Contributed by Diamond Sydnor
Being at home in quarantine has us all being very creative, trying new recipes we wouldn’t think of when the world was still moving at a fast pace. Many of us would buy out or buy meal preps from others. With this pandemic, those easier ways of eating have become a lot more complicated, which has forced us to get in the kitchen daily.
Covid-19 has caused many of us to be anxious while awaiting to hear the next steps of society. Consistently feeling anxious is linked to snacking. Many of us have been snacking on lots of sugary, sweet, salty, and savory things, which is linked to vast weight gain. With gyms being closed, gaining the Covid-19 in pounds can have many of us frustrated.
Don’t worry! There are many ways to get moving, to stay in shape, and to shed some pounds while in quarantine, so we can have the summer bodies we want when this is over! Let’s discuss!
- Drink plenty of water! Some of the weight gain can be water weight. Did you know you can gain up to 6lbs in water weight? Let’s start drinking more water!
- Go for a walk for at least 30mins a day! Take your children and your pet. It will help in speeding up your heart rate which is connected to a fast metabolism. Most importantly it will help produce endorphins that help us to feel happy, in which will combat the anxious feelings!
- Choose healthier snacks! Snack on fruits, veggies, and protein throughout the day
- When at the grocery store park further from the door to get some steps in
- You don’t always have to go outside! Try yoga inside your home! You can search YouTube videos for yoga beginners! Yoga is linked to weight loss, improved respiration and energy, and increased muscle strength which helps us to tone.
- Choose one day out of the week to treat yourself with a meal or snack of your choice. It can be whatever you want it to be.
- Meal prep your own meals for the week! Many of us are still working hard from home and even home schooling our children! We’re in the kitchen, anyway, why not cook the healthy stuff! Your body will thank you for it!
- Lastly, GIVE YOURSELF GRACE! This pandemic has changed our lives drastically. While being healthy is important, life can get the best of us at times! So, if you’re not having a good day and want a scoop of ice cream, have the scoop and get right back on track. Whatever you do, DON’T QUIT!
Society is trying to begin to have things return to some sort of normalcy and summer is around the corner! Let’s get fit together! We can do it!