Our lives are dominated by our moods, which in turn dictate the foods we consume. Break ups and stress can have us reaching for the cookie jar while there's nothing like a glass of chilled Chardonnay to toast the start of the weekend. There is often a deeper psychological reason to why we're hooked on certain habits and most often it's to induce pleasure in our otherwise harried and stressful lives. Once you know the effects of these habits you might consider giving them a makeover - or cut them out altogether.
Coffee Effects
Coffee is a stimulant, which is what dictates that perky feeling when it's the first thing ingested in the day. While there are studies to prove its benefits if drunk in moderation, there are just as many that will highlight its downside like 'coffee jitters' caused by overindulging, increase in PMS symptoms, dehydration and cholesterol levels in women, mood swings and even insomnia.
Fix It
Alter the situations that make you consume countless cups like meetings or 'coffee breaks'. Research has proved that an apple is more effective in keeping you awake than a cup of java so munch one on your way to work and skip the coffee run. Remember just two to three cups daily can cause caffeine dependency so sip on herbal tea instead (which has less or no caffeine) or soothe your craving with a glass of water or chewing gum.
Cigarette Effects
Aside from developing a higher risk for cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, smoking also prevents wounds from healing faster and can lead to anxiety and depression for those who feel they can't function without a smoke. A study conducted by the University of Aberdeen and Edinburgh also proved smoking impaired the cognitive abilities in human beings with smokers performing less effectively in reasoning, memory and decision making tests than their non-smoking counterparts.
Nix It
Within hours of quitting your pulse rate and blood pressure will return to normal and oxygen levels in the blood will increase. In 48 hours olfactory senses will improve, in one month you'll have more energy and by one year the risk of coronary heart disease will be half that of a smoker. Try detoxing your system with a steam in a sauna or taking a long walk when you're feeling particularly vulnerable to lighting up. Programmes like IQS (I Quit Smoking) not only kill the craving for nicotine but reduce the commonly associated side effects of hunger and trembling as well. Hypnotherapy is another effective way to kick the habit.
Afternoon Chocolate High
You need a boost mentally to carry on and chocolate will only give you a temporary sugar rush that will crash immediately after you finish the last bite and tamper with your mood, leaving you irritable and unable to concentrate. This is why productivity levels go downhill after lunch because people's brains are powered by the wrong foods.
Nix It
Afternoon snacking is a good thing if you pick items for your office pantry drawer wisely. Remember sweets should be an occasional treat instead of a daily part of your diet. Be prepared and get into the habit of eating fruit when you have a sugar craving or sip on a seltzer if you're in the mood for a fizzy caffeine-ridden drink. Ginger nuts, jaffa cakes and fig rolls are better alternatives than pastries and a savoury tooth can be satiated with popcorn or rice cakes.
Evening Munchies
Snacking on the wrong foods is enough to make you gain a few pounds even if you are eating healthily at your designated meal times. With a greater chance of getting obese also comes the high risk of developing cardiovascular disease and even depression when you find your trouser's zipper won't fasten together.
Fix It
Most of us tend to be emotional eaters and often ignore our body's physical hunger signals and give into when our minds 'want something'. So take a look at your workload and examine whether you're feeling a bit overwhelmed at work, which makes it necessary for you to load up on Ben & Jerry's when you get home. A little indulgence here and there won't do any harm but if you eat regularly before dinner make sure your choices are smart and waist-friendly.
Post-work Cocktails
Forget the throbbing headache and excessive thirst that you'll be experiencing the next day. The stomach tends to hurt as well because alcohol irritates the stomach lining. Drinking heavily every evening can also lead to memory loss, compromised motor movements and cirrhosis of the liver in the long run. It's also closely linked to oral cancer as people tend to smoke more when under the influence.
Fix It
Eat something (usually protein based) and wait for 15 minutes before indulging in your first drink as it will help absorb the alcohol. Water helps keep the body hydrated and flushes out alcohol through frequent urination so alternate every alcoholic beverage with a glass of water. Also, slow down the alcohol absorption by sipping the drink slowly and avoiding carbonated mixers. If you overindulge, remember the only thing that will help you sober up is time so ditch the black coffee because it will only dehydrate you further.
