If the lockdown has revealed anything, it’s our expanding waistlines. According to a survey by King’s College, London, 2,254 people were asked about their weight gain during lockdown. 48 percent said they had gained weight and the same percentage said they had become more anxious and depressed than usual. 29 percent said they had drunk more alcohol. Given the strict restrictions of the lockdown preventing us from engaging in our usual health and fitness routine, it is no wonder that these numbers are high.
Throughout the lockdown, there are some who grasped the opportunity to embark on a new health and fitness programme from the comfort of their homes. However, for most, it has been a struggle. With the added pressure of the whole family at home all day, every day, impeding on your space and privacy, exercising under these circumstances can be demotivating. I get it!
So, what can you do about It? Don’t stress! If a home workout or following online fitness classes is not your thing, or not an option, try a different approach to exercise, where you can still keep active within the lockdown restrictions; for example, gardening, walking, cycling or running. It doesn’t have to be an hour long workout, four days a week. Start with just 10-15 minutes three times a week and with consistency, your fitness will improve and so will your routine. There is the added incentive of spring approaching, which means the days will get longer and the weather will improve, making it more desirable to get outdoors.
Here are a few tips to consider:
➡️Find the right support. Invite a friend or loved one to join you on your healthy journey. Or find a personal trainer that can give you adequate support and a programme suitable for you.
➡️To shed belly fat, it’s good to eat fat—specifically monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). When researchers in one study asked women to switch to a 1,600-calorie, high-MUFA diet, they lost a third of their belly fat in a month.
If you’re not ready to ditch your favourite snacks, reduce the number of calories in your diet.
➡️Include magnesium rich foods in your diet, such as dark leafy greens, bananas and soya beans.
➡️Include more white meat in your diet. i.e. fish, turkey and chicken.
Think of things you can add rather than take away from your diet, for example, more fruit, fibre, protein.
➡️Most importantly, take each day at a time. Do not overwhelm yourself with wants, and desires, instead give yourself everything that you need for a healthy lifestyle, that being a healthy mind and body.
Get Fit Stay Healthy 