Author Archives: Sonja Goedkoop
Thanks to Sonja for Guest Blogging.

Making those Tempting Office Treats Healthy

Posted on by
Reply

June marks the 5th annual National Employee Wellness month, so this is the perfect time to start thinking about how you can make your workplace healthier. Have you found that there always seem to be tempting treats in the office? Maybe a cocanstockphoto2003820worker baked cookies to share, there’s that jar of chocolates at the front desk, or it’s hard to turn down the free pizza your boss ordered.

Whatever it may be, the workplace often seems to be filled with foods that are high in sugar, fat and calories – which can lead to weight gain and ultimately increase your risk for developing cancer. The good news is that there are things you can do to make your workplace healthier and limit the temptations.

1. Keep in mind the saying: out of sight, out of mind. You will be less tempted to grab that piece of candy if you keep it out of sight. Don’t keep sweets at your desk, and if your office keeps a candy jar out for everyone, suggest filling it with something you’ll be less tempted to overeat (such as breath mints).

2. If you usually get cake or other sweets for events such as staff birthdays, try suggesting a healthier “treat”. For example, the office could order a nice flower arrangement to add a little cheer on the birthday employee’s desk. Continue reading →

Testing the (cooking) Water

Posted on by
Reply

Cooking can save you money and help you and your family eat healthier, which will lower your risk of getting cancer. (It’s also really helpful when you’re trying to lose weight, which is why it’s a part of the New American Plate Challenge.) canstockphoto4003655

However, if you don’t cook a lot, getting started in the kitchen can be daunting. I know when I started cooking, even basic meals seemed overwhelming. It might be that you don’t have a lot of time, the right tools in the kitchen, or you’ve just never really tried.

But cooking can be a lot of fun, and it doesn’t have to be challenging. Here are some tips to make it easier.

Get your kitchen essentials:

  • 3 quart (or larger) sauce pan or stockpot
  • 10-12 inch frying pan
  • Large chopping knife
  • Cutting board
  • Glass or ceramic baking dish
  • Spatula and wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Set of mixing bowls

Spice it up with herbs
Make sure to also stock up on a few basic herbs and spices – these can help flavor food without adding a lot of salt. I recommend a basic Italian herb mix or any other salt-free blends, like those by Mrs. Dash. Continue reading →

Cancer Prevention Starts with Goals

Posted on by
Reply

http://www.dreamstime.com/-image26386669It’s Colorectal Cancer Awareness month and for this cancer — along with many others — we know that moving more, eating nutritious foods and staying lean are important for reducing risk. Most of us live busy, fast-paced lives with habits that have been established over a lifetime, so it can be hard to figure out where to begin. Have you ever said “I’ll try to go to the gym more” or “I’ll try to eat less dessert”? By saying I’ll try you are already giving yourself an excuse to not follow through.

That’s why setting concrete goals can be really helpful. Let’s say your general goal is to be more active. That goal is vague, and won’t hold you accountable or allow you to measure your progress. Turning that goal into a concrete SMART goal will make it more achievable.

SMART stands for:

  • Specific: A specific goal describes exactly what you must do to reach your goal. What will you do to be more active?
  • Measurable: A measurable goal allows you to track your progress. How often will you be more active?
  • Achievable: A goal can be as high as you want it to be, but make sure you know it is possible. Will that type of activity be something you can do now? If not, maybe start with something smaller and aim to work up to running a 5K, for example.
  • Realistic: Goals should be realistic considering your resources and time. How can you fit your goal into your budget and schedule?
  • Timely: Give yourself a specific time frame to reach your goal. When do you aim to reach your goal by?

Now let’s return to the original goal: to be more active. Turning it into a SMART goal, you might say: “I will take the stairs instead of the elevator at work 3 times per week over the next month.” Write down your goal and put it somewhere you’ll see it often, like on your fridge or next to the computer at work. When you reach your goal set a new one – continue to challenge yourself as you make accomplishments!

What is your SMART goal for cancer prevention?

Sonja Goedkoop, MSPH, RD, is a clinical dietitian at the Massachusetts General Hospital Weight Center. She has a passion for promoting a healthy lifestyle and reducing obesity through improved nutrition and physical activity.