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Computer on podium / eat sitting or standing, computer users?

by dbarnum
15 replies
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Hi,

At one place where I volunteer during the week, a Chaplain eats standing up and actually placed his PC on a podium so he's standing more (he'd complained of weight gain while sitting most of the day at a computer).

However, a recent Weight Watcher's article (just out this past week) said to sit down to eat.

Just curious here. Since many of you are probably on your computer a lot during the day as I am.

Hmm....what do you think? What works for you? Trying to get in shape here, too, so just checking....

And thanks in advance for any and all replies
  • Profile picture of the author Jeff Burritt
    Banned
    Yes, I'm sitting at the computer much of the day. So for lunch I usually eat standing up.

    And sometimes for snacks too. Maybe that's my problem
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  • Profile picture of the author MikeAmbrosio
    I eat sitting. But I have a podium I built that sits on my desk top and I will occassionally stand while working. There have been times I have stood at this podium working for a solid 7 or 8 hours.

    However, I don't think it (for me) has any kind of "weight loss" or get in shape benefit. But I DO notice less lower back and between the shoulder blade aches.
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  • Profile picture of the author LeeLee
    I think when Weight Watchers says to sit to eat, what they really mean is to eat mindfully. Be in the moment, aware that you are eating. A lot of people grab and graze versus sitting down and eating a meal.

    But just because you are sitting does not mean you are eating mindfully. If you sit in front of the computer or the TV, you give less attention to your eating. And this leads to mindlessly shoveling anything into your face.

    From my personal experience, I don't eat as much junk when I am eating mindfully because when I actually savor some of that junk in my mouth it really doesn't taste all that good. Except MacDonald's french fries, of course.
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  • Profile picture of the author GT
    I can't see how it would make much difference whether you eat sitting or standing. As others have noted, the important factor is what you eat and how much of it you eat.

    The other contributing – perhaps, deciding – factor is how much exercise you get between bouts of sitting at the computer.

    I say, sit down to relax and enjoy your meal ... and take periodic breaks when at the computer so you can go for a brisk walk or jog, do some calisthenics, run on a treadmill or whatever. Just take exercise breaks a couple of times in the morning and in the afternoon and in the evening ... and you will find that sitting while eating is just fine!

    GT
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    • Profile picture of the author dbarnum
      Weight Watchers has a formula to determine how many points you can use that basically tell you how much food you can eat during a day. I'm probably not saying that in the best way you can, but I'm sure their system is listed on the web somewhere. But I won't link to a site, as their system evolves each year.

      For now, if you sit versus if you are not sitting plays a role in the calculations. Sedentary work carries the worse rating, in a nutshell. So I'm guessing you use more energy throughout the day standing.
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      • Profile picture of the author MikeAmbrosio
        Originally Posted by dbarnum View Post

        Weight Watchers has a formula to determine how many points you can use that basically tell you how much food you can eat during a day. I'm probably not saying that in the best way you can, but I'm sure their system is listed on the web somewhere. But I won't link to a site, as their system evolves each year.

        For now, if you sit versus if you are not sitting plays a role in the calculations. Sedentary work carries the worse rating, in a nutshell. So I'm guessing you use more energy throughout the day standing.
        A few years back I did Weight Watchers and lost 28 pounds. Their points system is simply a calculation of protein, carbs, fat and fiber.

        What it did for me is, because you are allowed so many points per day, it makes you read labels. You start to see how much "wasted" points you eat. That in turn makes you look at better foods to eat, consume less fried foods, snacks, junk in general.

        Between following that plan and walking 30 minutes a day, 3 - 4 days per week is why I lost the weight. I have since taken up running and ran my first half marathon last September, and I am scheduled for 2 this spring.

        And the biggest benefit - it lowered my blood sugar, which had been trending upward due to poor eating, no exercise, etc.
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        • Profile picture of the author dbarnum
          Originally Posted by MikeAmbrosio View Post

          A few years back I did Weight Watchers and lost 28 pounds. Their points system is simply a calculation of protein, carbs, fat and fiber.

          What it did for me is, because you are allowed so many points per day, it makes you read labels. You start to see how much "wasted" points you eat. That in turn makes you look at better foods to eat, consume less fried foods, snacks, junk in general.

          Between following that plan and walking 30 minutes a day, 3 - 4 days per week is why I lost the weight. I have since taken up running and ran my first half marathon last September, and I am scheduled for 2 this spring.

          And the biggest benefit - it lowered my blood sugar, which had been trending upward due to poor eating, no exercise, etc.
          Wow, congrats, Mike, awesome! I've lost with them before but grew tired of logging and counting, but time to get back on track, I see.

          Awesome! Sounds like you'd make a great WW group leader (not sure if that is the correct title) - thanks for sharing your story!
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          • Profile picture of the author dbarnum
            And wow, hadn't heard of a treadmill desk, mojojuju or the one at the link that was in your gmail - neat!

            And LeeLee, I would guess that even at a snail's pace to start would be better than sitting. No doc or anything, just a guess. And then over time, it would be easier to go faster. I know when I use a treadmill now, I read while I'm on it, and I do increase the speed. Others in the gym wonder how I do it and ask. It's a learn-able skill, I think. I'm sure no gymnast or anything

            Yep, this thread is turning awesome for 2012. Also loved that article link above about getting up off rears (stop sitting all day!) OK, time to raise my computer off the table and get a better "working" solution this. Yes!



            Thanks folks! More tips? Bring 'em on for all of us, please
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  • Profile picture of the author YourProfessional
    Apparently computer on podiums increases your work ethic massively... I might actually invest in one.
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  • Profile picture of the author MikeAmbrosio
    Awesome! Never thought of that. My treadmill is right outside my office. And I have a laptop. This could make me walk longer

    Thanks for the tip!
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    • Profile picture of the author mojojuju
      Originally Posted by MikeAmbrosio View Post

      Awesome! Never thought of that. My treadmill is right outside my office. And I have a laptop. This could make me walk longer

      Thanks for the tip!
      You know what to do now. Do it, do it, do it!!
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      :)

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  • Profile picture of the author mojojuju
    An advertisement for this just appeared above my gmail messages GeekDesk® Adjustable Height Desks - Home

    It uses motors to raise the desk.
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    :)

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  • Profile picture of the author MikeAmbrosio
    Ok, talk about karma...

    A friend of mine linked to this article on FB:

    The Most Dangerous Thing You'll Do All Day

    Interesting indeed.
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  • Profile picture of the author LeeLee
    This is a great thread to start thinking about how to do things better in the New Year. Years ago I had a lot of trouble with my lower back. My doctor told me sitting was the worst thing for it. I had a hard time comprehending how to not sit when I wasn't standing. I would spend considerable time lying on the floor with a two by four under my hips. It worked. My lower back has been fine since.

    But I know I can park in front of this computer for hours without moving. Too often when my brain is engaged, my body doesn't coordinate. I used to sit on the patio reading and the light kept going out because it was on a motion sensor. I would love to do the treadmill thing but I don't think I could work and walk. Maybe at a snail's pace.

    But even so, a snail's pace would be better than a blood clot. I really need to give this some more thought.
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