If you have a question about your career, friends, love life, or everything random, fill up this form and the Gals will answer it as soon as possible!

Foodie Asks: Unstoppable snacking

“Hello, hello! This is probably a nutrition-related question. Do you have any ideas on how to stop eating snacks all day, every day? I work from home mainly, and between meetings, I frequently visit the pantry to get a little snack, which most of the time is unhealthy. Is there a way to stop this habit? I have already started gaining weight.”

The Gal Answers:

There are plenty of ways to stop snacking all day, but it depends on the origin of the problem. There can be different reasons why you have the urge to snack all day. It may be because you don’t have regular meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and you replace them with snacks, which could temporarily solve the hunger problem but can’t actually replace those important three meals. Also, constant snacking can be an indication of higher stress levels. Prolonged exposure to elevated cortisol, which happens when you are stressed, especially in case of chronic stress, can impact our metabolism, and as a consequence, we are prone to increased food intake, fat storage, and potential weight gain. 

So, you first need to identify the reasons behind your tendency to have snacks, unhealthy snacks. Sugar can be addictive if consumed regularly, and this is why you feel more inclined to choose an unhealthy snack. If you have sugar cravings, read what our nutritionist suggests here in order to deal with them. 

As you see, the habit can be broken. But it needs time and smart steps toward your goal. And next time you go grocery shopping, please leave alone all the treats and instead get some healthier options. Did you know that yogurt with honey, strawberries and a bit of almond butter will definitely cover your need for snacking but in a healthy way? 

Check our recipes here for more ideas! Good luck! 

 ****

E. Asks: Antisocial alert

“I am 32 years old, and I am an introvert. This causes me a lot of trouble because I am unable to network. For instance, I don't feel well when I join my company's networking events, and it is hard for me to participate in the office fun. I feel jealous of people who are so extroverts and can get into a conversation with anyone, and I think that this harms my career advancement. Is there any way to overcome that, or am I destined to be where I am for the rest of my life?”

The Gal Answers:

First of all, I’m sorry you feel this way. I understand that being an introvert in a world where communication is everything is not easy. However, it’s not the end of the world and being an introvert can’t take your career away! Many introverts face similar challenges in professional settings, and many have had exceptional careers. There are some strategies you can follow in order to be a bit less introverted and start exploring the world around you. First, learn to appreciate what you have because introverted people are often more focused and can excel in independent work, strategic planning, and in-depth analysis, while extroverts have small talks around the office. Also, you don’t have to be friends with everyone or talk to anyone you don’t feel comfortable. Focus on building a rapport with some key colleagues you feel closer to and keep in touch with them. Say hello to colleagues during breaks, offer to help someone on a project —the easiest way to make friends is to help someone or ask for help— or participate in small group discussions. If your stress originates from the fact that you don’t know how to start a conversation, then use some classic icebreakers that we all use. Say something about the weather; most of us want to complain about the weather, I don’t know why, it’s science probably. Also, you can ask questions about their after-hours, like about a book they lately read or an interesting podcast or you can share one you read or listened to and then ask them. You generally don’t care to have a deep conversation with anyone, just something to fill the silence. The best you can do is to practice making small talk in low-pressure situations, such as with a barista or a cashier. The classic “How is your day going?” is a game-changer! Believe it or not, being a bit more extrovert can be practiced and with small steps you can be more open to communication. Let us know how it goes!

****

Monica Geller Asks: Pig situation

“I am Monica Geller. I am incredibly focused on cleaning everything and having everything in a specific space so every time someone ruins that, I feel at least nervous. I recently moved in with my partner, and they are not very organize,d so this drives me nuts. I do whatever I can to keep my sanity, but I don't want to be alerted 24h/7 because the other part doesn't understand that it's important to be clean. Is this a red flag?”

The Gal Answers:

Hello Monica! Long time no see. How is New York? Well, —obviously— you are not the only one, and honestly, what’s the harm of being tidy and clean? No harm, but if it interferes with your mental well-being and your relationships with others, then it can harm you a lot. Differing levels of cleanliness and organization are a common source of conflict in relationships, and the constant stress and frustration can erode intimacy and create resentment. So, we wouldn't call a red flag if someone has a different perception of what clean means unless we are talking about actual dirt or similar practices —e.g., not having any personal hygiene or throwing food on the floor without cleaning it up. In the case that they just don’t clean the dishes one minute after they have dinner or leave their towel down after they shower, there is one effective solution: communication. Talk to your partner honestly, tell them what bothers you and discuss what you can do to solve the problem. Don’t start blaming them for things they do and annoy you because they probably don’t know they annoy you. We are raised with different experiences and perceptions, and it’s not always easy to understand others. So, talk and communicate your feelings. Also, be willing to compromise on some of your expectations; it’s not about you, it’s about both of you. The same applies to the other side: if your partner doesn’t take into consideration your uneasiness or doesn’t make any effort to adapt, it may be a sign that the relationship is not a good fit. 

However, maybe it’s time you did a little self-reflection and tried to understand where your need for constant tidiness and organization derives from. Is it anxiety or a tendency to maintain control? Are you a perfectionist? If you find the root, you will be able to address the issue.

****

Ashley Asks: The end of the world

“I am terrified of what is happening in the world. There are wars everywhere, people are miserable, and even though my life is fairly good, I can't complain, I feel that the end of the world is somehow close. Is it, or am I just a pessimist?”

The Gal Answers:

Historically speaking, the world has never stopped having wars, and there has always been a conflict around the corner. However, I agree, it’s so unsettling to live in a world where you wake up every day and the news is about a new global challenge: a new virus that escaped, two countries that are playing diplomatic and military games, people who kill and are killed. Yes, it’s harsh. But it’s not the end of the world, at least as we know it. 

The problem is not the news per se; it’s that we focus on them. Did you know countless people, businesses, and organizations are working towards positive change, such as combating poverty, protecting the environment, and promoting peace? Have you noticed that lately, science is moving so fast that we will be tackling serious illnesses in a little while? Probably not, because we are wired to follow the negative news. Yes, the world is not in good shape, but it never was. But broadcasting the news of a new conflict some decades ago would take more days to be known than now when something happens, and we are automatically watching it live on TV. It’s not the world; science and technology evolved, and we have instant access to information. And how to combat it? Shift your focus on the things you can control in your own life. You may not be able to stop the wars immediately, but showing empathy to others and being kind for no reason is a good start. There are millions of causes to support; years ago, I read something so powerful and inspiring that it really helped me overcome such unpleasant feelings: “For everything bad thing that is happening in the world, I will be doing a good act.” So, next time you hear something terrible on the news, turn off the TV and do something nice for someone else. Help the older person cross the street or pick up the trash and throw them out. Make conscious choices that protect the environment and ensure your life choices are not burdening anyone. You can start from here for inspiration. Don’t forget that it’s not your fault if bad things happen worldwide. You can worry about what you are doing to be a valuable part of it. When pessimism hits, engage in activities that bring you joy and help you relax, such as spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness, or talking to your loved ones.