This period of the COVID-19 pandemic is filled with major uncertainties and how you are going to maintain your health and weight might not be at the forefront of your mind but it is very important. Just because all of us are stuck at home during the lockdown doesn’t mean that you still can’t maintain your health. By staying in isolation, we can break the chain of the infection but this has also disrupted our daily routine. Overeating, stress-eating and untimely meals can be a reason for gaining unhealthy weight during this time which is why it is essential to keep up your healthy habits and routine. There are plenty of ways to keep yourself on course and not gain any extra weight while you’re social distancing and staying in. We’ve some tips to do this perfectly:
Make a plan, and stick to it
Just because you’re constantly a few feet away from your kitchen, you can’t just keep eating every time you go in there. It is essential to have some normalcy. Make sure to have a balanced diet which includes all essential nutrients. Good protein, fats and carbs are crucial to keeping one healthy.
Maintain an eating schedule
Try to have most meals like dinner before 7-8 p.m. Eating food at a proper time and hours before you go to bed makes it easier to digest. Proper digestion and good gut health are important for healthy weight management.
Eat smart and healthy
What keeps us healthy than most things is eating fresh which is why you must stock up on seasonal fruits and vegetables as much as you can. Seasonal fruits have antioxidants and are also enriched in fibre that aids weight loss. Although during the pandemic, it might be easier to stock up on processed food, it is not good for you if you want to lose weight. All these foods are mostly filled with fats that are not good for you, also, trans-fats that you get from junk foods and fast foods.
Stay hydrated
While you are at home just resting, you might not feel more thirsty than you normally did. Remember to drink lots of water to keep yourself hydrated. It helps you keep away from unhealthy snacking and is good for skin, digestion, etc.
Reduce intake of refined carbs and added sugars
If you are focusing on losing weight, it is important to be able to distinguish between good carbs and bad carbs. Foods like white bread, cereals, pasta and sugar goods like doughnuts and cakes are not the kind of carbohydrates you need to lose weight. More of whole wheat products and foods with complex carbs are what you should include in your diet.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and healthy seeds are most essential and should be included in your diet. These contain a lot of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Almonds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, etc. are extremely beneficial for weight loss.
Eat healthy snacks
While stuck at home, snacking is inevitable and you need some mid-meal snacks, so, indulge in such a snack that does not disrupt your weight loss regime. Snack on dry fruits and healthy seeds and other foods that are not junk. Make something that is delicious but healthy and not just mindless junk food.
Start your day with honey and lemon water
Before the first meal of the day, it is important to eat something healthy to kickstart your body processes after long hours of rest. Starting your day with a glass of honey, lemon and water can help rejuvenate you and rid your body of toxins. It also boosts your metabolism.
Have meals that keep you full
A hearty breakfast can help you keep full until lunch. Eating a meal that is less than satisfying can lead to you snacking on unhealthy items and feeling hungry right after breakfast. To avoid that, your diet should include foods rich in protein (including lean meat, chicken, seafood, dairy), fibre (such as nuts, seeds, fruits and whole grains), and healthy fats (including olive oil, canola oil) which help you feel satisfied.
Divide your meals
As sitting at home and not doing anything can make you constantly want to snack on something. So, instead of having large meals 3 times a day, it is a good idea to split large meals into multiple small meals. This will help you watch your calorie intake and is also good for metabolism.
