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This might be tough to swallow — but working from home could be making you fat.
A new survey from the diet tracking app MyFitnessPal found that remote work fuels the consumption of an extra 800 calories and 3,500 fewer steps per day on average.
With the fridge just steps away from your makeshift home office — read: the couch — it’s the perfect scenario for mindlessly munching on chips, cookies and crackers while remaining sedentary.
In other words, it’s “easy access” to unhealthy eating, Dr. Lisa Young, a registered dietitian nutritionist and adjunct professor at NYU, told The Post.
“Also, the absence of a structured office environment may result in irregular meal schedules and an increased opportunities for snacking,” Young continued, adding that stress and boredom at home also play a role.
“Over time, these extra calories can add up, leading to weight gain and potential health issues.”
Of the 2,000 hybrid workers surveyed, 36% admitted they snacked even when they weren’t hungry, while 60% said they ate more unhealthily at home.
Participants were asked to log their food and track their steps throughout a work-from-home day — and researchers compared the data to that of an in-office workday.
When working from home, 2,752 calories were consumed on average — 791 calories more than a typical office day.
While remote, employees only took an average of 4,518 steps, just over half of what they would walk if they went to the office.
“To mitigate this, individuals should establish designated meal times and spaces, practice mindful eating, and opt for healthier snacks to replace high-calorie options,” Young advised.
Creating a workspace that is separate from the kitchen can “minimize food temptations,” she explained, and establishing specific times for meals can provide structure and ensures adequate nutrition, which could lead to less snacking.
Healthier snacks will keep you satiated for longer, she continued, and staying hydrated is key.
“Engage in physical activity or short breaks to combat stress and boredom, and practice mindful eating by savoring each bite to help control portion sizes and reduce mindless snacking,” she added.
While quality snacks often outweigh the quantity consumed, overindulging in any food, no matter how nutrient-dense, could quickly pack on the calories — and pounds.
According to prior research, hidden calories are lurking in chocolate-covered rice cakes, a handful of granola, nuts and even that afternoon latte with skim milk.
For instance, eating flavored yogurt, some lightly salted chips, hummus and crackers, and chocolate-covered rice cakes was estimated to be nearly 830 calories.
In July, researchers shared the best way to snack, claiming that chowing down on high-quality morsels earlier in the day is best, as late-night munchies are “unfavorable for health.”
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