Sports Performance

Navigating Nutrition while Staying at Home Part 2

If you missed it, check out Navigating Nutrition while Staying at Home Part 1 here.

Working from home has it's many challenges. The most common include stress eating, eating out of boredom or mindlessly snacking, and cooking more from home. Here are some tips you can follow to start enjoying balanced meals and snacks without stressing. 

Tip 4: Set up "Zones"

Whether we're aware of it or not, our minds respond to visual cues. When we see an add on our computer, we're reminded that we need to purchase XYZ. When we see the clock strike A, we're reminded that we need to perform B task. This also applies to food. When we see our refrigerator, we may be tempted to open it, even when we're not hungry. When we see a bowl of candy on the counter, we may be inclined to grab a handful.

This is why setting up zones can be handy. Even if you live in the smallest of shoeboxes, you can set up zones for certain areas. For example:

  • Office/Desk: Work zone
  • Bedroom/Bed: Sleep zone
  • Living Room/Couch: Relaxation and fun zone
  • Kitchen: Cooking and eating zone

Sitting at your work zone should be a cue to send out an email. Sitting at your relaxation zone should be a cue to pick up your favorite book. Sitting in your cooking zone might be a cue to fix a snack, even when you're not hungry, which is why you should avoid working or relaxing in that space.

Tip 5: Give yourself some grace!

It's important to remind ourselves that we're doing the best we can with what we have. This new schedule may take some
time to get used to, your food selection may look a little different, and you may need to experiment to find what schedule and eating habits work best for you. Choose to stay positive and look ahead and instead of dwelling on past mistakes.

As always, don't hesitate to reach out to Performance Dietitian, Paige (paige.foote@teamexos.com) for help. Never forget that we're in this together, and our team is here to support you.

Download this PDF Guide (Link opens in new window) to make better food choices while working from home.


Need some ideas or inspiration?