Do you realize how much you sit?
It makes my hips hurt!
I’ve gone through a lot of “hacks” to have standing desks. At one job I stacked up Girl Scout cookie boxes to set my laptop on. When I’m at home working, I use the condo gym to build a treadmill desk. I can’t stand to sit still. Standing up while I’m working helps to improve my focus. Hey! Something shiny!
When my boss suggested I look into a “real” standing desk, I was thrilled. After some research, VertDesk offered to hook me up with one of their adjustable height desks. Talk about not sitting still – I was bounce-off-the-walls elated. The VertDesk even has a push button control to make height adjustment easy. My co-workers can adjust it to their height and use it and, if I ever DO decide to sit, I can simply push a button to lower it.
We’ve all seen the articles about how sitting is killing us… but why exactly is a standing desk beneficial?
- Metabolism: Standing burns a third more calories than sitting. That adds up! Slumping in your chair all day causes your metabolism to slow down.
- Posture: Working at a standing desk keeps your core and back muscles engaged throughout the day, thus improving your posture.
- Alleviate Back Pain: I’ve seen a vast reduction in my back and hip pain. When you sit you let the chair hold you; you don’t use your own muscles to hold your upper body. This causes compression in the chest and abs, leads to slouching, and rolls your spine… all of which cause back pain.
- Productivity: Standing helps me stay focused. It releases restless energy, improves circulation, and fights fatigue. Basically, it keeps you engaged. Staying active and alert all day also helps you sleep better at night!
- Longevity: Sitting increases your chances for developing cardiovascular disease and blood clots. Studies have shown some dramatic effects of sitting for long periods of time. Those who sit a lot are 54% more likely to have a heart attack. Women who sit more than 6 hours a day have a 40% higher mortality rate, for men it’s a 20% higher. If you sit for more than 23 hours a week you are 64% more likely to die from heart disease.
This WIAW is 9 weeks out from my competition!!! I should get an extra cheat meal or something because all of my food was eaten standing up. 😉
Read on for my eats, and then check out Jenn’s blog for everyone else’s delicious creations!
Meal 1:
The usual morning cocktail, followed by my morning sludge.
Breakfast was simple – Herb and garlic egg white scramble with a whole egg dropped in. Toast to sop up all that yolk porn.
Meal 2:
Like last week, I added Thai spice to my Sizzlefish cod. I had it with some delicious brussels that I roasted with balsamic. I also roasted parsnip fries and plenty of sweet potato, which I topped with cinnamon and a little NuNaturals cocoa stevia syrup for “dessert.”
Meal 3:
Chicken with roasted red bell peppers. Japanese sweet potato. Good, but not exciting.
But heyyyyy… check out my snazzy desk! See that button with the arrows? That’s what moves it up and down.*
*Animal carpet not included.
Meal 4:
The best part of the day is the carb and fat snack. Quinoa crisps with avocado-chocolate spread. I just mushed up avocado with cocoa powder, cinnamon, and a little bit of vanilla liquid stevia.
Meal 5:
Salmon sashimi with seaweed snacks and sautéed veggies. Purple sweet potato. I really love purple sweet potatoes.
Full disclosure: There was a protein shake post-workout here. Too busy to take a pic though.
Meal 6:
I received a special delivery from Arctic Zero a fews days ago – all the flavors of the protein ice cream! For those of you who haven’t tried it yet, I recommend it as a sweet treat. Don’t expect regular, full-fat ice cream… it’s a little icier, not fatty… but it does the trick. The new orange flavor tastes like a push-up!
What I did here is unrelated to the orange. I was craving the chocolate peanut butter. And sweet potato (like I didn’t have enough already). So I melted the chocolate peanut butter a bit and mashed up the sweet potato to mix in. I also added a little cinnamon and some vanilla. I stuck it back in the freezer for an hour before topping it with homemade popcorn and peanut flour sauce.
Sweet potato chocolate peanut butter popcorn ice cream. Boom.
*I order peanut flour from iHerb. Use discount code USO924 for $5-10 off your order!
***
I’m going on 2 weeks with the desk and love it. People ask if my feet hurt. They don’t… but I do wear flats or running shoes to work.
Do prefer to sit or stand to work?
What is your favorite kind of sweet potato? Have you tried the white or purple?
Smitha @ Running with SD Mom says
I have a stand up desk too!!! It’s the best. I can’t sit anywhere anymore. It feels unnatural!
Laura says
Same here! I need to pick your brain too… I may be in SD soon. 🙂
Khushboo says
I love the idea of a standing desk- definitely something to look into given how sedentary our lifestyle in Mumbai tend to be (with the exception of the 1 hour or however long you carve out to work out). Japanese sweet potatoes are definitely my favorite- I find the orange ones a bit too sweet to what I’m used to.
Laura says
I like them all, but the variety is a must on the competition diet. Really, I’d rather have chocolate. LOL!
Marie says
I MIIIIISS having a standing desk so badly! Unfortunately it’s impossible for me at the moment. Can’t wait to have one again…
White and purple sweet potatoes?! Damn, sounds amazing… We don’t have it in Denmark! Boohoo… So I’m stuck with the orange ones, they are always delicious though 😉
Laura says
That’s too bad!!! Do you have any Asian markets? They typically have them there!
P.S. I went to Denmark a few years ago – beautiful place!
Lucie@FitSwissChick says
I have the same desk as you! Except it is grey. I just moved it up when I read this post 🙂
AND I have almost the same meal 2 as you, except mine is with chicken and minus the parsnip fries – so send them over please.
I am more than happy to send you your additional cheat meal – tigernutbutter or something like this 🙂
Laura says
Ha! Of course you do. You can see mine in SAN DIEGO!!!
Carla says
I POPCORN!!!
seated standing seated in different chair standing….
misszippy says
I’ve been working at a standing desk–and even a treadmill desk–for a few yrs now. I could NEVER go back to sitting! So glad you are getting a chance to try the standing option. Nothing better!
Danielle says
Do you get scheduled cheat meals on your prep diet? If your daily food looks this delicious everyday, I’d love to see what kind of goods you come up with for a free meal!
Laura says
I do… but not many. And not as many as I accidentally-on-purpose took this weekend. So yeah… maybe no more. 😛
Jen @ Chase the Red Grape says
I have a make shift standing desk at home – I pop my laptop on top of microwave in the kitchen, perfect height and I use it everyday (obv not with the microwave on! :-S).
My husband got a standing desk at work and he loves it. He was sick of getting stiff and sore after morning crossFit workouts and his boss was really happy to get him one when he asked. Both of us notice so much difference in DOMS since getting the standing desk – proving that the workouts were never the issue, sitting all day afterwards was!
Laura says
That’s great that your husband’s boss was so willing to help! I do something similar at home too – I prop up my computer on the bar.
Allie says
My husband has been dying (ha!) for a stand up desk so this is perfect!! Me? I stand all the damn time so I’m just fine sitting for the little work I do at my desk 🙂
Laura says
I’m jealous! I wish all jobs were active.
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
I seriously need a standup desk. My hips are so stiff especially from inqury and the boot. My trainer stretched me yesterday and said stop sitting so much. Well if I didn’t have to work all day I would. I think offices need a need trend of standing desks, lunch workouts and wearing yoga pants.
Laura says
I’m right here with you. I don’t see why people are hell bent on getting all dressed up.
susie @ suzlyfe says
I have had to resort to kneeling on the floor to get some respite from sitting. My boss walked by and was like “in not going to ask.” THANKS.
Popcorn should be a requirement for every day. That is my stance.
Laura says
OMG! I bet people were staring like WTF?! Sooooo something I would do. 😉
Kaila @healthyhelperblog! says
LOVE standing while working or reading! It makes me so much more focused and productive!!
Lee says
I prefer to sit, but I think a stand up desk could be helpful. I have horrible posture and slight scoliosis.
Laura says
This would be great for you! You’d just have to make sure it was the right height so you wouldn’t hunch over it even standing. I had to play with it a bit to prevent that.
Dietitian Jess says
Ah! I would kill for a standing desk, all the research about sitting freaks me out!! Where is your competition?? I think if I ever decided to do one I’d have to print out WIAW from your blog to follow because so many other girls food just looks so boring and yours is still super creative and strange but good.
Laura says
Thank you! The competition is in Atlanta in March. I just try to keep as much variety as possible… but I’m counting the days til chocolate cake. 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Lucky! I want a standing desk, ah!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
I am trying to convince my hubby to get a stand up desk!
Laura says
He should!!! I feel SO much better.
Ashley@ashleyunfiltered says
I’m the same way. All the paper I have to take notes has the margins filled with little designs. People think I’m not paying attention but really it’s the best way for me to focus!
Laura says
Me too! I had a teacher in middle school who actually taught me to do that.
Tamara @ A Side Of Dessert says
I love this! I’ve been considering purchasing one for soooo long but still haven’t been able to bite the bullet!
Laura says
It’s 100% worth it! Let me know if you have any questions!
Heather (Where's the Beach) says
I prefer to stand and have a box stashed under my desk to pull out when I want to stand for any length of time. It’s not exactly ideal though and I would love to have a proper standing station.
Tara @ Sweat like a Pig says
I used to have a makeshift standing desk but then I moved offices and can’t have one anymore. I miss it as my back hates me for sitting down all day 🙁
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
Sweet potato chocolate peanut butter popcorn ice cream. Genius. You can not see me right now, but I’m bowing to you.
Laura says
I’m literally laughing out load reading this on the plane. Thanks. 🙂
AwesomelyOZ says
I keep reading about these articles how sitting is killing us but when you work in an office, it’s kind of hard esp when the seating is arranged for you to SIT not stand. Lol. I try to get up hourly but somedays I’m locked here. I’d like that desk for home though, I think that would be good to have since I’m on my laptop a lot even at home. Enjoy the table and have a great one Laura! -Iva
Laura says
I hope these articles do some good and companies start supporting more active work environments!
Kristina says
I am standing much of the day anyway – but YES I love a stand desk! I have two desks in my home office, one a traditional sit down (well, traditional but hot pink), and one a treadmill desk. that thing is my favorite.
sitting is for sleeping.
Laura says
I love that the hot pink on is traditional. Classic. I want a picture tour of your house.
Betsy says
I have a VARIDESK and LOOOOVE it. I find that I concentrate more while standing as well but it is nice to have the option to sit when I need a break. It has been the best thing that has happened to my work day!
Laura says
That’s great you love yours too! I couldn’t go back now!
Christa says
I LOVE my standing desk! I don’t have a fancy dancy push button one, I pull it up and down manually (it’s a VARIDesk). My boss was totally on board, no cost to me. Best thing ever. I also have one of those posture mats, really takes the pressure off my feet and knees.
Laura says
Ohhhh… I need a mat!
Emily @ Sweets and Beets says
Okay, woah.. that peanut butter popcorn snack is allll the things I crave. <3 Also, I've had some pretty janky standing desks at both my jobs so far, both also including a cardboard box, haha. I pop up and down all day .. but you gotta do what you gotta do. 🙂 Hope youre having a great week!
Laura says
Side note: janky is one of my favorite words.
Choc Chip Uru says
I would love a treadmill desk, I sit so much it is a wonder my butt doesn’t look like a pancake! You make some great points 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Laura says
That’s exactly how I feel when I sit!
Missy says
Straight up pimping.
Good for you!
Bethany says
Great meals as always! I’m a big fan of arctic zero, especially the vanilla maple! Btw, a few days ago I got me some sizzle fish and boy an I in LOVE!
Laura says
That’s my favorite flavor too! So glad you’re loving the Sizzlefish. I’m obsessed. 🙂
lindsay says
oh my gosh, i stalked their website. Currently typing on a ghetto stand up desk. Send me one and that fish please!
Alyssa @ For Your Health Nutrition says
I hate sitting all day too! It hurts my knees, I feel lethargic, and even get heart palpitations. I don’t have a standing desk but I did get a desk pedal so that helps a little bit 🙂
Laura says
A desk pedal is so cool! Maybe I’ll add one when I need to sit!
Kim says
Last year for Christmas I told my husband that I wanted a standing desk – it is small and portable and I LOVE it!!! I can roll it to the kitchen or wherever I choose to stand and work!!!
So cool that you got one at work!
Laura says
That’s so cool it’s portable. I need one for my kitchen… my computer tends to get food on it. LOL!
Courtney Violet Bentley says
Omg love standing desks, I need to look into one asap! Or at least creating one like you did 🙂 thanks for sharing! I have been on a sweet potato kick for these last four weeks except more purple so I guess those are considered Japanese yams? Same same! Xo C
Laura says
Unrelated… but you looked FABULOUS this weekend!!! Congratulations!
Kaylin @ Enticing Healthy Eating says
I only use a stand up desk at home to work on my computer. Love the thing and couldn’t live without it! And I try to stand as much as I possibly can at my current job and walk around.
Laura says
That’s huge too. I drink so much water that I’m constantly going to the bathroom. LOL!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
Hahaha remember when I used a ghetto fabulous iherb box and left the room then the laptop fell through? Worst ever.
You deserve 10 cheat meals for standing up.
Laura says
Oh man. Really? Did the laptop survive?
Chelsea @ lil miss fitness freak says
OMG Im not the only one and I need that desk asap! Everyone thinks I’m nuts that I stand to do all my work and eat most of my meals. I had my dad build an extra layer on my Uni desk so I could stand hahahah. It’s so much better for you and now I have gotten to the point where it’s actually very hard for me to sit and not have my eyes close #LectureProblems because my body apparently thinks that sitting= bedtime.
Laura says
That’s so col your dad did that! And the lecture problems… I had those too in school… 😉
GiGi Eats says
I HAVE BEEN USING A STANDING DESK FOR 3.5 years! NO BACK PAIN HERE – WOO WOO!!!!!
Nicole @ Foodie Loves Fitness says
Awesome about the stand up desk! I hate sitting all day long and usually alternate between working sitting in my office and standing up and working with my laptop on my kitchen counter.
Heather @ FITaspire says
Awesome!!! I’m so intrigued by the concept & I know all those benefits are worth it! I wonder how it compares to a ball for s chair?
Laura says
I used to have a ball and didn’t find it to be as beneficial. I still had the hip pain… but I’ve always had trouble.
Maria @ Pappa Don't Preach says
I WANT A STANDING DESK! One of my coworkers just fashioned himself one with all of the books we have (I work at a publishing company), however it gives us slight anxiety when we see him just standing there. We also work in an open concept so it’s slightly awkward…especially for me bc my desk is in the middle of EVERYTHING. One day….
Lauren says
Not gonna lie, a little envious of your desk. We built my husband one last year for the home office but it is not able to change heights. I use a music stand when I remember I’ve been sitting. Tricky! I started pacing last year when I teach piano, since I don’t really need to sit all day. So that’s helped!
K / Pure & Complex says
I know I sit way too much, which is why I always make it a point to walk around in between. And those sweet potatoes look great!