The Lazy Desk-Worker Diet

In my 20s, I had an enviable metabolism. I gobbled down donair pizza, Chinese food, zesty cheese Doritos, chocolate chip cookies, and all other manner of university student comfort food--hardly gained a pound!

Now in my early-40s, my body protests. I'm a sedentary desk-worker facing down classic middle-age spread.

A little over a year ago, my weight peaked. I was 50+ lbs heavier than in my younger years.

*grumble* ...now where did I put that bag of chips?!

This spring, my family physician gave me a stern talking to. I had dropped a few pounds as often happens when winter breaks and spring...well...springs; however, my cholesterol numbers were slipping.

Hmmm... My father had a stroke in his 40s. I sit in front of a computer all day fuelling myself with coffee and sugar. Maybe it's time I take my health more seriously.

I started to...

Last week, I checked in again with the doctor: Good news; my cholesterol is improving. Doubly good news; my resting heart rate and blood pressure have come down. Triply good news; I've dropped 30 pounds in the last nine months.

So what is my secret, you may ask? Stay lazy.

Yes, laziness! I'm still largely sedentary, sitting behind a desk 8 hours each day. I don't work out. I've never set foot in a gym in my life and, frankly, I don't have time for a regimented exercise routine.

What I have done is make a few low-effort, high-reward changes to my daily routine:

• No snacking within 2 hours of bedtime
• Be mindful of simple carbohydrates (Until recently, I ate a peanut butter and jelly sandwich every. single. day. for lunch.)
• Replace one snack with raw fruit or veg (But I'm not militant. If I've eaten my carrot sticks, I'm still allowed to eat a donut--but just one, not three!)
• Walk an extra 1000-2000 steps each day (None of this 10K steps/day business. I take my dogs around the block before work each morning. Combined with regular daily activity gets me to 6000 steps, and that's plenty.)

Nothing Earth-shattering. Nothing that requires much effort. Easy, really. Just what we desk-workers need!

So, if you're like I was, letting your health sag while spending copious amounts of time at your desk; know that it's possible to feel better.

Make a tiny change. Improve your health. Stay lazy! ;)