THE DANGERS OF SITTING
FOCUS ON YOUR POSTURE!
Whether you work remotely or in an office, it’s likely you spend a good portion of your day sitting in a chair. When we’re not at work or the gym, we usually watch TV or spend time on the computer — sitting. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, 1 in 4 Americans spends over eight hours each day sitting. It’s no secret that sitting for long periods of time can leave you feeling stiff or tired, but it can actually be harmful to your physical health. Sitting for long periods of time prevents us from utilizing our legs, which means leg and gluteal muscles can weaken, plus it causes your hip flexor muscles to shorten, which will lead to more problems with your hips, pelvis, and back.
straighten your back. Keep your shoulders relaxed while you type and keep your elbows pointed toward your rib cage. If you can transition between standing and sitting desks, or even different seats, it will help immensely. If you have to sit for long periods of time, take more breaks to stretch. Spinal twists and the downward dog
are both great stretches to help loosen your back so you can keep on working. By focusing on your posture and taking the proper precautions,
Digestion is also not as efficient when we sit for long periods of time, so we’re more prone to gain weight.
Extended periods of sitting can also wreak havoc on your posture. If you’re hunched over your computer typing all day, your posture will likely deteriorate. If you notice this happening, you can do a few things to improve your posture while sitting. First, you should try to keep your feet flat on the floor. They should be about hip-width apart. Avoid crossing your legs at the knee or ankle to keep yourself aligned. You should also try to keep your spine as straight as possible. If you notice you’re beginning to hunch over, consciously
the time you spend sitting doesn’t have to lead to back pain in your workday or long-term problems.
TAKE A BREAK
Healthier Hot Dogs With Slaw
Inspired by RachaelRayMag.com
Craving a healthy dog for National Hot Dog Month? We’ve got you! Follow our recipe for a dog packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins. (Serves 8)
INGREDIENTS • 2 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 green apple, peeled and diced • 1 red onion, thinly sliced • 1 small head red cabbage, cored and shredded • 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp grill seasoning • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar • 2 tbsp maple syrup • 8 organic chicken sausage links • 8 whole-wheat hot dog buns, toasted
DIRECTIONS 1. In a large skillet over high heat, warm the vegetable oil. Sauté the apple, onion, and cabbage and toss until wilted. Season with cumin and grill seasoning and cook for 10–12 minutes, until tender. 2. Add the vinegar and maple syrup, then toss to combine. Cook for 1 minute and set the slaw aside. 3. On the grill, cook your chicken dogs according to the package instructions. 4. Assemble the works, starting with the bun and piling in the chicken dog and slaw. 5. Dig in! For an extra health boost, serve with grilled summer vegetables.
916-927-1333 3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator