Here are a few common misconceptions of stand up desks and answers to put your mind at ease:

You’ll Hurt Your Back & Legs
There has been recent evidence explaining that standing for long hours can cause varicose veins. Even though you probably don’t wear shorts to the office and your legs aren’t in clear view, varicose veins are a symptom everyone wants to avoid. Yes, standing behind a stand up desk for extremely long hours isn’t ideal. It’s about moving throughout your day to keep extended standing symptoms at bay.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, sitting can cause not only cankles, but a number of unwanted health problems. We mention these on a regular basis, but just to reemphasize: Sitting increases the risk of heart disease in both men and women, increases obesity, diabetes, and completely shuts down your body’s fat burning ability.

The key is to switch between sitting and standing during your day. Once you begin the transition it’ll be tough, and you may notice strain on your back and legs muscles, but your body is simply getting used to change and building resistance. So don’t give up, keep standing and moving!

Eating Lunch is Difficult 
With business moving faster than ever, a lunch break is slowly becoming a thing of the past. More and more employees are seen scarfing down meals in between meetings, on the go, or at their desk. Eating lunch at your desk can be relaxing (although we don’t recommend) if you can sit and take a break for a moment. Sure, eating lunch at a stand up desk is difficult, but who wants to stand at their desk and eat anyway? See your standing desk as an opportunity to take back your lunch break and get out of the office! Or head to the break room, at the very least.

If you don’t have time for either, thankfully Xdesk switches between multiple sitting and standing heights, to accommodate the employee who opts out of their break. Just lower your desk to the seated position and bingo—a make shift dining table.

You’ll Attract Unwanted Attention
As you stand tall above slouching coworkers, you may see eyes begin to wander over to your corner of the office. But don’t see it as negative attention. standing desks are the wave of the future, and you’re just pioneering your office into modern day. You’ve chosen to take a stand against poor health and poor productivity, and you’re doing it with a stylish piece of equipment. You may just be the envy of all your coworkers.

You’ll Stand All Day
Here’s the beauty of owning Xdesk’s standing desks: You don’t have to stand all day. Xdesk has more than 250 positions, to accommodate all shapes and sizes. Even if you have a fixed-height stand up desk you can still incorporate a stool or ergonomic chair to take breaks between standing long hours. Remember, it’s about making small movements throughout your day from sitting to standing for the best results.

Have you faced any of these misconceptions? How have you been persuaded to choose otherwise?

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These options are designed for the grab and go office worker. These are for the employee who barely has time to eat between meetings, phone calls, and running around town.

1. Salmon Salad
Most tuna packets can contain extreme levels of sodium (so much so that you may start to see your limbs start to swell!), so opt for salmon instead. Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids that prevent heart disease and improve memory. Imagine eating a delicious salmon salad as a healthy lunch and experiencing a creativity and memory boost when after-lunch lethargy is supposed to hit. Throw a few bell peppers and cucumbers in a mix of power greens and you’re good to go! Stick with vinaigrette as dressing.

2. Quinoa Salad
Quinoa has been named the “Supergrain of the Future,” according to Forbes Magazine and we couldn’t agree more. It contains all nine essential amino acids, and has twice as much fiber as other grains (meaning it keeps you fuller, longer). Try this version from All Recipes. It makes a ton, for healthy lunches you can enjoy all week long.

3. Cheddar Apple Sandwich
Just less than 280 calories, this cheddar apple sandwich is the definition of a quick, healthy lunch. All it takes are thin apple slices, mustard and cheddar cheese to create a lunch that can be enjoyed any day of the week. Pair it with a side salad or carrot sticks for a complete meal. Get the recipe, HERE.

4. Turkey Wrap
Who needs a plain sandwich when you can experience a wrap? This turkey and avocado version is the perfect healthy lunch for spring and summer (and maybe even eaten outside if there’s time). Start with a whole wheat tortilla layered with red pepper hummus, avocado, and pickles and complete it with lean turkey. Break this out when it’s time for lunch and you’ll be the envy of your office coworkers.

5. Chicken Salad Sandwich
Did you have chicken last night? Perfect! Take the leftovers and turn it into a quick chicken salad sandwich. This recipe uses Greek yogurt instead of mayo to turn traditional chicken salad into a delicious healthy lunch (and packed with more flavor). Red onion, dried fruit and almonds are added into the mix.

These health-conscious lunches, paired with your adjustable height desk, are sure to give you the energy boost you need to work productively throughout the day. Bring a few of these recipes to the office and let us know how it turned out!

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Try to resist the sugary doughnuts your coworker brought that day, and even that warm, delicious slice of coffee cake from the bakery nearby. Sugary, salty snacks may seem like a quick fix to give you that extra boost of energy, but once the sugar wears off you’ll start to crash.

We’ve put together a list of quick, healthy snacks you can eat sitting behind your standing desk. And once you’re finished, stand up and feel the energy flowing and a boost in concentration. Your mind and body will thank you for it.

1. Edamame
This healthy snack is super easy for the person who needs to grab and go in the morning. Edamame is full of protein and fiber, two elements your body needs on a daily basis. You can buy the frozen version and keep them in your office freezer, but fresh produce is often the best. So buy a bag and throw it in the office fridge Monday morning. Warm them in the microwave and you’re all set!

2. Hard Boiled Egg
Eating eggs doesn’t have to be reserved for breakfast. Boil a few eggs Sunday night and you’ll have a healthy snack every day of the week. One hardboiled egg contains about 70 calories with five to six grams of protein. They’re easy to crack and peel while working at your standing desk.

3. Almonds
Almonds have been a healthy snack staple for years. One ounce is about 184 calories, and almonds are high in omega-9 fatty acid. These are good fats that improve heart health. Go for raw or with minimal salt. Pour a few in a plastic bag before work and store them at your standing desk so they’re within arm’s reach. You won’t even have to take a work break!

4. Produce and Hummus
Hummus is the perfect snack no matter the time of day. It contains beneficial fibers and nutrients, and it’s filling when eaten with produce. Try celery, broccoli or carrots. Another favorite is hummus with red bell pepper – a veggie packed full of carotenoids, antioxidants and vitamins.

*Tip: After you return from grocery shopping, chop up your veggies all at once and place them in containers, then you can grab and go when you need a quick healthy snack. You can also rinse your fruits and veggies with vinegar and water to remove most of the pesticides. Learn more, HERE.

5. Avocado
Absolutely delicious with just a hint of lime or salt, avocados are an extremely healthy snack to enjoy mid-morning. Avocados contain nine to 11 grams of fiber per avocado. Slice up half an avocado, or make a spread to put over a tortilla for a quick snack to enjoy.

Try out a few of these during the workweek and let us know how you like them! Do you have any other ideas for quick snacks to enjoy between meals? Let us know!

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Today, I thought we could talk about preventing and “treating” stress with food. And no, I’m not talking about emotional eating—something we do in response to stress. I’m talking about healthy foods that you can incorporate into your diet on a regular basis to help promote overall relaxation 24/7. Sounds good, right? I thought so too.

So without further ado, allow me to introduce you to 10 foods that you should be eating to promote relaxation, health, and an overall sense of “ahhhh.”

1) Asparagus: This green veggie is high in folic acid, which can help stabilize your mood.

2) Milk: Milk is high in antioxidants and vitamins B2 and B12, as well as protein and calcium.

3) Beef: Beef contains high levels of zinc, iron, and B vitamins, which are also known to help stabilize your mood.

4) Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese is high in protein and calcium—it will keep you fuller longer and won’t spike your blood pressure which can stress you out. Mix it with fruit that is high in vitamin C like oranges or strawberries and you’ll have a stress-busting snack or breakfast.

5) Almonds: A good source of Vitamin B2 and E as well as magnesium and zinc, almonds are high in fat, but most of the fat is unsaturated. Like vitamin C, vitamin E has been shown to fight the free radicals associated with stress, and in particular, those free radicals that cause heart disease.

6) Tuna: A great lunch option, tuna is high in stress-fighting vitamins B6 and B12.

7) Blueberries: Very rich in antioxidants, blueberries offer a high-fiber, low-calorie fruit option that is also rich in stress-fighting vitamin C.

8) Crispy Rice Cereal: Although they aren’t low in sugar, cornflakes and crispy rice cereal are fortified with B vitamins and folic acid to help reduce stress.

Next time you’re feeling stressed out, it might be a good idea to take a look at your level of activity and your diet. By switching to a standing or adjustable height desk you’ll burn calories and get rid of the excess energy associated with stress, and by adding these healthy options into your diet, you’ll be well on your way to bliss.

Remember, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”  – Hippocrates

What foods do you incorporate into your diet to help de-stress?

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You can find time to enjoy the summer and manage your workout schedule behind a walking desk.

In a matter of days, summer vacation will officially begin. The kids will be home from school, those long, sun-filled days will be the norm, pool parties, days at the beach, on the lake… In short: bathing suits, bathing suits, bathing suits.

The paradox of summer is that it’s bathing suit season, but with the kids at home and so much going on, there is hardly any time to work out!

That’s why a treadmill desk like the Xdesk Fit is such a wonderful option, not only for those trying to lose weight, but for anyone with health in mind. Treadmill desks in general are great, but the Xdesk Fit treadmill desk in particular has things that the others don’t.

• The Xdesk Fit treadmill is an unobtrusive 29”x 70.5” (outside dimensions) and has modern styling with sleek lines. This desk is the height of technology—not only because of its adjustable height, but because of the treadmill itself. It comes with an LED digital display that you can place on top of your setup—no matter where it is positioned. This will list your walking time, calories burned, distance traveled and your speed.

• This treadmill desk is Bluetooth-enabled, so you can track your progress right on your computer’s desktop with a handy app. Talk about being productive at the office!

• The Xdesk Fit walking desk also comes with added safety. Most of these treadmill desks continue to run if you step off for a moment, which can be dangerous if you need to stop walking or pause to take a call. With a walking desk from Xdesk, the belt will know when you step off and will stop after just 20 seconds.

Aside from walking while you’re working, here are a few other tips to help you shed that winter insulation and feel confident and healthy in your swimsuit this summer.

• Snack smartly. Yes it’s true, snacking can be good—if you choose the right foods. The best picks are filling, protein-packed snacks, such as one stick of string cheese, a tablespoon of peanut butter on a piece of fruit, or a medium-size bowl of edamame.

• Turn off the T.V. If you’re mindlessly eating while watching TV, research shows you can take in up to 40 percent more calories than usual. Texting, driving, or any other distracting activity during a meal can also result in eating too much.

• Build your muscle mass. Do sculpting workouts (push-ups, lunges, weights, etc.), at least three times a week. This will help boost your metabolism—and give you a healthy toned look.

• Steer clear of sugary drinks. Studies show that liquids travel too quickly through your stomach for your brain to notice the calorie consumption, so all those sugary drinks (not to mention high-calorie beers!) may not feel like they’re filling you up, but they really are—filling you up with calories.

• Eat your veggies. Nutritionists sometimes joke that “no one ever got fat eating carrots.” Truer words have never been spoken! Eat lots of veggies and leafy greens. These will keep you fuller longer and boost your energy, metabolism, and overall health.

So if you’re trying to lose weight for summer but find that you don’t have time (and who can blame you?!), hop behind your treadmill desk during the workday, and be mindful of what you’re putting into your body.

Any other tips for healthy weight loss? Share your thoughts below!

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