Weight gain during lockdown and what you can do about it
Have you gained weight during lockdown? Find out why that might be, and what you can do about it.
Lockdown hasn’t been easy for many of us. And one common problem has been the lack of things to do, leading to overeating and putting on unwanted weight.
If you were making progress before lockdown and hadn’t drastically increased your eating habits, when you stand on the scales, you might be shocked to see the increase.
Extra drinking
When the lockdown measures were first introduced back in March, our lives changed dramatically. For many of us – we were either home all day (working or furloughed) – it was easier to have an occasional alcoholic drink during the day.
Also, with more events happening online, it became possible to get to more of them, and it seemed like the norm to drink as you would if socialising in person.
People who had to leave their home to work had the extra stress and worry, making them more likely to have a drink or two at the end of their working day. That intake all adds up over time.
Exercising less
Whether working in or out of the home, it may have seemed like everyone had gone fitness mad judging by all the free online fitness videos and trial subscriptions.
For many people that was far from reality and whether too stressed and worried to exercise, or suddenly having to work harder to earn a living, exercise fell way down the list of priorities.
Cutting down on exercise but eating the same amount of food as before might be another reason for your lockdown weight gain.
Stress eating
As the COVID death toll was reported daily and every other social media post or news broadcast was all about the pandemic, it would have been easy to turn to food for some comfort. Even a few extra calories every day over several months would account for a noticeable weight gain.
However you’ve gained weight over lockdown, it’s understandable, but there are things you can do about it now.
The 1:1 diet
The 1:1 diet is a great way to get back in shape and get yourself back on track. You get your very own (online) direct consultant to offer you all the support and encouragement you need.
The meals are tasty and nutritionally balanced, including noodles, shakes, porridge and a range of healthy snacks to keep you going between meals. The meals start from just £2.63 each, and the diet is proven to promote weight loss safely.
Getting back into exercise
It’s never too late to get back into your exercise routine or to increase it if you’re only managing infrequent bursts of activity. You may need time to rebuild your stamina, but if you’ve managed it before, you’ll know it’s possible to do it again.
Taking it slowly, listening to signs from your body and being careful not to overdo it are all essential steps in rebuilding your fitness. Exercise can also be a fantastic stress combatant.
Getting enough sleep
It may be difficult to drift off if you have a lot of your mind; getting enough sleep is vital. Your body needs time to rest so that it can function adequately in your day-to-day life. You’ll be better prepared to deal with the stresses of life and any challenges you’re facing if you’ve had a good night’s sleep.
Cutting down on the drink
You don’t need to go teetotal, but it might be time to put the drink aside, saving it for special occasions or treats. Once you get back into a routine, it will be easier to cut down anyway.
If you do want the occasional drink, look at lighter options, or try meeting friends (either online or while social distancing) without having a drink.
Changing your eating habits
Whether on a diet like 1:1 or going it alone, when you’re stressed and are tempted to eat unhealthy food, try fruit rather than something high in fat and sugar.
Alternatively, make a list of things you can do to sort out the problem that is causing you the stress. You might be able to come up with ways to improve the issue.
If not, then find something you enjoy doing instead, then at least you’ll be less tempted to stress eat. Doing something you enjoy is more likely to make you feel better in the long term than overeating.
Most importantly, in these uncertain times, eating healthily and taking regular exercise is the best way to look after yourself and improve your immune system, while improving your confidence and mental health.
