Stress Free Snacking when Working on Taxes

 

The tax deadline, April 15th, will be here before you know it.  Are you still trying to finish your taxes.  Do you find yourself snacking on unhealthy foods and drinks, just to get you through? We can't help you with your taxes, but we can offer some ideas that might save you some unwanted weight gain (and the stress that goes along with that)! 

Snacks and Drinks
First, plan ahead.  You might not take time to eat a healthy breakfast and lunch (though taking time to eat them would  be a great idea), so have plenty of healthy snacks on hand.

• Don't reach for a bag of chips; snack instead on a handful of lightly salted almonds or some air-popped popcorn, seasoned with chili powder or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
• Cut up some low-fat cheese and put it on a whole grain cracker for a treat that will keep you full longer.
• Crunch on an apple, peel an orange, or pop some grapes. Be sure to wash fresh fruit before you eat it!
• Get a satisfying crunch by eating celery.  You could even spread some peanut or almond butter on it for a filling snack.  Drop some raisins or dried cranberries on it for even more flavor.
• Drink plenty of water and skip those sugary sodas; cut a slice of lemon or lime in the water to give it a special boost.

Move!
If you know you're going to be stuck in one spot, shuffling through papers or staring at a computer screen, give yourself a break.  No, really -- plan breaks in your day.  For every hour that you are sitting, schedule a 5-minute break.

• Get up and walk around.
• Go outside, if you can, just for those few minutes.  Not only will the change in scenery do wonders for your mood, the change in focus will help your eyes.
• Walk up and down the stairs, if your house has them, to stretch your legs.

Speaking of stretching, raise your arms above your head and stretch every half hour.  Tip your head towards your shoulders, one at a time, and stretch out your neck.  Twist from the waist to each side, and lift your legs, one at a time, as you sit.  Keep those muscles moving!