Daily life has certainly been affected by the virus and it has brought about many challenges including lifestyle and maintaining a healthy weight. With state parks open then closed then open and who knows what next, with gyms closed and people limited in how they can stay active, more thought needs to be made on the diet itself. The two main ways of managing weight loss is through activity and diet. If activity is impeded, then more emphasis can be made on the diet until such time we can get out and exercise more.
So let’s check out some great tips to help remain in shape:
Keep a Journal
The journal Obesity reported a study group of 140 people who logged what they were eating (there are many apps for this) were able to lose an average of 10% of their weight over a 6 month period.
Timing of Eating
A study found that participants who ate breakfast 90 minutes later than normal and dinner 90 minutes earlier than normal lost more weight and felt more energetic.
Types of Food
Eating junk food, especially in these tough times, is an easy fix, but it causes more weight gain. Instead of buying junk food, buy more healthy food and spend some time preparing it and storing it so you can use this as a snack. Pre-prepared quality foods that you can simply eat as a snack can help you a lot.
Discipline
Don’t over eat. Consider using a scale of 0 to 10 where 10 is being utterly stuffed. Aim for a range of 5 or 6 on this scale so that you reduce the amount of calories at mealtimes.
Labels
Read the labels. Understand the serving sizes. Cereals are a classic example. Many people fill a bowl to the brim, but this could be several serving sizes. Read the labels and understand what a single serving actually is.
Drinks
Drinking beverages is a very easy way to gain weight without even realizing it. A serving of soda contains many sugars and calories and drinking a couple of cans or bottles could easily up your calorie intake without your knowledge.
Proteins
Eat foods rich in proteins and fiber such as fish, chicken, lean meats instead. Avoid processed and junk food as these increase food craving.
Keeping a close check on your diet will help you keep and manage your weight, especially right now. Moreover, a healthy weight not only means you will improve your general health and wellbeing, but it will also help reduce back pain too. With less weight being applied to your body means your joints won’t become as compressed and this can help ease your own back or neck issues.
If you are in pain, we are here to help you. Schedule an appointment here. Rest assured we’re doing all we can to ensure yours and ours health and safety.
