Feature Articles: Weight Control
Stay in Shape: Don't let Desk Jobs Do You In
Melinda Hemmelgarn, M.S., R.D., Former
Nutritional Sciences Specialist,
College of Human Environmental Sciences, University of
Missouri-Columbia
It's easy to put on weight as we get older, especially when we
have a sedentary lifestyle. Look around: more than half of all
Americans are overweight, thanks in large part to labor-saving
devices, the automobile, desk jobs, computer use, and of course,
having access to large portions of tempting foods. Here are some
strategies for fitting fitness in, and enjoying a healthy
lifestyle despite a sedentary job.
Walk or ride a bike to work if possible. If you use
public transportation, get off a few stops early and walk the
rest of the way; or, park your car as far as possible from the
door. If an errand is a mile or less, try walking or biking the
distance.
Take exercise breaks instead of coffee breaks. Take
the stairs up and down a few flights or take a short walk
outside. Short bursts of activity throughout the day add up to a
fitter, trimmer you.
Be prepared for fitness. Keep a pair of sneakers at
your desk, along with an umbrella, and an extra sweater or
windbreaker, and you'll be ready for an exercise break no matter
what the weather.
Get up a little earlier in the morning to fit in a 30
minute brisk walk in your neighborhood. Ask a neighbor,
friend, spouse or child to join you. You'll build a firmer body
and a stronger relationship.
Lift weights. "Resistance training" is critical for
maintaining lean body mass throughout our lives. Employ the
services of a certified physical trainer to make sure you are
lifting correctly. Because muscle tissue is more metabolically
active than fat tissue, the leaner we are, the more calories we
burn at rest, or sitting at our desks.
Turn off the TV. There is a direct relationship
between hours of television watched and percent body fat! In
other words, the more we watch, the fatter we are.
Make your calories count. If you snack at your desk,
choose foods that are low in calories and high in nutrients.
Instead of candy and chips, munch on apples and baby carrots. As
we get older, and especially if we are physically inactive, we
really can't afford to eat foods that deliver a lot of calories
but few nutrients. Make sure the majority of the foods you eat
are contributing to your health and fitness.
Fool yourself. Of course you can still eat brownies
and ice cream. Just serve yourself smaller portions. You'll be
satisfied with less if you eat from smaller, but attractive
dishes.
Choose beverages wisely. Drink more water, and less
soft drinks; keep a water bottle at your desk. Go easy on
alcoholic beverages too--they are loaded with calories.
Give yourself time. Schedule regular physical activity
into your life just as you would any important meeting. Think of
healthy habits as an investment in your life and a contribution
to your productive, healthy future.
Talk to co-workers and employers about starting a worksite wellness program with incentives and team-building activities.
Last update: Tuesday, May 05, 2009
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