Have you packed on a few pounds while in quarantine? According to Nutrisystem’s survey, roughly 76% of Americans have gained weight by staying home all day, as much as 16 pounds between March and July.
Does that mean we’re stuck in a forced sedentary lifestyle until things start getting back to normal? Not so fast. By having no lengthy commutes to the workplace, fewer errands to run, and fewer people to interact with, there’s more time available to exercise and cook healthy meals at home. With the time afforded to us, we can make an effort to take control of our lifestyle choices, including taking control of our own weight.
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Complicated diets, extensive shopping, and constant meal prep may be too difficult or stressful to tackle right now. Let’s start with the basics. All the usual weight loss tips still apply: focus on healthy eating, regular exercise, and a good night’s sleep. But given the realities of pandemic life, that may not be enough. Here are 5 weight loss tips to consider while in quarantine:
1. Take Small Steps
During this stressful time, it’s a lot to overhaul your routine completely. The best would be to take small steps to ease into a new habit. Pick one thing to focus on before adding more.
2. Cook More At Home
Even though you may have more time for cooking, you may not have the mental energy to choose recipes and shop for specific ingredients. Instead, stock your kitchen with ready-to-use items that are easy to modify into a nutritious meal. Try simple recipes like chicken breast, broccoli, and quinoa or brown rice for a delicious and healthy dinner.
3. Eat On A Schedule
Working from home means you have food accessible 24/7, and your days probably have less structure than they used to. Plan a schedule when you’ll take a quick break and eat lunch, and stick to it.
4. Consider Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting is the practice of limiting what you eat for a set number of hours each day. The idea is not to gorge on meals during those hours, but so you do not have to count calories or nutrients. Essentially by not eating in the first part of the day and late around evening time, you’ll most likely discover you’re eating less. Should you have any health concerns, consult with a physician. Our board-certified doctors can answer any questions. Book an appointment today.
5. Use Your Commute Time For Exercise
Now that you do not have to leave home by early morning, you can spend that time moving your body. You do not necessarily have to increase the intensity of your workout but can extend the duration. If the gym is no longer an option, take up some cardio, like jogging or cycling, and use objects around the house, like heavy books or water jugs, for makeshift exercise equipment.
At UrgentWay, we welcome walk-ins and also have telemedicine appointments if you’re unable to come in. Visit us at one of our convenient locations in New York, and let’s begin your weight loss journey together.
