Workaday Superstar

WORKADAY TIP #151: 100 Calorie Packs

So first my apologies for not posting recently, I just started a new job which means I've had to adjust my schedules a bit.  The good news is that with the new job has come new inspiration for my Workaday Superstar blog! 

I now have a bit of a commute so I've had to learn how to plan for an hour in the car to and from work.  Here is the first in a series of tips for how to live through and leverage your time in the car.

Before I started my job I made a trip to Costco and stocked up on some healthy snacks.  I picked up breakfast bars, cherrios, turkey jerky, popcorn and almonds.  I then proceeded to put them in my own 100 calorie ziplock packs.  I've got them stashed in my car, in my file cabinet at work and in my kitchen drawer.  Now, when ever I need a snack, I can make a healthy choice.  The added benefits?  I am saving money by buying in bulk, saving the earth my packing my own 100 calorie packs and saving time my not needing make a pit stop to pick up a munchie. 

Hooray for efficiency!

WORKADAY TIP #144: Heal Bruises

I just got back from a fun-filled weekend in Colorado.  A combination of white water rafting, tequila shots and a russian massage left me with some pretty bad bruises.  I bruise easily however I have a few that are worse than usual.

I read online that rubbing them will actually move the blood around and make the bruises go away faster but I actually think it's made them worse. 

So I asked my friend Daisy and sure enough she had a solution!  She recommended that I take Arnica.  There is a oral and gel version of it that is supposed to reduce the pain, swelling and discoloration from bruises.  I am taking both.  I am going to be in a swimsuit on a boat on Lake Michigan in Chicago on Saturday and am crossing my fingers that they'll be gone by then. 

I'll report back and let you know if Arnica did the trick!

WORKADAY TIP: #141: Healthy Plants

So last week I remembered hearing that having spider plants is "good for you" but I couldn't recall why.  So I started searching the web to find good answer but quickly gave up as all of the resources seemed questionable and not super clear. 

And then my weekly Real Age tip popped into my email box and there is was.  An article about plants that clean up indoor air.  Pretty crazy, right? 

So I have confirmed that spider plants are in fact "good for you".  They get rid of harmfull compounds in household air.  I also discovered that philodendrons and ivy do the same thing.  While I have no idea what a philodendron is, I am sure going to get some for my place. 

The next challenge will be keeping them alive, anyone have a tip for how to keep plants alive w/o having to actually take care of them?  :)

WORKADAY TIP #139: Increase Your Metabolism

I recently read in Women's Health Magazine that taking Fish Oil before working out will increase your metabolism and burn more calories.  Since I typically take my vitamins with breakfast which generally happens after my workout, I have yet to start this ritual.  

I was also concerned that take Fish Oil on an empty stomach may be an issue but since it's oil, I am think I'll be okay.  I think I'll start taking it this week and report back!

I also came across this article that offers a bunch of different ways to increase your metabolism.  Many of these were new to me however I had heard of fish oil, green tea, coffee and peppers before.   If you've had any luck with any of these, let me know.  I'd love to hear your experience with them (positive and negative).

WORKADAY TIP #138: Take The Stairs

This tip was inspired by MarkThink.  He was telling us last night how he and his wife have to carry their son 42 stairs to their apartment numerous times a day.   After hearing this, I realized that taking the stairs is a great Workaday Superstar tip! 

Taking the stairs is not only good for your health but it likely will save you time as well.  Elevators mean waiting plus many stops to get to your floor.  Escalators mean standing behind people who refuse to actually walk on an escalator.

So while you may not be able to give up your gym membership, taking the stairs will burn a few more calories, save you a few more minutes and a bit of your sanity as well!