Darker days are here and it can be difficult to keep energy levels up, especially for those who work from home.
To help, office furniture experts at Slouch have partnered with several wellness experts to share their advice on how to beat the work-from-home winter blues.
It turns out it is all to do with one popular lunchtime food that many people go to because it is quick, easy and affordable to enjoy.
However, this food item can cause an afternoon slump and leave people feeling a little lacklustre.
Some of the tips include eating a warm breakfast and exercising. Let’s take a look at the expert’s advice.
Eat a warm breakfast:
Deborah said: “During cold winter days, the body has to use more energy to maintain our core temperature. This can mean that our basal metabolic rate, which determines calorie need, can rise. Eating warm food instead of cold food can help raise body temperature and also give us a feeling of warmth as we eat it.
“With this in mind, a good breakfast includes warm porridge with added nuts and seeds or egg-based dishes such as omelettes or avocado and poached eggs on toast.
“Breakfast doesn’t have to be your typical food and soups and stews can be a good breakfast too if porridge and eggs don’t appeal.”
Avoid sandwiches for lunch:
Deborah advised: “Grabbing a quick lunch at your desk can often be a sandwich. Typically, sandwiches have very little protein and fat and can cause a blood sugar spike, followed shortly after by a crash.
“This blood sugar crash is often the cause of that 3pm slump.
“Reducing the carbohydrates (bread, pasta and rice) in favour of more protein and fats with non-starchy salads or vegetables can keep blood sugar balanced better and help keep you focused.”
Ensure it is balanced:
She continued: “Starting the day right can help to keep energy levels and focus constant. Eating a carbohydrate-based breakfast such as cereal or toast can start a pattern of high and then low blood sugar and the energy crashes that are associated with it.
“Having a balanced breakfast with a good portion of protein and healthy fats can fuel the body until lunchtime without the blood sugar crashes.
“If short on time breakfast can be prepared in advance. For example, omelettes shaped as breakfast muffins or overnight oats with added nuts, seeds and berries can be a good option too.”