How to Whittle Your Waist While You Work

According to researchers at the University of Cincinnati, worksite-based weight loss programs benefit both sides of the time clock. For employees, the benefit is obvious—more activity equates to reduced stress and, hopefully, the shedding of a few pounds. The ROI (return on investment) for employers is a bit subtler: increased productivity and fewer sick days.

Looking at the big picture, however, employer-sponsored weight loss programs have the potential to have a far-reaching and long-lasting impact on public health overall. Specifically, such programs can reshape the way people think about fitness in general, and help to address America’s current epidemic—obesity.

It’s not hard to imagine how working out at work can affect the individual. After all, most adults of working age in the US spend at least half of their waking hours at work. But, without intervention, sitting at a desk from 9 to 5 can easily result in the dreaded secretary spread. In fact, according to a survey conducted by CareerBuilder.com, almost 50% of those polled admitted that their desk jobs rewarded them with extra pounds, with about 28% weighing in 10 or more pounds heavier than when they started.

How can you lighten your load when you go to work each day? We have some sure-fire suggestions for you try…

Don’t stand for sitting down all day. Or, rather, stand up for part of the day. Workstations designed so that you can adjust their height allow you to stand while working at your desk. The cost? Less than $400.

Invest in a headset for your phone. That way, you can make and receive your phone calls while walking around your office or on your way to the water cooler. Those little steps can quickly add up and help to burn more calories.

Don’t eat lunch at your desk. Gosh…how many of us are guilty of this? Actually, according to the American Dietetic Association, about 75% of us are, at least a few times a week. So, resist the urge to give 110% to your job by working through lunch, which can lead to mindless munching, often on the wrong foods. Instead, take your lunch to the cafeteria (the social networking is good for you too), or outside to a nearby park.

Be underhanded about your handedness. Huh? What we mean is, keep the less-than-dietetic snacks (and we all have a stash) in a drawer on the left side of your desk if you’re right-handed, and fresh fruit or other healthy choice on the right side. Researchers have discovered that we’ll usually lean toward the direction of our handedness to reach for a snack whenever hunger strikes.

Drink green tea at work. Studies have shown that green tea helps to burn calories. In fact, people who partake of the beverage daily lose an average of 2.4 more pounds per year than those who don’t.

Plug in the air freshener. Are you ready for this? Studies have shown that people exposed to sweet scents, such as vanilla, cinnamon, or apple, when they are hungry, lose an average of 30 pounds within six months! While you might think that food-like scents might stimulate the appetite, they actually suppress it.