Is your job making you fat?

That belly bump you're developing from your 9-to-5 job is not a healthy sign. Here's how you can step up and take control.

This morning on my way to office, I saw a billboard by a fitness centre that read 'Is your job making you FAT?'

Being health conscious (or say figure conscious), I wondered whether it was really the case and realised that the answer to the question was a 'yes'.

The feelings, I realised were mutual for many.

The blame for that bulging belly bump finally fell on the 9-to-5 desk jobs we are all part of.

If you're lucky, you might find people who'll tell you that they have maintained their weight or lost extra pounds due to the nature of their jobs.

However, a large majority would complain that they're facing the counter effects of the desk job.

If you too are one of them, then here are some things, we can do to take control of the situation before it gets too late.

Here are few things you need to do.

Pack your lunch

How many of you prefer eating outside or at cafeteria instead of carrying food to office?

Not consuming home-cooked food is one of the major reasons why people gain weight.

If you're not doing it already, perhaps it's time you did -- carry your lunch box.

Don't forget to include a healthy mix of vegetables and salads cooked in minimum oil in your everyday diet.

Please click NEXT to continue reading...

You need to rein in your desires of stepping into the cafeteria and buying a delicious pudding after that lousy afternoon meal.

Snacking between meals is also not a great idea.

Your mouth isn't a dump bin, where you can put anything in it.

If it can harm your aspiration to get a slimmer body, avoid putting it in your mouth.

To convince your taste buds, you can treat them once in a week.

While, we are on that, what do you think of Friday Treats?

Please click NEXT to continue reading...

No, you surely need not escape from your work and go to work out at gym or yoga centre.

Instead, make some healthy and necessary changes in your everyday habits.

Start early and make sure you do not get late to the office.

This way, you have ample time to prioritise and complete your activities through the day.

If it is possible, try and get down from the bus, one stop before the one you usually get off at so that you can walk for at least five to seven minutes before reaching your office building.

If your office or residence is just a few floors, try and take the stairs.

Ditto while you are at the metro station -- ditch the elevator or escalator.

Try these little habits and you'll notice a big and happy change in your health.

Please click NEXT to continue reading...

Yes, you got the intercom phones, chats, e-mails, etc to interact with your colleagues.

However, if possible, just get up from your seats and personally move to the person to have a word with him/her.

Stretch your legs and hands every 30 minutes.

Keep snatching crisp breaks to take a short walk -- to the rest room or water cooler -- after every hour or two.

Please click NEXT to continue reading...

Have you ever checked on whether there is a workout section at your office?

In case you are not aware, there are several organisations, which have a personal fitness section in the office premise.

Some others offer discounted gym memberships.

If your organisation is offering that to its employees, make sure you learn about them and put them to good use.

And if you follow these five simple steps, I am sure, you won't complain about your 9-to-5 job. :-)