How To Avoid Gaining Weight When Sitting at Work All Day

If your job requires you to sit most of the day, you may be packing on extra pounds.

Research conducted by the University of Chicago showed people working sedentary jobs may wind up with a Body Mass Index that is 3.3 units higher than folks working active jobs -- this can add up to 15 extra pounds in just a few months.

Consider these ways to stay fit even if you sit all day at work:

• Don't forget to eat. Avoid fast foods with extra sodium and calories and opt for 2-3 healthy snacks during the day to keep your energy level up and your metabolism functioning properly.
• Avoid office gathering places with food. Eating can become a hobby to combat boredom so steer clear of marathon snacking in the break room and keep healthy snacks in your desk to ward off cravings.
• Recruit your co-workers into healthy activities. Instead of gathering around the coffee machine and noshing on goodies during break, take a short walk and share a healthy snack afterwards.
• Use every opportunity you can to move. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or get that file yourself instead of buzzing your secretary.
• Schedule exercise into your daily routine. Whether you decide to go for a brisk walk after work or take a trip to the gym in the morning, find a convenient way to fit twenty to thirty minutes of exercise into your routine at least three times weekly.

By making a few minor changes to your daily routine, you can survive your sedentary job without packing on unwanted pounds.