Get Fit, Get Fab

 “How to Live Healthier Easily, Even When You’re Super Busy”

[ Source Credit: Alexandra Andersson ]

Intro

A Straits Times article in 2019 has shown that Singapore ranked second highest for work intensity, which considers factors such as vacation days taken, paid maternal and parental leave, and the share of full-time employees working more than 48 hours per working week. While it’s no secret that many in Singapore work long hours, the bigger question is if we’re able to achieve better work-life balance on our own.

After all, studies worldwide have shown that having work-life balance can not only help a company increase productivity but also employee happiness as well! Just think about the number of times you’ve consumed caffeine, drank enough water or lacked sleep in the last month. And we often wonder why we feel tired, heavy, sluggish and dehydrated! Did you know that the symptoms of burnout include feelings of constant exhaustion, negativity, dread and pessimism? That’s because we’re not giving our body enough of the rest, nutrition and exercise it needs!

Good news is, the power to break out of this cycle lies in your hands. Yes, you! We’ve put together a list of tips on how you can, little by little – embark on a healthier lifestyle here at West Coast Plaza, even when work and life gets busy.

1) Breakfast is a priority

[ Source Credit: Subw ay ]

Breakfast is often described as the most important meal of the day as it provides you with sustenance and energy to boot up for what’s ahead – especially if you pick up options that are wholesome and nutritious! As nutritionist Adelle Davis famously said: “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper.”

Here at West Coast Plaza, numerous breakfast options that are healthy and tasty await. For starters, you can find a variety of sandwiches and flatbreads from Subway (#B1-13), grab a wholemeal bun or raisin scone from Oishii Bakery (#B1-21), or check out Mon ‘n’ Don (#02-46) for artisan breads. Looking for something hot and warm? Dig into chicken, dory or salmon porridge from Long John Silvers (#B1-49)!

2) Make time for a light lunch

[ Source Credit: Wicked Greens ]

As noon approaches and you begin thinking of lunch, it can be tempting to opt for instant meals to wolf down quickly, or meals that are overly rich that it lands you in a food coma after that. How about striking a balance between both? Remember, food is what gives you energy. The question is the type of energy you’re getting from what you consume – which can be healthy, or not so healthy.

What’s a light lunch here at West Coast Plaza? We’d recommend checking out Wicked Greens (#B1-57) for healthy bowls that are both tasty, wholesome and affordable. Choose from a list of menu items like their signature ‘Singapore Healthiest Chicken Rice’ (which is gluten-free), opt for a vegetarian Buddha Bowl or try the Chef’s favourite: garlic fried rice with real crab meat in chilli sauce (pictured above).

3) Stay hydrated throughout the day

[ Source Credit: Starbucks ]

Our body is composed of approximately 60% water, which is what aids digestion, absorption, circulation, the maintenance of our body temperature and more. Needless to say, there are many benefits to drinking water. Now imagine what happens when you’re low on fluids or dehydrated – that’s right, nothing good!

Actively remind yourself every 30 to 40 minutes to drink a glass of water. Or take this chance to grab a refreshing drink from Starbucks (#01-01). While they have an extensive menu that includes everything from hot to ice blended coffee, juices and more, try opting for something refreshing or thirst-quenching – like their creamy and fruity teaology series.

4) Invest in shoes that are good for your feet

[ Source Credit: New Balance Outlet ]

It’s time to show some love to our two feet. After all, we’re on them all day long, so why not put on a pair of good performing shoes to assist your posture? If your feet or back have been aching, give the PUMA Outlet Store (#B1-26) or New Balance Outlet (#B1-28) a visit. Both shops offer versatile shoes that ensure proper fitting and performance through technology and production methods. With a wide range of sizes and widths for walking, running, or looking stylish, there’s something for everyone. Plus, these shoes are comfortable and trendy enough to go with most outfits. Sounds like comfort you need? Head on down to try them out!

5) Portion your snacks to avoid overeating

[ Source Credit: Maddi Bazzocco ]

Ever reached for a box of cookies or chocolate to have one or two pieces but end up finishing the entire thing? This shows that figuring out what to eat is just as important as how much to eat! To help portion control your snacks, pack them into smaller snack boxes and carry them around with you. Keep a small box in your office bag, one in your gym bag, and another on your office table so you can snack whenever the craving strikes – but not go overboard.

Head to Cold Storage (#B1-19) to pick up your favourite sweets, biscuits, and savoury snacks. Or check out Fish Mart Sakuraya (#B1-50) for a range of specially imported Japanese products! Then, check out Japan Home (#01-76) for functional yet aesthetic snack organisers of all shapes and sizes.

6) Workout with your colleagues

[ Source Credit: Karolina Grabowska ]

Another great way to start living healthy is to inject exercise into your life, of course. But with work taking up so much time, where do you even begin? We suggest getting your friends or colleagues in on this regime so you can be fitness accountability partners to each other. This way, it’d be easier to keep each other on track, check in when the clock hits 6:30pm, and urge each other to change out of office wear and into workout clothes.

Convinced your friends or colleagues to become workout kakis? Great. Now head on over to Sports Elements (#01-50) to pick up any fitness wear or accessories you’d need. Need a place to work out at? Why not try Anytime Fitness (#01-68)? It’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and has all sorts of equipment – from strength and free weights to functional training, cardio and even training and coaching services if you’re keen.

7) Meal prep every alternate week

[ Source Credit: Cold Storage ]

The thought of cooking your dinner at home every day can sometimes feel impossible when all you want to do is eat, relax and sleep. To help you with that, why not try to meal prep every alternate week? Short for meal preparation, ‘meal prep’ is to plan, prepare and package your meals in advance so you can simply take them out of the fridge and heat them up!

Meal prepping also means deciding ahead of time what you’ll be eating for the week, which would make grocery shopping easier. Once you have your list, pop by Cold Storage (#B1-19) to stock up on your items and check out Fish Mart Sakuraya (#B1-50) for specially imported Japanese products like fresh sashimi, handmade sushi and more. Then head back and prep away. Psst: fish is filled with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins that are essential nutrients for your body!

Outro

Some say health is wealth, and we cannot agree more. While work is important and essential in sustaining our lives and lifestyles, you should never place the priority of your health beneath it. Because ultimately, we only have one life. What use would it be if we’re not in good shape or have a healthy state of mind to enjoy all the beautiful things life has in store for us?

Now that you’re up to date with these tips of ours, we hope that you feel inspired to live healthier the next time you swing by West Coast Plaza. If you’ve enjoyed these ideas, be sure to share them with your family, friends and colleagues and tag your next healthy meal or activity at West Coast Plaza on Instagram at @shopfareast so we can share the love and motivate others.