Nutritional Well-being
Nutritional Well-being
A balanced and nourishing diet is essential for physical and mental well-being. Shortages in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats can lead to health issues like weakened immune systems, cognitive impairment, and chronic diseases. Studies have consistently shown that a balanced diet significantly reduces the risks associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Food provides the energy our bodies require to function. The energy in food is measured in units called calories. No food contains all of the nutrients our body needs and hence, eating a variety of foods in sufficient amounts is required. A healthy, nutritious diet consists of many different foods, preferably consumed throughout the day, and is sufficient in quantity and quality to meet individual’s need for energy (calories) and other nutrients.
The brain is constantly working and it never stops functioning, even during sleeping hours (1). This means it requires a continuous supply of fuel, i.e. energy coming from food. Just like cars, the brain works best when it only gets ‘premium fuel’ and hence, what we eat directly impacts the brain’s structure and function.
Plenty of factors could prevent teleworkers from following a healthy diet. Personal choices and lifestyle, work requirements, and time management in regards to family and other social responsibilities could all affect healthy eating.
Meal planning has been proposed as a potential tool to offset time scarcity and therefore encourage home meal preparation that has been associated with an improved diet quality. Although any type of meal preparation needs some kind of planning, there is no one correct method, as it can differ based on food preferences, cooking abilities, time schedules, and personal goals.
Nutritional tips
Managing emotional eatings
Here are some tips for managing emotional eating:
Mindfulness and Awareness: Recognize emotional triggers and develop mindfulness practices to assess true hunger.
Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Find alternative ways to manage emotions such as exercise, hobbies, or seeking support from friends and family.
Balanced Eating Routine: Establish regular mealtimes and include a variety of nutritious foods to maintain a balanced diet 2,6
Stay hydrated at home
Here are some tips to stay hydrated at home 11:
Drink plenty of water, and you can add some flavour to your water by putting fruit slices in it.
Set a schedule for drinking water; use apps to track your water intake.
Choose water-rich fruits and vegetables.
Carry a water bottle with you.
Limit alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks.
Start and end your day with water.
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