| |
| |
|
Nutrition Information |
|
|
|
Healthy Eating for Executives on the Run
For the executive, maintaining the much-needed balance between career, family, and health can often be a challenge and yet without this balance in our lives it is impossible to become focused and efficient during the work day. The one area that seems to be the quickest to fall out of balance is our health. Before you know it you're working late, no longer having time to make a decent meal and exercise becomes a thing of the past. As I talk on the phone to my executive friend Paula, I hear the same old line, "I don't have time to have lunch today, and I need to meet with a client. I'm just going to grab something on my way out". This "something" she is grabbing for lunch usually consists of a handful of chips or perhaps a bagel as she runs out the door. Paula's plight is typical of today's executives. There are not enough hours in the day and so we depend on quick grab and go foods, caffeine, restaurants, and fast food. These food choices may be easier with our timelines but they are ultimately dragging our energy down and adding more and more to our waistlines. Therefore, we must learn how to avoid the traps of poor eating habits and learn how to incorporate good nutrition practices on our tight timelines. How do we do this? The answer may be easier than you think. Here are 4 nutrition tips to help you improve your energy and focus so you can become more efficient during your workday. Eat your breakfast!: "Breaking the fast" from the prior evening is crucial for sustained mental work. The brain's sole source of energy is glucose and it has no storage reserves. Eating breakfast has been shown to improve overall attitude, increase concentration and problem-solving ability. In addition, studies show those who eat breakfast typically consume fewer calories and fat compared to those who do not start their day off with a healthy meal. If you aren't used to eating something in the morning grab something light like a yogurt and a piece of fruit or a bowl of oatmeal with some fresh berries. Relinquish the caffeine: Starting your day off with a pot of coffee is not exactly a balanced breakfast but is likely the most common. People are more dependent than ever on caffeine to provide them a "perk" of energy. The downside is that's all it is providing; a quick perk. The reality is caffeine gives you small bursts of energy and then you crash to an energy low leaving you to need even more. Caffeine also pulls fluid from your cells, which can cause mild dehydration and contributes to the three o'clock slump. Symptoms of mild dehydration are: fatigue, lack of concentration, irritable, anxious, and mild headache?hmm, sound familiar? Lastly, caffeine can also stimulate your appetite, which is important to know for those watching their weight. You will be surprised to know that you will have a much higher energy level and better concentration by forgoing the caffeine. Stick to one caffeinated beverage a day and work on drinking more water. Please note if you are past the threshold of addiction to caffeine you will have headaches when you stop drinking it. If you drink more than 3 caffeinated beverages a day it is best to decrease slowly! Take time for a balanced lunch: Yes, I know for the busy executive many of your lunches are often something you grabbed out of the pantry and snacked on while working at the computer. Not only is it important to take a break during the day it is crucial to take time to eat. When you eat at the computer, it becomes unconscious eating. You aren't paying attention to how much of that food item you are eating and this, in turn, is a quick way to gain weight. It becomes impossible to be conscious of feeling "full" when your mind if focused on work and not your body. Every time you eat passed "full" you are taking in calories that your body does not need and will then put into storage. Yes that storage department is also known as stored fat. In addition, this food you are snacking on is usually not very balanced and can end up making you tired and decrease your concentration as well. Take some time for your self to eat a balanced meal during the day. Include some protein, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. For example, a turkey sandwich on whole grain bread with a cup of vegetable soup is a quick lunch that provides nutrient-rich foods. This will help you to improve your energy and focus during the day as well as keep your weight where you want it. Restaurant Strategies: Many executives are out on the run and are frequently eating in restaurants because of time restraints or for business luncheons. Eating in restaurants on an every day basis can start to affect your health and waistline. Most restaurants add a significant amount of hidden fat and calories so the food will taste better and look more appealing. For example, did you know that many restaurants will use spray butter on your steamed vegetables to give it a glow. This is why that broccoli you get on the side looks so shiny and appetizing! Not to mention restaurant portion sizes are enough to feed three adults and typically contain 1000-1800 calories per plate! If you are eating out, stick to the basics. Try to order simple entrees such as a sandwich, soup, or salad combination and avoid large entrees. You can have those wonderful larger entrees for special outings just not everyday. The bottom line is our body is the only place we have to live so we should take care of it! Take a few moments of time for your health each day. Feed yourself nutrient rich foods. Enjoy a little movement. Drink fresh water. You will ultimately become more efficient at what you do. We feel most alive and energized when we take care of our health. About the Author Owner of Real Living Nutrition Services, Meri Raffetto is a Registered Dietitian and a recognized professional in the area of nutrition and wellness. She offers individual nutrition counseling and has developed The Mini Diet Makeover and The Ultimate Diet Makeover, two of the only non-diet online weight management programs available on the internet. For more information or to sign up for Real Living's free nutrition newsletter, visit http://www.reallivingnutrition.com.
MORE RESOURCES:
Children who eat vended snack foods face chronic health problems, poor diet - U-M Health System News
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Organic Eating - Why Bother? Originally, all foods were "organic" - grown and prepared without pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, hormones, irradiation to prevent spoilage, and microwave cooking.Our food these days, whether of vegetable or animal origin, is not only deficient in nutrients but also full of pollutants and farm chemicals. Functional Foods: What They Are And How They Work In the brain, a typical protein can live for approximately ten days. The thoughts, feelings and memories of a human being are made up of what was in the stomach only a few days before. Anti oxidants - Why Its a Must in Your Diet While oxygen is the key to human survival, it is also responsible for maximum damage to the human body as 'free radicals'. Free radicals form when oxygen is metabolized or burned by the body for its functions. The New Biology of Health - the Way to Perpetual Youth? Just what is the "New Biology of Health?" And who's the snake oil salesperson promoting certain products as the cure-all for cancer, diabetes, and heart disease? Does it work ?Simply put, the "New Biology of Health" is about maintaining your body's acid/alkaline balance or pH level. The ideal pH level, as measured by saliva, urine, or blood tests, is slightly alkaline. What is the Cause? The question most people think they need an answer to is what is the cause of their this or that? Many people pay it lip service, but what is cause really? Going with the bucket analogy, what is the cause of one of the symptoms or diseases not being covered by water, or being expressed? Could it be that water is leaking out of the bucket through the holes? Which hole is the "cause" of the symptoms or disease being expressed? That is kind of a trick question.It is not just one hole that causes a symptom or disease to be expressed. You Can Have Healthy Skin With new research, new products and new skin protection advice popping up all the time, it is hard to figure out the best things to do to improve and protect your skin.A skin care program is the combination of skin care products and a routine that will be most beneficial to the skin. Got Soy? Milk, Snuff, and Soy Beans Milk is highly underrated. Experts say, America finds itself in a calcium crisis today because consumers aren't drinking enough milk. Vegetarian Lifestyle Being vegetarian is one of the greatest things in the world. From good health to sufficient energy in your daily life. Understanding Amino Acids and their Importance in Diet The importance of protein in a healthy diet is well known to nutritional scientists, and widely understood by the general population. Indeed, every bodily system is directly or indirectly supported by protein. Learn the Basics of a Successful Low Cholesterol Diet Understanding What a Low Cholesterol Diet isBasically, in order to lower your cholesterol, you will have to follow a diet that is? low in saturated fat and ? low in cholesterolThis is absolutely essential in helping you to lower your cholesterol. You must understand that although cholesterol lowering medications can be prescribed by your doctor, you will still need to follow a controlled diet specifically to help reduce your high blood cholesterol levels. Clues for Fibromyalgia Relief Fibromyalgia is a chronic and potentially life-altering disorder with symptoms such as extreme muscle pain, extraordinary fatigue and multiple tender and painful points. Fibromyalgia itself tends to be similar in many aspects to rheumatic diseases although it differs from arthritis in that there is no known inflammation or damage to the joints, muscles or tissues. Fat: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly When it comes to planning a healthy diet, fat is a complex subject. It's useful to understand some basic information. Death, Aging, Rejuvenation (Part 2) DeathDeath. Why it happens? Why do we die? Why do animals die? Why do plants die? What is the need of this? In my opinion mechanism of death was selected during Evolution. Surrender To The Spell Of The Pyramid Food in general has the distinction of being probably the first thing we all think about in the mornings before our feet hit the floor. The main reason for this is we cannot survive without it. A Home Water Filter - Do We Need To Filter Our Drinking Water? Do we really need a home water filter? Can't we just assume the water that flows from our kitchen and bathroom tap is sufficiently treated for contaminants by our municipal water facility? In order to answer these questions, we need to obtain a little more background information.Next to air, water is the most important element for our survival. Foods to Fight Disease When it comes to food, we can't ignore the facts - or the science. You need a healthy diet for a healthy life. The coq10 Benefit Coq10 is also known as Coenzyme Q10.This co q10 is produced naturally in the human body, and is a source of various coq10 benefit. Ginger 4 Spleen - A Love Story! For all I prefer to buy my fresh produce at a farm shop or farmers' market, I do appreciate the role that supermarkets have played in improving the variety in our diets, not to mention the convenience. Ginger, the root, is one of those foods that not too long ago, you would have to have hunted high and low for. The Most Effective Treatments for Acid Reflux Disease Acid reflux disease, or GERD, is a common compliant of the digestive system, often characterised by persistent burning or discomfort behind the breastbone. As the symptoms of GERD can mimic those of coronary disease, it is important that you visit your doctor, if you have chronic heartburn. How to Grow Sprouts Sprouts not only taste good, but they are also a great source of vitamins, fiber, protein, anti-oxidants, and enzymes. A sprout is produced when a seed starts growing into a vegetable.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
