Smart working – According to Eurostat data, over 10 million people in Europe work from home, with a growth of 700 thousand people between 2008 and 2018. In Italy the phenomenon remained muted, with data below the European average, up to 'emergency Coronavirus.

Referring to the Panorama website for information on what the law says about this way of working, here we focus on the suggestions to better enjoy smart working from the point of view ofsupply.

The importance of snacks

If you are a beginner, it is difficult to regulate both from a food and time management point of view. The two main risks are: giving in to domestic distractions (very compelling in this sense are the corners of dirt neglected so far) or, conversely, not being able to detach even one minute from work, going well beyond the usual work to conclude an important step.

In all this, the presence of the refrigerator and the pantry a few meters from the workplace does not help at all: the disadvantage is always having something to nibble on hand, without even the gaze of colleagues who imposes a bit of food modesty.

The dear and old moderation recommended since ancient times by philosophers is the answer. So the ideal is organize the working day providing a mid-day lunch break and, in addition, a few minutes of relaxation with a snack in the morning and in the afternoon.

This is where we speak of the golden rules of the snack. It is worth mentioning that the snack it is a good habit: it should be done every day in mid-morning and mid-afternoon. It must be suitable for people's activities: if it is true that children need more energy to grow and because they are always on the move, adults need fruit, a portion of vegetables, some dried fruit or a slice of a homemade cake. The snack, however, must not weigh down, therefore no elaborate desserts. Better to be varied, alternating sweet and savory snacks.

Lunch break for those who do smart working

The lunch break must be light and nutritious. If there is no time for a good pasta dish or for cooking light, but laborious dishes, the ideal are the salads (here our recipes), the unique dishes based on barley or spelled and, finally, the classics sandwiches.
In the latter case, it can be changed every day, without abusing cold cuts and choosing many gourmet options including veggie burgers, sandwiches with white meats, stuffed with vegetables, classic Mediterranean combinations and even seafood sandwiches (the best sandwich recipes).

If you don't have the time or as a precaution, you prefer to avoid the daily ride in bakery, an idea is to buy fresh bread in quantity, cut the loaves in half and freeze. Simply take them out of the freezer in the morning and at lunchtime they will be soft. If you like you can also pass them in the oven for a few minutes.

The best because they are rich in nutrients are wholemeal and cereals: there are spelled, rye or ancient grain flours. (Here some bread recipes to prepare in advance).

The importance of vegetables

We must never forget vegetables, both cooked and raw. Excellent savory pies that are prepared in advance and, if you choose the sandwich, a complete filling in this sense consists of the omelette, a dish advantageous from different points of view: it is prepared in advance and is complete from a nutritional point of view.

To get organized, just make small omelettes made with eggs, milk, cheese and a pinch of salt and with the vegetables in the house (our omelette recipes).

Sweet snacks?

The rule not to exceed is always valid: therefore you must not weigh yourself down, but you must also gratify yourself a little: therefore go ahead for a snack with a few squares of dark chocolate.

The importance of staying hydrated

An important rule is to keep yourself well hydrated. It seems trivial, but many forget to drink during the day, especially if they are not in the office where the presence of colleagues often encourages good practices.

Nutritionists explain that one should never be in a position to be thirsty. It is necessary to drink about one and a half liters of water a day, to be alternated as desired with herbal teas and, why not, every day with good orange juice, rich in C vitamin which in these days does not hurt (here the other foods rich in vitamin C, to help the immune system).

by Barbara Roncarolo
March 2020