At Global Catering, we’re dedicated to providing seafarers with nutritious, well-balanced meals out at sea. But a healthy lifestyle is much more than eating the right things; and although our intentions may be good, sometimes our habits are counter-productive. This is why we have arranged a list of five unhealthy habits to kick:
Too Much Exercise
Since when is too much exercise a bad thing? According to numerous studies, exercising in excess can lead to various health complications. While moderate exercise is beneficial to your immune system, working too hard can have an adverse effect. Similarly, without enough rest, your body is prone to injury and stiffness.
Workout overload can also negatively impact one’s mental health. Over exercising can lead to mental fatigue, lack of motivation and difficulty sleeping. Since working on-board cargo ships and offshore platforms is already a grueling job, take it easier on your days off, giving your body ample time to recuperate.
Never Enough Sleep
Not only do we look less attractive when we’re sleep deprived, but scientific research has proven that bad sleepers are 4-times more likely to experience a stroke or heart disease. But this does not mean that you should “catch-up” on your days off. The only way to replenish your energy levels is to sleep consistently for seven to eight hours a night, otherwise the body is vulnerable to high blood pressure, depression and diabetes.
Incessant Worrying
Yes, sometimes the work day is demanding, but endless worrying is more detrimental than one may think. Stressed-out individuals are susceptible to headaches, sleep problems, nausea, high blood pressure, chest pain, sleep problems and substance abuse. So, while out at sea, take a few minutes every day to gaze out at the horizon, take a few breaths, and then tackle the day with a renewed perspective.
Forgetting to Floss
Although dentists stress the importance of oral hygiene, the majority of people forget to floss routinely. Plaque is surprisingly hazardous to the rest of your bodies, so it’s worth taking a few minutes every day to eliminate it! If the bacteria between one’s teeth enters the bloodstream, it can lead to inflammation, stroke, cancer and heart disease. Furthermore, the debris left between teeth can soften the enamel. This is why it is so important to wait 30 to 60 minutes after eating or drinking to brush or floss your teeth. Make a habit out of flossing — much more than your teeth is at stake.
Skipping Breakfast
Those who miss out on breakfast are at a higher risk of diabetes and obesity. Skipping breakfast deprives the body of fuel, causing it to latch on to fats throughout the day. With this said, not eating a nutritious breakfast is only one of the common mistakes we’re making! Thankfully, Global Catering professionals recognize the importance of a healthy breakfast and provide seafarers with wholesome foods each and every day.
It’s best to consume food in the morning and afternoon, as this is when the body metabolized calories most efficiently. While some people believe eating from morning to night is a good idea, there is really only a 12-hour window when people should dine (7am to 7pm). Anything after this time, snacking needs to be low-calorie!