For some people, weight loss is a constant struggle. In the midst of the current pandemic and the resulting quarantine, trying to avoid weight gain can be an even bigger challenge. The lack of our normally busy lifestyles coupled with “sheltering in place” can be a recipe for disaster when it comes to gaining weight – but it doesn’t have to be. There are ways to avoid weight gain during the quarantine period.
Battle Boredom
Quarantine or not, boredom is often the cause of overeating. Almost everyone has probably found themselves checking out the fridge or the pantry when they’re bored. Unfortunately, we tend to make less healthy food choices when eating to battle boredom. When you find yourself heading to the kitchen outside of mealtimes, ask yourself if you’re actually hungry. If not, it’s best to leave the kitchen and find something else to keep you occupied. If you worried your willpower won’t win out against the temptation of recreational snacking, stock up on healthy, low-calorie snacks.
Turn Off the TV
Being stuck at home provides us with the perfect opportunity to binge-watch TV. While this may be a great way to pass the time, eating in front of the TV often leads to what’s known as distracted or mindless eating. You’re paying more attention to what’s happening on the screen than to what you’re eating. Before you know it, a whole bag of chips or box of cookies is gone. The key here is to set limits. First, limit your TV time. The less time in front of the television means less opportunity for mindless eating. If you are going to snack in front of the TV, take a small serving, not the whole bag. Practice portion control.
Stick to Your Routine
Structure can also help you avoid weight gain during the quarantine. Even if you aren’t working from home, keep your routine as normal as possible. Get up and go to bed as you normally would. If you are working from home, stick to your regular schedule. Use the time you would spend commuting to the office to take a walk or take care of household tasks. If you’re not working, plan your day, give it structure. Getting the proper rest and having a routine will make it easier to skip snaking and avoid weight gain.
Drink Plenty of Water
It’s always important to drink plenty of water. In addition to keeping you hydrated and all the other health benefits it provides, drinking water can also help you avoid weight gain. Substituting water for sugary beverages can significantly reduce your calorie intake. Drinking water throughout your day can help you feel fuller, making it easier to skip snacks and eat less at mealtimes.
Get Some Exercise
Avoid becoming sedentary while sheltering in place. Just because you can’t go to the gym, doesn’t mean you can’t exercise. There are online exercise programs that can help you get your daily workout. Taking a walk, a bike ride or even doing yard work is a great way to keep yourself moving and out of the kitchen.
Virtual Socialization
There are many apps and video chat programs such as Zoom that make it easy to keep in touch with family and friends while practicing social distancing. Not only will this keep you connected but it helps to avoid the feeling of isolation and other psychological effects of being quarantined that could lead to overeating.
One More Way to Avoid Weight Gain
If you’ve missed regularly scheduled office visits during this pandemic or don’t want to wait until it’s over to get started on your weight loss journey, virtual weight loss visits may be the perfect solution. Vive Aesthetics and Wellness is proud and excited to add these virtual visits to our weight loss services. They allow us to keep you focused during this difficult time when it is easy to lose control of your diet. Contact us today or fill out our virtual appointment request form to schedule your virtual visit or curbside pickup.
