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Being busy connotes that you don’t have a lot of free time, which is directly related to staying healthy amid the hustle and bustle of your personal and professional life. Having to make quick dietary decisions can often lead to choosing what is easiest and unfortunately, unhealthy foods such as fast food or prepackaged snacks provide a tempting immediacy and convenience.
Making time, however little, will be the key to making healthy choices as a busy professional.
Eat Breakfast
Starting the day with a healthy breakfast lays the groundwork for a nutritionally complete diet and has been linked to lower cholesterol levels, better performance at work and weight control. Contrary to popular belief, not eating breakfast isn’t helpful for losing weight. Skipping breakfast leaves you hungrier, which often leads to eating more at lunch and throughout the day.
Plan Your Meals
Taking the time to plan what you’re going to eat will help you make healthy decisions instead of choosing food that merely sounds good in the moment when you’re hungry.
If you have the time, pack your lunch. A salad, healthy sandwich, lean protein with veggies, fruit and granola are all good choices. If you don’t have enough time to pack your food, picking where you will eat lunch the next day can ensure you make a smart choice, and it will give you something to look forward throughout the day.
Exercise
If you don’t have time to pack your lunch, you probably don’t have time to drive to the gym to work out. For this reason, it is important to take advantage of moments to exercise. If you work in a multi-story building, taking the stairs can make your body work much more than taking the elevator. If you work at a desk all day, get up and move around to get your blood flowing; being healthy isn’t only about losing weight, it’s about making sure you’re taking care of your body.
If you have children in sports or recreational activities, walk around the park or gymnasium while they’re practicing. Take a stroll while dinner is in the oven or walk to the grocery store instead of driving. Partnering with your significant other in these exercise endeavors will make them easier because there will be someone to keep you accountable.
Be sure to provide your health with as much attention as you afford that of your career. You can only take care of your work as long as you take care of yourself.