Weekends are wonderful for relaxing, yes. But what happens is that it’s easy to get a bit too relaxed and throw caution to the wind when it comes to your eating habits. If you’re looking for easy steps to help keep you healthy while staying at home and social distancing, here are some Science-backed ideas.
It’s totally fine if you are not worried about weight loss right now. For many of us, there are bigger priorities than wanting to feel fit, but, now that most of us have been home for a while, we’re settling into new routines—and they aren’t always the healthiest. Spending more time at home means less active time and more snacking than usual. If you are starting to feel like you’re in a slump.
1. Get moving
It is probably no surprise that movement is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle. There are several exercises that are proven to help you lose weight that may surprise you, like walking and yoga.
Even your hobbies or chores like gardening or cleaning are activities that can up your daily calorie burn and, over time, can help with weight loss. More than just weight loss, exercise has numerous benefits to your body and mind. Studies have even shown just ten minutes a day can stave off chronic diseases like Dementia.
2. Stay hydrated
Most Americans are not drinking enough water, particularly plain water, each day. Making sure to drink enough water is a super simple way to kickstart a healthy eating pattern.
Dehydration can lead to overeating and low energy, so it doesn’t jive with weight loss or health goals. If your routine has changed from staying home there will be a tendency that your water intake will be lower than usual.
Keep a water bottle with you so you have easy access (and a reminder) when you need to take a drink. (There are even water bottles that light up to remind you to take a drink.) Drinking water or seltzer with a splash of juice or infused with fruits or vegetables may help make it more fun, too.
3. Eat more fiber
Without changing anything else about your diet, eating more fiber has been proven to help with weight loss. Fiber has an array of other health benefits too, ranging from lower chronic disease risk and improved gut health.
The easiest way to boost your fiber intake? Add more fruits and vegetables into your day, skins included. Learning to love beans, lentils and legumes will help you get more fiber into your diet. Opt for whole grains, like oats, whole-wheat pasta and Quinoa, when you can. They have higher fiber content than their refined counterparts.
4. Get some sleep
Most things that help us sleep better can also help us lose weight. Staying hydrated, eating enough fiber and getting moving all help you have restful nights and set you up for weight-loss success.
In addition, try not to stress out and limit caffeine late in the day and avoid alcohol too close to bedtime. More than being mindful of your eating habits, sleep doctors have recommended sticking to regular sleep and wake schedule that is sustainable for your lifestyle is crucial for a healthy sleep pattern.
Weight maintenance, or loss for that matter, is not a one-size-fits-all deal. Far from it. What works for one may not work for you – or even backfire. Everybody is different; everybody has their own threshold for how they’re willing to live and how they want to look.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
