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Fitness and Health, Food & Recipes, Lifestyle talk

Healthy Eating Tips for Business Travelers

June 27, 2023

While business travel can be good for your career, it’s not always good for your waistline.

Traveling to another city for a networking opportunity, a business meeting or to attend a conference is a great opportunity. However, sometimes your packed schedule means that you don’t have the time to eat a healthy meal. Grabbing fast food on the go is convenient, but it will also leave you feeling sluggish rather than healthy and energized.

Here are some healthy eating tips for every business traveller to keep in mind.

Be Prepared

When you bring your own snacks with you, you’ll avoid being tempted by the quick and easy yet unhealthy options on the way. For example, bring along some fruit, a granola bar or carrot sticks that you can munch on while waiting for your flight. (Just keep in mind airport security and customs restrictions.)

Also, sometimes morning conferences and meetings run late, leaving you starving and more likely to overeat when you finally get to lunch. Having a banana or a bit of trail mix in your bag can be a lifesaver.

Stay in Self-Catering Accommodation

When you stay in a hotel during a business trip, you’ll have no option other than to eat all of your meals in a restaurant (or order room service). Since restaurant portions are often larger than necessary and include plenty of salt and fat, this is a huge factor in why many business travellers return home with their clothes feeling a little too tight.

When you stay in self-catering accommodation, such as a furnished apartment with a kitchen, you’ll be able to shop at the local supermarket and cook your own healthy meals. That way, you can make fresh and tasty recipes and you’ll know exactly what is going into them.

Have Protein for Breakfast

When you start your day, consider some eggs and wholegrain toast rather than sugary cereals or pastries.

The protein will leave you feeling fuller for longer so that you don’t get that mid-morning sugar crash and subsequent cravings. Plus, there are so many tasty dishes that you can make with eggs – from scrambled to fried to poached and much more.

Choose One Treat – And Really Enjoy It

Part of the fun of travelling somewhere else on a business trip is the chance to try the local cuisine, so you don’t want to completely restrict yourself from enjoying the food. The key is to limit yourself to one or two indulgent treats on your trip and to really focus on the experience of eating them.

So, if you are on a business trip to Vancouver Island you might treat yourself to the finest, gourmet Nanaimo Bar. Or, if you are heading to Montreal you can dig into a huge plate of delicious poutine. Get the very best and sit down and really focus on enjoying it.

These are just a few healthy eating tips. How do you eat healthily when you travel for business? Let us know in the comments below.

Business Travel, Fitness and Health, Lifestyle talk

10 Ways to Optimize Your Work From Home Space and Schedule

February 6, 2023
work from home space

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, millions of people around the world are working from home for the first time. Whether you’re working from home part or full-time, there are a few important things you can do to optimize your work from home space and the time dedicated to working. 

Bear in mind that these tips are dependent on your personal space and budget. Use what you can and ignore what’s not relevant. 

That said, here are the 10 ways to optimize your work-from-home space and schedule:

1. Create a Designated Work Space

One of the most important steps to take, but also one most dependent on your available space, is to have a designated space just for work. This space can really be anywhere in your home, in any room, in whatever corner. But this spot should be used only for working from home. This way, your mind and body know when you are at “work” and when you are at home. 

The physical and mental division between work and home will benefit your motivation and mental health greatly. If you are renting through DelSuites, it’s good to check beforehand if there is a desk/chair for working from home. 

2. Be Near a Window

If possible, having your desk near a window has numerous benefits. You’ll be receiving Vitamin D from the sunlight, avoiding the possibility of seasonal depression. Also, the sights and sounds outside the window provide good background noise and just the right amount of distraction when brainstorming or zoning out in thought. Natural sunlight will help as a secondary light source as well.

3. Have Multiple Light Sources

Speaking of a secondary light source, it is great to have multiple light sources around your workspace. Ceiling lights can be too dim or too fluorescent and could be casting shadows on your desk. All of this leads to headaches and strain on your eyes. Having a desk lamp, especially if you’re writing, and being near a window will illuminate your desk. This should lessen the chances of getting headaches from poor lighting and straining eyes. 

4. Invest in a Comfortable Chair

Spending the money on an actual office chair will do wonders on your back. Being able to adjust the height of the chair will make sure your feet are comfortably on the ground while your arms are the correct height for typing and writing. The armrests will help support your arms as you work to remove the strain on your shoulders. And the support on your back will keep your back in good shape. Your chair doesn’t have to be an office chair though. Just make sure any chair you use is comfortable, at the correct height, and preferably has armrests. 

5. Eliminate Clutter

To keep your mind clear and able to focus on work, a workspace without clutter is best. Unnecessary papers, cords, or other knick-knacks will just distract you and get in your way. Have what you need quickly accessible but if there’s anything around you that you don’t use often (or at all), put it away in a designated storage space. For those things that you do use every once in a while, a cabinet or drawers around your desk can provide easy storage and accessibility. 

6. Greenery 

Even though clutter is bad, there are benefits to having greenery and appealing decor nearby. Easy to care for greenery adds colour and oxygen to your workspace. Humans benefit from being near nature of any type, and studies have even shown that plants in a home can stimulate creativity. If you aren’t near a window, choosing a low-light plant or a succulent will help. For those of us with busy schedules, the less maintenance required from the plant, the better. 

7. Use Green and Blue Decor

Other forms of decor can be helpful if they aren’t on your desk and are of the right colour. Interior designers prefer to use greens and blues while decorating to create an atmosphere that is refreshing, motivating, and even nurturing. 

8. Set a Schedule

As much as possible, create a daily routine of work time, break time, and after-work time. Also, if you have a flexible schedule, set your work time at your most productive hours. There’s no reason to wake up very early if you’re just not a morning person. Having this schedule creates boundaries in your life, letting your body and mind know when to focus and be productive and when to relax and forget about work. 

9. Leave Your Workspace for Breaks

When you do take your scheduled breaks, step away from your desk and your computer. Doing this will keep the physical and mental boundaries you have created between work life and home life. This will also reduce screen time if you’re looking at a computer during your whole workday. Go to another room and really take that break that you deserve. 

Related: The Benefits of Using DelSuites for Your Work From Home Location

10.  Dress for Success

This might be the most controversial suggestion so far but this can have a big impact on your productivity. Do not stay in your pyjamas when you begin working. You will physically and mentally want to continue snuggling down in bed and will not want to work. Now, it isn’t necessary to put on full office attire but changing into actual clothes before beginning to work lets you know your day has started. And you’ll always be ready for an unexpected video meeting!

DelSuites Is Your New Home Away From Home Space

Looking for a new work-from-home space closer to work, closer to the airport or just a place to focus on your busy lifestyle that has a more convenient location? Let DelSuites be that alternative or option that is your new home away from home.

View available condo rentals around the Greater Toronto Area.

 

Fitness and Health, Lifestyle talk

2023 Resolutions: Toronto Active Things

January 9, 2023
Resolutions, new year resolutions, Toronto, fitness activities

If your New Year’s goal is to live a more active lifestyle, there are many fun ways to stick to your new habit with Toronto’s active things to do.

Regular physical activity will bring you huge benefits. Not only will it help you to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight, but it will also reduce your blood pressure, build muscle, improve your metabolism and help you to sleep better. Exercise has also been found to release positive chemicals in the brain and help to reduce anxiety and depression.

If your goal is to make a habit of being more active, there are many ways that you can do this. You can go for a run or a walk, join a gym, go for a swim, take dance classes, join a sports team or go hiking – it’s up to you. You might even want to vary your activities so that you exercise different muscle groups and keep yourself from getting bored. Even if you feel like staying indoors, our furnished apartments offer fitness facilities in every building and are always included in the rate!

Here are just a few ways to help get you started with Toronto’s active things to do.

Take Aim at the Archery District

Imagine burning calories and having a blast at the same time while playing an archery tag game involving foam-tipped arrows and paintballs. Players rush to center field to retrieve the arrows, then attempt to knock out all of the five targets on the opposing side. This thrilling game can be played with your family, friends or colleagues and it is a great way to get your heart pumping.

Perfect Your Axe Throwing

Work on your upper body strength and dexterity and unleash your inner lumberjack by learning how to throw an axe. The Backyard Axe Throwing League offers casual walk-in axe-throwing lessons with experienced coaches. (Listen to the coach before attempting your first throw, otherwise, things could get dangerous!) If you find that you have a natural talent for hurling axes, you could join the league and compete.

Spin Around the PoleToronto Active Things

Pole dancing is a highly acrobatic and challenging performance art that requires a high level of strength, control and flexibility. It’s also a ton of fun and a great way to feel confident and sexy. Brass Vixens is the largest pole dance studio in Toronto and there you can take classes on how to achieve impressive acrobatic stunts. After your first lesson, you’ll be tired and sore but you’ll want to come back again just to learn how to pull off the amazing moves.

Overcome Obstacles

At Pursuit OCR you can climb, jump, run and clamber your way through a fantastic 10,000-square-foot obstacle course – then leap into Toronto’s only adult-sized ball pit. This thrilling indoor playground will ensure that you are having so much fun that you forget about how many calories you are burning.

These are just a few of the unusual, exciting Toronto active things to do to achieve your goal of being more active this year. Now get out there and go for it!

See more blog articles from DelSuites

Moving to Toronto? Short-term rentals can help.

What Business Travellers Desire The Most When Relocating To Toronto (with stats from GBTA)

DelSuites: A Home for Digital Nomads in Toronto

Entertainment, Events, Fitness and Health, Holiday Events, Lifestyle talk

How to Stay Healthy Over the Holidays

December 2, 2022

Staying healthy over the holidays can be a challenge. The weather outside is cold and we spend most of our day indoors, breathing in recycled air and possible germs. The abundance of alcohol and sugary treats over the holiday season reduces our immune systems, making us more susceptible to illness. The stress and pressure of preparing for New Years’ events can decrease your health even more – making you a target for flu bugs, colds and much more.

However, there are a number of ways that you can keep yourself healthy over the holidays.

Keep Up Your Exercise Routine

It’s tempting to ditch your workouts and let your days fill up with parties, errands and holiday preparations. However, it is important to keep your exercise routine as much as possible. Staying active will give you more energy, help you deal with added stress, boost your immune system and help you manage your weight during the holiday season. Squeeze in a visit to the gym whenever you can and try to enjoy active holiday activities such as going for a walk in the snow with your family. When staying in your furnished rental in Toronto, you can utilize the gym in the downtown Toronto apartments which is included in your rate, so you dont have to pay extra to work out.

Reduce Your Alcohol Consumption

Healthy Over the HolidaysThe holidays bring with them a number of situations where alcohol is consumed, from a mug of mulled wine to cocktails and drinks at the New Years’ party. It’s fine to have a few festive drinks but be careful not to go overboard. When you drink too much it will reduce your immune system function, put a strain on your liver, raise your blood pressure and add a lot of empty calories. Try to alternate your alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones at a party or an event so that you can cut back and stay healthy over the holidays.

Fill Up on Healthy Food

If you are going to a holiday get-together where you know there will be a lot of sweets, cookies, candies and other unhealthy treats, make sure that you eat a full meal of healthy, nourishing food first. Then, you will be less likely to eat as many unhealthy treats.

Take Time to De-Stress

The holidays can be a stressful time. There are a lot of commitments to friends and family, a lot of events to attend and plan for as well as the financial stress of gifts. You might find yourself being stretched thin and feeling stressed. Make sure that you give yourself time to take a break and recharge. Allow time for yourself to enjoy activities that reduce stress, such as going for a walk, practicing yoga or listeniHealthy over the holidaysng to some calming music.

Stay Warm

When the weather outside is frightful, make sure that you keep yourself warm and bundled up. A warm coat is important, as well as a hat and gloves to reduce heat loss through your head and hands where you lose the most heat.

Keep these tips in mind so that you can stay healthy and make the most of this holiday season.

Looking for a 30+ day furnished rental in downtown Toronto for your travel program?

Start your search for furnished apartments in downtown Toronto today with DelSuites.

Announcements, Customer Service Experience, Fitness and Health, Medical Stays

DelSuites Partners with AGTA Home Health Care to Take Accessible Travel Farther

May 4, 2022

DelSuites has always been proud to offer a comfortable, private space to call home while recovering from important medical procedures. Because our properties are located near the specialized care units at major Toronto hospitals, we know how medical stays impact every aspect of a family’s life—and we work hard to make that challenge a little warmer, more comfortable, and more livable.

Now you can unlock a 7% discount on the medical supplies you need to make a post-hospital stay easier—and bring a new level of support to the hard work of healing.

DelSuites has partnered with AGTA Home Health Care to add peace of mind, dignity, and professional support for the people who come through our doors to recover. With 22 years’ experience supporting aging, injured, and physically challenged clients—or anyone who just needs a little extra support around the house—AGTA brings proven care and accessibility to the privacy and comfort of a DelSuites furnished rental in Toronto.

Whether you’re coming to Toronto for an important medical stay or planning everyday travel while living with a few extra needs, DelSuites and AGTA let you enjoy Toronto worry-free, in a warm, luxurious space you can happily call home.

Bringing health care to you on your medical stays

AGTA Home Health Care brings the DelSuites ethic of hospitality to health care: letting people stay—or heal—at home, whether home is permanent or temporary.

AGTA’s founder, Vince Agovino, has been caring for people since 1995. His experience of the formidable challenges friends and families face when organizing home care for their loved ones spurred him to found AGTA Home Health Care.

AGTA understands how all the puzzle pieces—personal support, medical expertise, and the right supplies—come together to make the difference between navigating your space and enjoying it. They bring together everything you need to make a positive recovery or live in a truly accessible space.

AGTA’s one-stop, accessible website lets you buy or affordably rent medical supplies and assistive devices for as long as you need the support. With everything from cast protectors for easy showering, easy-grip kitchen knives, wheelchairs, crutches, and ramps, they will ensure you have everything needed, prior to your arrival.

AGTA also works seamlessly with funders like WSIB, ODSP, and the Ontario Assistive Devices Program to help conveniently improve your quality of life.

On the human side, AGTA offers full, 24-hour home health care visits. AGTA’s compassionate, professional staff of personal support workers and in-home nurses are pre-qualified with Toronto’s Home and Community Care Support Services—so you know your care is top-notch. AGTA seamlessly coordinates care with your medical team so you can recover in comfort and privacy—and family members can focus on being there.

A seamless way to plan an accessible stay

Our partnership with AGTA doesn’t just open doors for those recovering from medical procedures. Travelers living with disabilities or chronic health issues frequently work a little harder to get the comfortable, luxurious travel experience everyone expects. AGTA and DelSuites let you consider that work handled.

The open, accessible layouts of DelSuites units are built for everyday living. With full kitchen and laundry facilities, accessible indoor parking, and wide, spacious doors and bathtubs, we’ve got the basics of an accessible stay. But with AGTA, travelers can affordably rent the small modifications that take those basics to a full-fledged accessible solution: bath steps, tub rails, back support, and more.

It’s a way to focus on what you’re in Toronto to do, see, taste, and enjoy, instead of working hard to source the tools you’ll need to overcome barriers. And if you need personal support workers—some days or every day—it’s a way to open Toronto up to you as a warm, welcoming, fun travel destination.

With DelSuites, the everyday costs of living are always included in our rates: WiFi, phone plans, cable TV, linens service, and the use of our buildings’ recreational and fitness amenities. AGTA’s affordable equipment rental rates make Toronto travel not just physically, but financially accessible.

All you have to do is pick up the key to your DelSuites rental. With a pre-trip order to AGTA, all the supplies you need can be waiting for you.

All you need to do is arrive

Both DelSuites and AGTA understand that hospitality is everything. It’s core to a warm travel experience; it catches us after a hard health scare; it’s what lets us age at home. We’re proud to come together to make everything about Toronto travel and medical stays easier—and make much more possible.

To set up an accessible, supported Toronto stay, visit our Medical Stays information page. Our Bookings team and AGTA Home Health Care will help you settle into your home away from home—and make sure it’s a place to feel well and supported.