5 Healthy Remote Work Food Choices
Oftentimes, working from home means comprising a healthy meal in favor of quick, ready-to-eat junk foods. Although this doesn’t affect your health short term, prolonged eating of unhealthy foods can cause so many problems months and years down the line. Whether you’re working remotely as a full-time professional or as a freelancer, staying healthy shouldn’t be difficult with these five healthy food choices:
1. Chicken
Although chicken has gained the reputation of being bland, it hasn’t have to be that way as long as it’s cooked correctly. Additionally, it’s one of the best sources of protein and is a healthier option compared to red meats such as beef and pork. Minus the fat, chicken aids with weight loss and reduces the risk of heart disease. It also contains amino acid tryptophan which is shown to have links with high levels of serotonin (also called the “feel good” hormone).
Since it’s filled with protein, chicken is a great option for breakfast or lunch. You’ll feel full throughout the day and you won’t have to worry about binge eating which oftentimes leads to poor eating habits. Creating dishes with chicken as the main ingredient shouldn’t be a problem since there are hundreds of recipes you can find online. Among the most popular (and healthy) ones include roast chicken, rotisserie chicken, chicken parmesan, chicken and mixed green salad, orange chicken, balsamic chicken, among others.
2. Fish
Similar to chicken, fish is another great source of low-fat, high-quality protein. It’s filled with omega 3-fatty acids, vitamins D and B2, calcium, and phosphorous, and is also a great source of minerals such as iron, zinc, magnesium, iodine, and potassium. With the health benefits that fish comprises, it’s one food that can keep you fit throughout your entire remote work schedule.
As long as you stay away from fried fish, you’ll be obtaining the maximum health benefits whether you choose to consume fish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. When preparing fish dishes, here are some recipes you can consider: salmon chowder, ceviche, salmon bowls, halibut noodles, grilled tuna, roasted salmon, and fish stew. You don’t need to stress yourself with difficult recipes especially if you’re pressed with time but if cooking can be a problem then purchase an entire meal from the restaurant instead. When going to a restaurant or purchasing through meal delivery, don’t forget to ask about the ingredients used in the recipes and make adjustments (less salt, less fat, etc.) if necessary.
3. Vegetables and herbs
Vegetables and herbs can be polarizing food choices for many. Part of the reason is the taste; vegetables are not as sumptuous as grilled meat and vegetables are not as sweet as fresh fruits. Although the taste can be argued, vegetables can still be delicious depending on how you cook them. Everything can be fixed with a delicious recipe especially if vegetables are mixed with other ingredients. With these foods, a healthy and satisfying meal awaits you and it won’t be long before you incorporate more vegetables into your daily diet.
Some of the benefits of a diet rich in vegetables and herbs include reduced risk of heart disease and stroke, cancer prevention, low risk of eye and digestive problems, decreased blood sugar levels. Some vegetables are high in protein (broccoli, spinach, asparagus, artichokes, potatoes) which allows you to skip meat consumption in favor of a more green and hearty diet. As for breakfast or lunch ideas, here are your options: parmesan zucchini, roasted potatoes, roasted vegetables, creamed corn, coleslaw, and vegetable spaghetti.
4. Citrus fruits
Although all types of fruits bring specific benefits of their own, nothing is more beneficial for your work from schedule than citrus fruits. Mainly composed of compounds that keep the heart healthy, citrus fruits are perfect for stressful and tiring days at the office. Specifically, these fruits contain fiber and flavonoids that help raise healthy cholesterol and lower harmful cholesterol and triglycerides. Orange, grapefruit, lemon, tangerine, lime, kumquat, yuzu, pomelo, and tangelo are some of the most popular citrus fruits around.
Although they’re mostly consumed in one go, they can be prepared in other ways such as salads and fruit cups. Aside from that, they can also be mixed with meats and vegetables to create satisfying meals for yourself and your family. If you’re not consuming these fruits as a dessert, here are some recipes you should consider: roast chicken with lemon and garlic, lemon and rosemary chicken, spiced ribs with orange and onion, kale and citrus salad, orange and onion salad, and pomelo salad.
5. Nuts and seeds
What to eat while working from home that isn’t just easy on the belly but also easy on the wallet? Go with nuts and seeds. Whether it be almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, pecans, and pistachios, make sure to incorporate more of these healthy snacks into your diet. Being great sources of protein and healthy fats, nuts and seeds regulate body weight and lowers the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Going with these foods will help you prevent having a high-cholesterol and high-fat diet resulting in better healthy eating habits. Munch on these snacks as often as you like in your home office but don’t forget to stop eating when you’re attending online meetings. Avoid store-bought chips, cereal bars, smoothies, and other junk food, and go with nuts and seeds instead. If you have some extra time for food preparation, check out these delicious recipes: apple crumble, fruit and nut oats, kale pesto, pumpkin seed brittle, homemade nut bars, pine nut meatballs and pasta, and cashew cheese toasts.
Final thoughts
Working from home doesn’t mean your diet has to be compromised. Although it can be hard to maintain nutrition while working remotely, mindful eating doesn’t have to be impossible with the food choices being sold in your local market and grocery stores. The five food choices listed above are easy purchases as well as great options for you to maintain a healthy diet no matter how stressed you are at work. You also won’t have to worry about taste since these foods are packed with flavor.
