Fat-free diversions
A FUTURE FORMER FAT GIRL WRITES: Any suggestions on non-food alternatives to snacking at work? I can't really leave my desk, so exercise, going for a walk, reading a book, etc. are out....I need a <5-minute distraction!
DEAR FFG: Thanks for your question. I think I deal with this every day! I joke about taking a "lap" around the cubes in my office when I need a break ... but when I'm desk-bound, waiting for an important call or email, I can't exactly do that. A couple of suggestions from me--and then I'd love to hear how the rest of you guys handle it (maybe I can steal some tricks for myself!).
--Break out the (sugarless) bubble gum. Too obvious, maybe, but gum helps give my tastebuds and choppers something to do that won't eat away at my calorie tally for the day.
--Stand up and stretch. Even when I can't get away from my desk, I CAN stand up, change my position, bend down and touch my toes (or try, anyway). I like to do shoulder-shrugs and rolls, because I tend to hold tension in my upper body, and this helps me relax: Simply shrug your shoulders up toward your ears and hold for a beat; then relax. Do this a couple of times, then roll your shoulders back two or three times.
--Read your email (the fun ones!). I don't know about you, but people are always forwarding me fun and/or inspirational chain emails that I don't have time to read. Here's an idea: Instead of deleting them, move them to a folder on your desk top. Open one up when you need a diversion!
--Surf a favorite site. Let your brain switch gears by doing something completely different: visiting your favorite breaking news site, doing a little virtual window-shopping (I like to go to Zappos and drool over the shoes), or getting a giggle from a site like The Onion or Daily Candy. If your boss frowns on non-work-related surfing, try visiting a site related to your field of work to get an update on a particular subject or check out training opportunities, etc. For instance, I go to MediaBistro.com, a site that covers the publishing industry (since my day job is in the magazine business). That is, when I'm not scanning Formerfatgirl.com for new posts and questions!
Anyone else have some ideas! Post them here!
Thanks for writing.
Lisa D
DEAR FFG: Thanks for your question. I think I deal with this every day! I joke about taking a "lap" around the cubes in my office when I need a break ... but when I'm desk-bound, waiting for an important call or email, I can't exactly do that. A couple of suggestions from me--and then I'd love to hear how the rest of you guys handle it (maybe I can steal some tricks for myself!).
--Break out the (sugarless) bubble gum. Too obvious, maybe, but gum helps give my tastebuds and choppers something to do that won't eat away at my calorie tally for the day.
--Stand up and stretch. Even when I can't get away from my desk, I CAN stand up, change my position, bend down and touch my toes (or try, anyway). I like to do shoulder-shrugs and rolls, because I tend to hold tension in my upper body, and this helps me relax: Simply shrug your shoulders up toward your ears and hold for a beat; then relax. Do this a couple of times, then roll your shoulders back two or three times.
--Read your email (the fun ones!). I don't know about you, but people are always forwarding me fun and/or inspirational chain emails that I don't have time to read. Here's an idea: Instead of deleting them, move them to a folder on your desk top. Open one up when you need a diversion!
--Surf a favorite site. Let your brain switch gears by doing something completely different: visiting your favorite breaking news site, doing a little virtual window-shopping (I like to go to Zappos and drool over the shoes), or getting a giggle from a site like The Onion or Daily Candy. If your boss frowns on non-work-related surfing, try visiting a site related to your field of work to get an update on a particular subject or check out training opportunities, etc. For instance, I go to MediaBistro.com, a site that covers the publishing industry (since my day job is in the magazine business). That is, when I'm not scanning Formerfatgirl.com for new posts and questions!
Anyone else have some ideas! Post them here!
Thanks for writing.
Lisa D
posted by Lisa Delaney at
5:54 PM
3 Comments:
At the risk of sounded obsessed, I have actually found it stragely cathardic to add up my calories for the day during my weak moments. Usually I see how many calories I am from my goal and think about what I'd like for dinner, etc. and how I don't want to "use up" my calories now.
Drinking a large cup/bottle of water is also very helpful, and having actual, healthy options on hand so you don't feel like going to the vending machine was "necessary" to make it through the day.
Here is a link to desk excercises. Just copy is (CTRL C) and paste it in your browser. It will take you there. I can't leave my desk either, but I do wear a pedometer to work and make up the rest of the 10,000 steps when I get off. I do these when I can. When no-one is looking! Actually I have been caught a couple of times...but everybody just smiles. Hope this helps!http://menshealth.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/23722/8254.html
My therapist recommends doing something non food related, even avoiding drinking water or chewing gum. Computer solitaire anyone?
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