Okay, so you’ve gained a few pounds during the pandemic.
However, we have finally reached a point where the grocery stores are fully stocked again. The weather is better, so we can exercise outdoors. We’ve settled into our new “normal” and you might be thinking it’s time to shed those pesky pandemic pounds.
BUT, before we bash ourselves and let stress get in the way, just remember… these are unprecedented times, so be proud of how far you’ve come, and that you’re doing your best!
I’d like to share a few tips to help you get back on track so you feel amazing!
Only eat when you’re hungry
Snacking is an easy and convenient activity when you’re stuck at home all day, but when you’re constantly putting food into your mouth, you lose track of your body’s hunger cues. Pay more attention to what your body is telling you. Likely, if it’s been 2 to 3 hours since your last meal, you might not be hungry; you might just be thirsty — or bored. Try drinking some water or switching tasks to see if thirst or boredom are the culprit.
Continue cooking at home
I love experimenting and researching new recipes to make for my family, and I’m always looking for healthier options to our favourite meals. You can search recipes based on what you already have in your fridge. This helps minimize trips to the grocery store and reduces the stress of having to find every ingredient for a recipe.
Get some movement into your day
If you are not the type of person who enjoys doing intense exercise classes at home, don’t worry! Try going for a 30-minute walk at least once a day. There are tons of physical and mental health benefits to walking and being outside in nature. And walking is just as beneficial, if not better, than going for a run. Walking is something you can do alone or with friends and family.
Get more sleep
Ever have a terrible night of sleep and feel starving all day long? Turns out our bodies need adequate sleep to keep our hunger hormones at bay. With the commute to work likely gone from your life, this could be a great time to try to get an extra hour of sleep. Try sleeping in a cool, dark room, and avoid using electronic devices for an hour before bedtime.
Work on meal prep
I hate the anxiety of feeling hungry, and opening the fridge to find nothing to eat. So, cut up veggies and fruits to conveniently snack on, or throw into a meal quickly later on. On Sundays, I often make a big sheet pan of roasted veggies along with chicken or salmon as protein. I will also make a batch of quinoa or another grain. This way I can easily make salads, Buddha bowls or a quick healthy plate when I’m hungry. Meal prepping is an easy way to manage time, hunger, and money.
Your overall health is not just about the foods you eat, or how your body looks. Be sure to take a deeper look at your lifestyle and take care of yourself from the inside out.
Once you begin to fuel your body with the nutrition it requires, you will begin to feel better and you’ll be increasingly motivated to keep going!
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