When you work a lot with your brain and don’t lift your butt off the “computer” chair too often, excess weight and other problems of poor nutrition often become a problem.
I know firsthand: four years of intense and not always standardized analytical work turned me from a 75-kilogram guy into a 105-kilogram hulk. Then I had to work hard to lose 20-25 extra kilos in six months. But when you work for hours on a complex or at least voluminous task with complete immersion, your body demands to “eat” no worse than a cat at five in the morning. And it’s not always possible to eat a full meal. So, we put something in our mouth that allows us to drown out the feeling of hunger without looking away from the monitor. And we often throw in various things that are not at all soul-saving and body-saving. Chocolate bars, instant noodles, chips, pizza, burgers... you know. It’s delicious, it suppresses hunger, stress too, it lifts your spirits - but (trigger warning!) it’s not good for you. And the further, the more.
When you decide to seriously lose weight, you need to change your lifestyle. Physical activity, PP (proper nutrition), fitness bracelets, calorie counting, everything. It’s a very good thing, I categorically recommend it to everyone - but, alas, you don’t always have the strength and time to do it. We are all human, the flesh is weak, there is no time, everything is busy. Therefore, you can start with the minimum: move on to slightly less harmful and more healthy snacks than we usually consume.
Here are a few options for what you can use to replace the usual fuel for your stomach in an emergency, or just when you’re relaxed and stupid at the monitor.
▍ Figs Fresh or dried
A very useful fruit, including for our long-suffering brain.
It is no coincidence that there is an opinion that it was the fig that was the forbidden fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, with which the notorious serpent seduced Adam and Eve. Essentially, the fig fruit is a multivitamin complex with potassium, iron, magnesium, copper, as well as vitamins B1, B3, B6, PP and C. It also contains a lot of fiber - which perfectly helps relieve hunger and is good for digestion. Figs are good for the cardiovascular system, preventing the formation of blood clots and reducing the likelihood of strokes and heart attacks. At the same time, figs also prevent fat formation. Contained in large quantities, but at the same time, “correct” sugars in figs will delight the brain with fresh glucose: after all, it is extremely important for the normal functioning of our main working organ. True, this is why it should not be included in the diet of those suffering from diabetes. And in general, it is useful to consume it, but not in bulk: 3-4 pieces per day maximum.
Dried figs “recharge” the brain especially well and quickly. Yes, it doesn’t look very aesthetically pleasing, slightly chthonic and a little reminiscent of Guillermo del Toro’s films - but it can be considered one of the healthiest dried fruits. It can be stored for a very long time - unlike fresh figs, which often “die” within a few days even in the refrigerator. However, it is worth remembering: dried figs, due to the lack of water per unit mass, are three times more caloric than fresh ones, and “fast” carbohydrates are still not something worth getting carried away with. And there are noticeably fewer vitamins in dried. “Leaning on” dried figs costs even less than fresh ones - it’s better not to exceed a couple of pieces per day. But still, in moderation, dried figs are very useful.
Figs also help with hangovers.
The right snack for work - what is it?
The main principle is to prepare dishes in advance. Avoid situations when your stomach is already rumbling and you only have caramels at hand. Follow these guidelines:
- Let the portion be modest. 7-10% of the daily volume is enough.
- Eat carbohydrates in the first half of the day. Set aside the afternoon for lighter meals.
- Monitor the quality and expiration date. Dairy products will stand at room temperature for a couple of hours. Then eat them or put them in the refrigerator.
- Seize the moment. Have a second breakfast 2.5-3 hours after the first, and an afternoon snack 3 hours after lunch. Take a short break for 5-10 minutes. Take a break, relax. This will allow you to optimally distribute resources and maintain energy until the end of the working day.
A healthy snack for those losing weight will keep your appetite from running wild and won’t overload your stomach. Afterwards you won't be drawn to sleep. It will give you strength and lift your spirits.
Don't chew anything while running. Don't grab the first thing you see off the store shelves. Sooner or later this will lead to digestive problems, migraines, vitamin deficiency or diabetes.
In the workplace, it's better to be a little hungry than overly full. Also, sometimes we mistake thirst for hunger. Stay hydrated. A good habit is to drink green tea. The main thing is that it does not come with a bag of bagels or gingerbread
