Pack a Healthier Lunch!

What do you do for lunch? It could be getting in the way of your weight-loss goals. Taking a few extra minutes in the morning could ensure that you aren’t wasting all that healthy eating for the rest of the day.

I am a big fan of the Bento Box style. Basically, you pack different foods in different tiny compartments. I like to make sure I have plenty of fruits and veggies. Traditional Bento Boxes have food that taste good cold, but I really like hot food, so you can add that option.

Another great option is soup, vegetable soup can last you months, you just have to freeze it after you make a big batch. We have big kitchens here at City Lights, so take advantage.

Eating well also has some fantastic options for lunch.

What do you pack City Lights Residents?

Image via Wikipedia

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• Maki’s Top 10 Bento Rules (justbento.com)
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Would You Be More Productive with a Different Schedule?

Lately, a few of my friends have been embracing a different work schedule. Instead of working from 8 to 5, with an hour lunch, they are working from 7:30 to 4 with a half hour lunch. My friends seem to really like this schedule for a variety of reasons. The first being that they beat traffic, My friend Marie normally spends 45 minutes in the morning getting to her job and an hour at night getting home. By switching to this schedule, she spends about 25 minutes each way in the car.

I have also heard people say that they are more productive in the morning, so having that extra time to get things done really helps them at their job performance. I can certainly see that as, I always hit a slump mid afternoon. So what do you think? Would you be more productive if you had a different work schedule?

Is Too Much Sleep Bad For You?

I love sleeping late on the weekends. But, I find that the more I sleep past 7 hours the more sleepy I feel all day long. This is because my body is not getting the proper quality of sleep. You can learn more about that on sleep warrior. Here are a few ways to ensure that you get an adequate amount of sleep.

1. Have a bed time, try to stick to it. Mine is 11:30 on weeknights. Around 11, I start winding down and turn off all the electronics to ensure that I won’t be wired.

2. Wash your face way before bedtime, that way the splash of water in the face doesn’t wake you up.

3. Wake up at the same time everyday, even on weekends. Don’t hit snooze, it will just make you tired.

7 Ways to Increase Punctuality.

Being on time is important to today’s society, while in some instances it is okay to be 10 minutes late, this is not the norm. Constant tardiness can make people feel like you do not respect their time. Try these tips to improve your punctuality.

1. Set your clock early, what is the average time you are late? 15 minutes? Set the time on your car radio 15 minutes ahead.

2. Figure out what obstacles make you late. Are you constantly oversleeping? Perhaps your body is trying to tell you to get to bed earlier. Constantly struggling to find the right outfit? Pick it out the night before and stick to it.

3. This one is for those who are always waiting on late people. Tell them something starts eariler than  it does. Meeting someone for a game that starts at 7:00? Tell them the game starts at 6:30, then maybe you can all actually see the opening pitch.

4. Time management, create a schedule and stick to it.

5. Traffic, check the traffic before you leave.

6. Schools, have a big impact on my morning, if it is no longer spring break, you may have to leave earlier.

Remember, respect other peoples time and they will respect yours.

Original Image by Ross Berteig

Weight Loss Tips From Around the World

            I overindulged this year, I will admit it, but now I am trying to take the weight back off. I am a terrible dieter, and portion control is not for me. I am intrigued however by how other cultures manage their weight. Like in Hungary, people eat a lot of pickled things. I could seriously stand behind this, I LOVE PICKLES! Or people in France spend longer at the dinner table which encourages you to eat slower, which equals less.

          I think I am going to add some of the tips to my overall healthier living plan. Want to learn more? Check out the ‘’19 Weight Loss Secrets From Around the World’’ by Reader’s Digest article.

Save Time at The Doctor

We all lead such busy lives, we can hardly take the time to go to the doctor. However, you need to, little aches can turn into big problems if left unattended to. Here are some tips from Real Simple to help save you time at the doctor or E.R. Fill out forms beforehand, most doctor’s offices have printable forms available on their websites. Moat insurance agencies also have printable insurance cards on theirs so you can just let the office keep that on file. If you have a question, ask to talk to a nurse, or physicians assistant as they are often less busy and are available to come to the phone. For more great tips, check out ”Health Care Shortcuts”.

Photo by: Seattle Municipal Achieves

Worst Menu Appetizers

In these tough economic times, it’s often a great treat to go out to eat on a date, or with your family. However, with it being the New Year and with so many people resolving to be healthier and eat better it’s going to be a little harder to find something that’s good and good for you. Check out this list of the worst appetizers at restaurants. Yeah, I know some delicious goodies are on the list, but you have to keep your resolution! Good luck! Are any of your favorites on the list?

Quick Cardio

Strength training is important, but so is cardio. There’s always time for cardiovascular exercise in a well-rounded workout. Check out this article with tips on how to get the most cardio in the least amount of time.

Bad News About Computers

Yeah, I know you love your computer. I love mine too. But the reality is, it’s not the healthiest thing for you. It has been proven that even if you exercise regularly, heavy computer users tend to be heavier than those who are not. Don’t fret, just make small adjustments to your day to day schedule to lessen your dependency on a computer. Go visit a friend instead of instant messaging them, or walk around your neighborhood to see what’s around rather than Googling it. Do you have any other suggestions?

Come on Get Happy

Yeah, it might have been a horrible year for some of use, but there are ways to keep on moving without dwelling in the less fortunate parts of your lives. You might dislike your job, but if you shift your focus and find a new one, you can be happier. Giving back to your community, donating money to charity, and not stressing over minor decisions are all ways to keep yourself positive. Other ways to stay happy can be found here.

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