a boutique micro bakery oven like from here, the entire baking process will be more efficient and healthier. So, I suggest you add this convenient appliance to your next shopping list and start baking healthy bread for the entire family.
I love it because you can make your bread free of artificial colors and additives.
Plus, kneading dough and working with your hands will be a good break from the digital world of remote work.
Prioritize Protein and Fiber-Rich Foods
Protein and fiber keep you satiated throughout the day. Incorporate lean sources of protein such as chicken, fish, tofu, or legumes into your meals to support muscle growth and repair.
On the other hand, fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes aid digestion.
Include a source of protein and fiber with each meal to help maintain steady energy levels and curb cravings.
Practice Mindful Eating Habits
Do you go through lots of Zoom meetings and face stressful deadlines weekly?
I know you’ll agree how easy it is to start eating mindlessly if you’ve got these things back-to-back for long stretches.
What can you do?
Practice mindfulness by listening to your body. Eat when you’re hungry, and stop eating before you feel full. Eat away from the TV and place food on the plate vs keeping unportioned quantities in the bag or box.
What helps me on days like this is to take regular breaks throughout the day, step away from the computer, and rest my eyes.
On top of that, eat mindfully by looking at your food and enjoying every flavor.
Indulge in Moderation
With all of the above, it doesn’t mean you’ll need to deprive yourself of your favorite foods.
All it means is that you need to learn about balance and eating in moderation as well as being aware of what you’re doing.
You can allow yourself to occasionally indulge in your favorite treats. Just be sure to consider portion sizes and eat regularly throughout the day.
Remember, what you do consistently matters most because it will eventually become a habit.
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