Earlier today the British Heart Foundation uncovered that 20 million people in the UK are physically inactive. That is a shocking statistic. As the BBC reported;

The report defines “inactive” as not achieving the government guidelines for physical activity of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week and strength activities on at least two days a week.

It is a pretty strict definition of inactive! Maybe it is time you removed “Keeping fit” from your hobbies on your CV. After all, there is a difference between being busy and actually exercising.

We all know the struggle of office live. Cakes, bakes n’ treats are spread freely across the office and even though everyone knows you’re on a diet, the Krispy Kremes end up at your desk. Here’s what you can do to be a bit healthier at work.

We Need to Talk about Coffee

Don’t worry, we’re not asking you to give you coffee! But, you should be limiting your consumption. Coffee on its own is okay, but it becomes an enabler when you’re sloshing back 6 cups a day with sugar and full-fat milk. No only will the calories add up, but more coffee means more chance of reaching for the carbs when you’re having a caffeine crash. Switch up coffee for a herbal tea once a day and avoid the coffee crash.

Snack Right

Desk snacking; the single biggest downfall of a diet. Next time you get the scent of a freshly baked cake, grab some nuts. No, that’s not a euphemism. Grab some almonds. They are packed with nutrients and keep you fuller for longer than a sugary slice of cake. Encourage your office to get a weekly fruit box delivered (like we do!).

Get Out!

It hits 1 pm and you’re slumped over your desk eating a meal filled with carbohydrates. It is time to get out. Go for a walk outside and soak up some vitamin D! Make it harder for yourself by choosing a route with steps and slopes. Make the most of your lunch break and burn some calories.

Stop Working Overtime

It is not just about physical health that you need to acknowledge, it is mental health too. Working long hours combined with a lack of exercise is bound to make you feel under the weather. Make a plan to only work overtime once/twice a week. Use your new free time to join an exercise class or go for a light jog.