5 Lies You Should Tell Your Boss

Published on nicolewilliams.com and Huffington Post on 7.13.09

Whoever said lying at work is never a good idea hasn’t wanted something badly enough. There are indeed situations in the workplace where not telling the truth is just fine, but you have to know when it’s appropriate. (Oh, and make sure to keep track of all your fibs or you could be out of a job in no time!) Here, 5 things WORKS gives you permission to lie about:

1. Your worth. Almost everyone lies in an interview when they’re asked to name their price. In fact, many employers expect it. Therefore, it’s reasonable to exaggerate your preferred salary amount by 10 to 20 percent, given of course that you’re actually worth it. By showing that you value yourself, people will be more likely to consider a price closer to what you’ve asked for, and there’ll be more room to negotiate down.

2. Your future plans. Planning on starting a family in a year or two? Trying to launch your own business in your free time? Keep it to yourself. Employers want to think that your world revolves around them, and they’ll gladly remain stuck in this unrealistic fantasy forever if you let them. Any talk of further aspirations plants the seed that they’ll eventually need to replace you… And why put off until tomorrow what you can do today?

3. Your experience. Sure, you’re a public speaker. The toasts you’ve given at the past four weddings have brought tears to people’s eyes—and that counts for something, doesn’t it? Well, yes, actually it does. If you’re confident about a skill but haven’t necessarily been paid for it, then go ahead and add it to your résumé. But the trick is that you have to be able to “make it real” if required. No, you’re not exactly fluent in Spanish or adept at Photoshop, but you could take a crash course if need be. It’s a tactic used in business all the time: Sell it whether you have it or not, and then find a way to deliver.

4. Your health. Maybe you took some time off a few years back to deal with an illness, or you struggle with an occasional bout of depression. Anything regarding your health is strictly your business, and you’re not obligated to tell anyone if they ask. The only reasons to be forthright about health-related issues are if you need to take advantage of an employee health benefit, or you’re looking for protection under the Americans With Disabilities Act or the Family and Medical Leave Act.

5. Your tardiness. You missed the most important meeting of the month because you forgot to set your alarm. Do you admit this to your boss? Absolutely not. In a situation like this, the truth can do way more harm than a little white lie. But beware, you can only use the “family emergency” and “flat tire” cards once or twice before people begin to call your bluff—so play them wisely!

Best Late Night Foods

Published on nicolewilliams.com on 7.14.09

We’re all familiar with this scenario: You’ve clocked in 12 hours of nonstop work and consumed whatever you could scarf down between meetings and managing projects—namely 100-calorie packs and gum. The moment you set foot into your apartment, you rip off your heels like a woman unleashed. While you feel a slight twinge of hunger, you pause and deliberate... Skip eating altogether and collapse into bed? Or dig into a pint of Häagen-Dazs and pass out on the couch?

Though we’ve all opted for door No. 2 on occasion, eating right before bed has its undesirable consequences. According to Tanya Zuckerbrot, dietician and founder of SkinnyintheCity.com, late-night pig-outs can “sabotage a day’s worth of healthy eating.” She also adds that choosing the wrong foods can not only pack on the pounds but also disrupt sleep patterns. For those nights when you just can’t hack going to bed hungry, heed Tanya’s guide to smart late-night food choices.

Don’t curb the calcium. Your mom wasn’t far off when she gave you a glass of milk to drink before bedtime. Actually, the calcium in milk can help increase serotonin levels in the brain to relax your body and mind and promote a good night’s sleep. Just make sure it’s low-fat or fat-free to minimize excess caloric intake. Jell-O fat-free pudding is also a low-cal, calcium-rich snack that satisfies a sweet tooth.

Don’t go nuts with nuts. While they’re a good source of vitamin B and magnesium, which promote serotonin production, nuts are very nutrient dense. Almond Accents are the perfect night nut because they’re slivered—crunchy satisfaction on fewer calories and fat.

Favor fruit. For something sweet, try a handful of dried fruit. The fiber, potassium, and magnesium it contains promote good digestion. Mix the dried fruit and/or a tablespoon of Almond Accents in with Greek yogurt for a yummy treat packed with fiber and protein. Or try some fresh fruit—frozen! Frozen grapes are a fun-to-eat, low-cal snack because they keep your mouth busy, perfect for expelling anxious energy. Also try freezing a banana, which contains vitamin B6, an essential nutrient for serotonin production. To sneak in some protein, spread a tablespoon of peanut butter across the banana slices.

Try turkey. If you’re ravenous and need a mini meal, have 2 ounces of sliced turkey on one piece of whole-grain bread. This will fill you up and get you ready for some solid z’s, due to the sleep-inducing tryptophan in the turkey.

Beware of beverages. While a cup of hot cocoa seems like a great way to unwind before bedtime, it may actually have the opposite effect because cocoa contains caffeine. While we’re at it, so do many green and black teas. If you’re seeking something warm and soothing before bed, stick to herbal tea or a glass of warm milk.

Say no to simple carbs. Simple carbohydrates such as white bread, pasta, pretzels, and candy should be avoided late at night. These foods cause a spike and then rapid decrease in blood sugar, which can affect your sleeping patterns. Although they may provide temporary satisfaction, simple carbs aren’t filling and can cause you to wake up in the middle of the night (and head for the fridge again!). Stick to a combination of foods high in protein and fiber to keep you satiated—and sleeping.

Safe Snacks
• Greek yogurt topped with ½ cup high-fiber cereal (like Kashi Go Lean Crunch) or ¼ cup dried fruit
• Sliced banana with 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1 cup frozen grapes
• 2 ounces turkey with one slice whole-grain bread
• Instant oatmeal made with ½ cup warm low-fat milk
• 2 cups air-popped popcorn (for a sweet tooth, sprinkle with cinnamon and Splenda; for a salty tooth, sprinkled with Parmesan)
• Jell-O fat-free pudding with 1 tablespoon Almond Accents (sliced almonds)
• Frozen treats: Skinny Cow Vanilla Truffle Bar, Tofutti Pops, 1 cup fat-free frozen yogurt