Many of us have a day job that binds us to a desk for most of the week; and this can seem like quite an obstacle for those looking to stay healthy and keep fit. There are, however, plenty of ways you can stick to your diet, maintain energy through out the day, and keep your muscles engaged no matter how long you’re stuck behind a desk every day. Here are just a few healthy habits everyone should practice, no matter what their day job might be. You don’t have to let your work get in the way of your health, just follow these useful tips.

1) Keep moving: many of us will spend several, consecutive hours sitting at our desk; and the rest of the day in the sitting position. Whether it’s in the car on the commute to and from work, our lunch hour, or at meetings, remaining stationary has a huge impact on our health. Recent studies have proven that those who simply stand, rather than sit, while at work, cut their risk of heart attack nearly in half. Besides heart health, your metabolism can also greatly benefit when you continue to move through out the day. When sitting for long periods of time, your metabolism comes to a complete stop, which can even cause your body to retain fat. By standing at your work station, or while on the phone, pacing while brainstorming, or moving at any idle second, you’re doing your body a huge favor. Consider replacing your office chair with a stability ball, which helps you engage your muscles while sitting. Other habits, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, standing at your lunch break, and more all make a big impact.

2) Snack through out the day: snacking seems like an unhealthy habit, however, when snacking on the right foods, it offers many health benefits. Keeping healthy snacks at your desk, and choosing the right breakfast and lunch foods, can help maintain your energy levels through out the day, and help you burn more fat. Beginning with breakfast, make sure you don’t skip the meal, and load up on fiber, fruit, and calcium, such as with a nonfat yogurt parfait with fresh berries. Snacks can include a hand full of almonds, apple and cheese slices, green tea, low-sodium popcorn, a banana and others. These are all low calorie snacks that will prevent the mid day “crash” and give a healthy boost to your energy.

3) Work out before you work: studies have proven that working out in the morning, before breakfast, will increase productivity through out the day, help you sleep deeper, and help you feel more rested. At the end of a work day, you’re less likely to get to the gym, which is why working out at the beginning of the day is ideal. Those who exercise first thing in the morning also burn more calories during the day than those who don’t. Whether it’s cardio or strength training, exercise for at least twenty minutes at the beginning of the day for a more energy and productivity.

Author is Holly Adams of Coupon Croc. Save big on health spas and resorts with a Thomson discount code.

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