How to Fuel Your Hustle
In the realm of freelance and remote work, where mornings can be lax and pants optional, it's all too common to slip into a state of complacency when it comes to nourishing our bodies and unlocking our full potential.
If you’re anything like me, you might find yourself perched somewhere on the food pyramid, oscillating between the reign of the "Snack Queen" or the mantra of "I'll eat something once I've stopped obsessing over the alignment of this element on Canva." But amidst the comfort of flexible schedules and casual attire, it's essential to remember the importance of fueling both our bodies and our aspirations.
Here are some lessons I learned to help you stay sane, satiated, and successfully productive in your remote work journey–sans the hanger-induced meltdowns.
Prioritize Protein
When girl dinners became girl lunches and girl-who-eats-ice-as-a-snack (I’m anemic ok), I knew I needed to change my eating habits. That routine seriously tanked my energy levels throughout the day, and while I'll always have a soft spot for bread and cheese, I've come to realize the importance of protein in my daily diet. Incorporating more protein into every meal has been a game-changer. I've noticed a significant boost in my energy levels, bid adieu to the dreaded 3 pm-5 pm slump, and found myself more focused on my work. While I can't seem to hop on the cottage cheese bandwagon (the curdles throw me into a texture spiral), I've discovered that ricotta toast topped with pan-sauteed tomatoes and garlic is an easy and delicious way to kickstart my mornings with a hefty dose of protein. Adding chicken to salads or wraps, and experimenting with new clean protein sources for dinner—whether it's a beef stir fry or fish tacos—has kept things exciting and satisfying.
The 1:1 Ratio
I am, and I mean, the WORST water drinker on the planet (which is 71% water btw so I have no excuse). Stanley Girls make me sweat. That being said, as someone who’d easily replace every drink on the planet with water, I have tried to adopt a 1:1 ratio in mind. It’s simple: with every “pleasure” drink I have in a day (whether that be a 2nd/3rd coffee a day, can of DC, seltzer (which is kinda like water but not), beverage of the alcoholic persuasion, etc.), I force myself to drink one glass of water with it. That way, I don’t feel like I’m sacrificing my beverage of choice, but I’m at least trying to get my water intake up.
Your Bed Is Not a Table
Ya can’t take lunch on your bed. I’m sorry. While the temptation to cozy up with your laptop and a sandwich might be strong, it's a recipe for crumbs in the sheets and a less-than-optimal work environment. Keep your eating spaces separate from your lounging spaces to maintain a healthy work-life balance and preserve the sanctity of your bedding. Your productivity and your comfort will thank you. If you’re craving a bed picnic, do me a favor and book a staycation somewhere with room service.
It’s Eat O’Clock
I know it's so hard to sometimes disrupt the flow, especially when you're in the zone with your work. But trust me, setting a specific time every day to enjoy at least two meals religiously is absolutely crucial. Your body needs regular nourishment to keep up with your remote work hustle. By establishing this routine, not only will you maintain your energy levels throughout the day, but you'll also avoid those dreaded "hangry" moments that can easily throw you off track. So, grab a bite, recharge, and get back to slaying your tasks with renewed focus and vigor. Your productivity and well-being will thank you for it.
Treat Yo’ Self
I know you just watched your 40th Taco Bell Mukbang on TikTok during lunch hour and are anxiously wondering if you should pull the trigger. Well, my friend, let me be the voice of reason and tell you: Do it. Indulge in that cheesy, crunchy goodness. But remember, moderation is key. Don't make it a habit, obviously. Enjoy the moment, satisfy your craving, and listen to your hunger cues. Whether it’s your period, rent being due on the first, or your boss is emailing you off hours again after you tried to establish *boundaries*, sometimes you just need to listen to your body and forget that you just changed the guard in the fridge (AKA, a new bag of spinach you will inevitably forget and buy a replacement one in a week you’ll DEFINITELY eat this week…)
Take a Tip from FoodTok
Instead of diving into another hour of FoodTok scrolling, why not put those culinary inspirations to good use? Find a recipe that catches your eye, something tantalizingly delicious yet not too complicated. I discovered this woman’s recipe for her buffalo chicken wraps on TikTok a while back and it’s been my hyperfixation food for like 3 months now. Cooking something delicious doesn’t have to be chorsomee–it can become a fun hobby with your partner, or a healthy routine to decompress after a long day of remote work. Plus, your wallet will thank you for sparring it with the 8+ dollar Uber Eats delivery fees.