Desk Jockey Domination!

You know the drill: The alarm goes off, and you hit snooze as many times as you possibly can. Finally, you realize that you're going to be late if you lay in bed another second, so you spring up, rush to get ready, and fly out the door - only to get stuck in rush-hour traffic. You finally arrive to work, still frazzled and stressed from the morning. Good thing you had to rush around getting dressed because that's the most athletic activity you're going to get for the next 9 hours...

If you have a desk job, I know you can relate. In fact, the statistics show that desk jockeys:

- Have a slower metabolism

- Exercise less

- Weigh more

- Have more health complications

However, even if you have a desk job, there are things you can do to battle the consequences.

1. Don't skip breakfast.

Get up early enough to eat breakfast before you leave your house. Skipping breakfast will cause you to overeat the rest of the day. If you eat in the car on the way to work, you are concentrating on other things, so it may take your body longer (and more calories later) to recognize that you are full.

2. Bring your lunch.

By bringing your lunch, you can always ensure that you have a healthy option to eat for lunch. Plus, you can control your portion sizes!

3. Have healthy snacks at work, but don't put them on display.

Out of sight, out of mind. If you see food on your desk, you can trick yourself into thinking that you are hungry when you're not. Put healthy snacks like fruit or nuts in the back corner of a drawer.

4. Drink more H20.

Many times, we think we're hungry when we're just thirsty. Before you reach in your desk for a snack, drink some water and wait 20 minutes. If you are still hungry, then head for your fruit stash.

5. Get as much movement as possible.

Instead of emailing someone across the hall, head over there yourself. Don't pride yourself on the front row parking spot. Park in the back to get more steps! ALWAYS choose the stairs over the elevator. Use 15-20 minutes of your lunch break taking a walk outside. There are lots of ways to add small bursts of activity to your day.

6. Workout right before or right after work.

If you are a morning person, take advantage of it and get your workout in early. This way, your workout is done before life gets in the way AND your metabolism will be increased all day long. If you don't function before 8 a.m., pack your gym bag and hit the gym before you come home or do your workout DVD as soon as you walk in the door. You know the second you hit the couch, you're done...and you'll regret it the next day. Get your workout done so you can relax guilt-free!

7. Cooperate with a co-worker.

Find a friend at work who has similar health and fitness goals. You are more likely to stick to it if you have someone close by who will brown-bag it and take a short power walk with you.

8. Lower your heels.

Alright, ladies - the last one is for you. (And guys, if this one is an issue for you - that's a whole other topic for another day!) :) High heels put a strain on all parts of your foot, your ankles, and your knees. 3/4 - 1 inch heels should be as high as you go. Jimmy Choo will forgive you - I promise - and your body will thank you.