Working from home during the coronavirus pandemic presents an entirely new set of challenges for the health-conscious individual. Figuring out how to work out in a living room, garage or basement is just one of the problems we are facing. 

While most of us have gotten rid of typical work distractions such as water cooler gossip, we’re facing the biggest distraction of all — the refrigerator. Working from home means lack of structure and routine but for many people it also means access to food all day. Almost everyone I talk to is currently struggling with stress eating, and a new phenomenon I haven’t seen before — baking as a coping mechanism. So here are some favourite strategies for eating better while working from home.

First, create a daily schedule. In it, plan out meal times and breaks for snacks. Be strict about not eating at your workstation. Once you start eating while you work, it’s a slippery slope. Everyone needs some boundaries. Plan to leave your work area for each meal and snack. This will force you to plan the meals and snacks. While this strategy doesn’t completely eliminate cravings, it reduces the frequency of mindless snacking due to stress or boredom.

While this might not be directly related to diet, the next thing you want to add to your daily schedule is a time for showering, dressing, and personal hygiene. It’s amazing how much being appropriately dressed and groomed can affect how we handle stress. When we feel more in control, we tend to make better food choices. Think about it. Are you more likely to inhale a tub of ice cream when wearing pyjamas and fuzzy slippers, or in your Sunday best?

Another simple way to improve your nutrition during quarantine is to set limits on caffeine and to stay on top of your hydration. What does caffeine have to do with healthy eating you ask? 

Well, the energy we get from caffeine wears off quickly, leading to an afternoon slump that leaves an opening for craving sugary treats. Give yourself a limit on the number of cups of coffee, or even better, a cut-off time. I usually recommend no coffee after lunch for best results and optimal sleep. 

Then start gradually increasing your water intake by keeping a large water bottle at your workstation. Staying hydrated wards off fatigue and hunger, and it’s an easy way to track your water intake. Aim for a minimum of two litres per day, so if your water bottle is one litre, you know you should aim to refill it at least once during the day. 

Tania Tetrault Vrga is owner and head trainer at CrossFit Winnipeg. Send questions to her at www.crossfitwinnipeg.com.

Working from home during the coronavirus pandemic presents an entirely new set of challenges for the health-conscious individual. Figuring out how to work out in a living room, garage or basement is just one of the problems we are facing. While most of us have gotten rid of typical work distractions such as water cooler gossip, we’re facing the biggest distraction of all — the refrigerator.

Working from home means lack of structure and routine but for many people it also means access to food all day. Almost everyone I talk to is currently struggling with stress eating, and a new phenomenon I haven’t seen before — baking as a coping mechanism. So here are some favourite strategies for eating better while working from home.

First, create a daily schedule. In it, plan out meal times and breaks for snacks. Be strict about not eating at your workstation. Once you start eating while you work, it’s a slippery slope. Everyone needs some boundaries. Plan to leave your work area for each meal and snack. This will force you to plan the meals and snacks. While this strategy doesn’t completely eliminate cravings, it reduces the frequency of mindless snacking due to stress or boredom.

While this might not be directly related to diet, the next thing you want to add to your daily schedule is a time for showering, dressing, and personal hygiene. It’s amazing how much being appropriately dressed and groomed can affect how we handle stress. When we feel more in control, we tend to make better food choices. Think about it. Are you more likely to inhale a tub of ice cream when wearing pyjamas and fuzzy slippers, or in your Sunday best?

Another simple way to improve your nutrition during quarantine is to set limits on caffeine and to stay on top of your hydration.What does caffeine have to do with healthy eating you ask? Well, the energy we get from caffeine wears off quickly, leading to an afternoon slump that leaves an opening for craving sugary treats.

Give yourself a limit on the number of cups of coffee, or even better, a cut-off time. I usually recommend no coffee after lunch for best results and optimal sleep. Then start gradually increasing your water intake by keeping a large water bottle at your workstation. Staying hydrated wards off fatigue and hunger, and it’s an easy way to track your water intake. Aim for a minimum of two litres per day, so if your water bottle is one litre, you know you should aim to refill it at least once during the day.

 
Tania Tetrault Vrga is owner and head trainer at CrossFit Winnipeg. Send questions to her at www.crossfitwinnipeg.com