Wellness Wednesday: Are Your Days Becoming a Graze?

Woman in kitchen with laptopWorking, eating, playing, resting…all from the confines of home can make the days (and your food) turn into a blur. Sticking to any wellness plans can be tough when almost everything is happening in the same space. Consider these easy tips for staying on track:

  1. Make a (flexible) plan. Take time every few days to check in with yourself. Schedule time for exercise (just like any other appointment) and sketch out your meals and snacks. With most of us eating from the pantry, your plan doesn’t have to be set in stone, but rather an outline for the next few days. Trying to plan too far in advance can be overwhelming in these times.
  2. Make the most of your grocery time. If you do have to shop for food, make a list so you remember the essentials and be flexible at the store depending on what’s in stock. Skip (OK, realistic guidance might be to minimize) purchases of junk food and refined carbohydrates and focus on fresh, whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and lean and plant-based proteins. These nutrient-rich foods are your body’s best fuel and will help stabilize your energy level and mood.
  3. Step away to eat. Set up your workspace away from the kitchen — and leave your desk behind when it’s time for a meal or snack. While a working lunch may be tempting, distracted eating may lead to overeating and a lower feeling of satisfaction.
  4. Take time for snacks, too. Most people feel hungry every 3 to 4 hours, and it may not be time for a full meal when hunger strikes. Instead of powering through (which can render you “hangry” and more likely to overeat at your next meal), take a break and have a snack. Yogurt or fruit make quick, easy snacks, but if you’re looking for new ideas, check out our 50 Snacks for Success.

Sometimes life doesn’t go as expected, and that’s true more than ever now. So set a plan in place, but plan to be flexible, too. And know that you can always get right back on track with your next meal or next workout.