Green Smoothie Formula

Here are some great tips to make your protein shakes or any other type of smoothies.

*Credit to www.alifebalance.com for the image 

7 Healthy Life Tips For The Nine-to-Fiver

As someone who has worked in an office environment for many years, I understand how hard it is to be mindful of healthy choices.  Sitting all day staring at a computer screen, answering phone calls, emails, and dealing with customers can be surprisingly strenuous on your body and mind.  A sedentary lifestyle can have a negative impact on your health- sitting for long periods of time can create a multitude of health issues, including lower back pain (which I have suffered), poor mobility and an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  Here are 7 tips to help you incorporate a healthier and more well balanced lifestyle into your office routine:

1. Reduce Caffeine: Caffeine can dehydrate you which will cause you to crash and burn.  Drink plenty of water instead.  Water will increase your metabolism, which burns calories and gives you increased levels of energy throughout the day.
2. Eat small meals and snacks every 2-3 hours: Each time you eat, you stimulate your metabolism for a short period of time.  Forgetting to eat and skipping meals drives the body into starvation mode, during which any and all calories consumed are stored as fat while muscle mass depletes.  Eating every 2-3 hours feeds muscle and starves fat.
3. Go for a walk during breaks: Don't eat your lunch or take your breaks at your desk!  Recharge your brain and body by stimulating it with new settings and experiences.  I used to walk the neighborhood during my breaks to do a little window shopping at the local stores.  I'd talk to the locals, or people watch on a bench nearby.  These simple activities increased my blood flow and left me feeling refreshed and energized to get back to work!
4. Stand while you work: Standing is better for your back.  Your posture will improve, your core will get stronger and your legs more fit.  Standing burns more calories- about 20 percent more. There are, however, cardiovascular risks related to prolonged standing.  The heart must work harder and there is a a significant increase in varicose veins*, especially in women.  Alternate between sitting, standing, and moving around while you work.
5. Recognize your personality trait and absorb energy your way: Introverts have been proven to gain energy and confidence through multitasking.  Make a daily list in of priorities and stick to it!  Extroverts gain energy by being social.  Take the time to talk to a people- be they clients or coworkers.  Enjoy at least one great conversation a day!
6. Healthy eating: Junk foods and/or foods high in sugar will make you feel slugish, bloated and low in energy.  Health risks include damage to your heart and liver, diabetes, poor performance and obesity.  Eating healthy fuels all bodily processes that enable you to move, think and breathe. Good food powers your life.
7. Exercise before work or on your lunch break:  Squeeze in a quick work out! Doing so will give you an extreme adrenaline rush, feeding your feel good endorphins and give you a natural high with increased energy.  You'll feel good and be more productive.

*Varicose veins are swollen, twisted, and sometimes painful veins that are filled with an abnormal collection of blood.