Stress-Free Office Snacks

  Everyone has workdays that everything just feels out of control! Perhaps you have too much on your plate or you got a disagreeable email. Unfortunately, work stress is inevitable. And during these stressful times, most of us are tempted to reach for a snack to calm and comfort. Believe it or not, there is a scientific reason for this phenomenon! When we become stressed, our cortisol levels rise and our bodies naturally respond by going into “fight or flight” mode. As cortisol levels rise, our blood sugar drops causing us to crave carbohydrates to help refuel. Thus, we end up looking for a quick sweet fix like a candy bar or cookies. But looking for a refined carbohydrate will not solve your body’s response. In fact, sugar will lead to a spike in blood sugar, causing more stress. To [...]

Working From Home: Mindful Snacking

Mindful Snacking With many of us sheltering at home, we tend to gravitate towards activities that keep us occupied. Sometimes we choose activities to escape the feeling of boredom. They give us a reason to break from work or serve as a distraction from stress and difficult emotions. During these times, snacking may become a frequent habit. It is important to recognize that snacking is not inherently “good” or “bad.” The choice to include snacks in your diet should be based on your activity level, overall calorie needs, health goals, and medical conditions. One way to keep snacking in moderation and avoid unwanted snacking habits is to take a mindfulness approach.   Mindfulness simply involves being aware of your body’s internal state (thoughts, feelings, motivation, etc.) without judgment. Setting Up Successful Snacking Routines 1. Listen to your hunger cues Your body [...]

Munch Through March Madness

If you’re one of the 97+ million U.S. viewers of NCAA’s March Madness, you’re bound to be tempted by typical gameday snacks. Wing orders alone increase by 24% during the tournament, and if your favorite team loses, you’re more likely to indulge in a variety of gameday treats.  Pizza and dessert orders also increase by 19% and 9%, respectively, following losses versus wins. But what about the beer? Three and a half million extra cases of it are produced in March to keep up with demand. It’s already easy to overeat traditional gameday foods (pizza, wings, chips, dips, and desserts) that are notoriously high in salt, sugar, and fat. It's a combination that fires-up our brain’s reward center and steers us towards overeating and unintended weight gain. Add distracted eating to the mix during March Madness, and you’re even more [...]