With covid and quarantine, this time has not only been hard on us mentally but beyond rough on our waistline as well. In times of uncertainty and stress, we tend to grab the nearest comfort food and eat… and eat…and eat. We need to break the cycle. Comfort foods may seem sweet and great but in the end, nothing is worse for us both physically or mentally than the weight packs on. Here are 7 tips on how to lose those extra lockdown pounds in a healthy way.

1. Drink Up!

There’s nothing better for your body than some good old H2O. Not only does it help to flush and clean you inside but it fills you up too! Hydration is key for having energy and feeling great. Drink up before meals and you will definitely feel fuller faster!

2. Bigger Isn’t Always Better!

Eat 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day rather than 2-3 big ones. Eating smaller meals more often keeps your body nice and steady without having to overwork for the sudden intake of a lot of food!

3. Support Support Support!

Did I mention support?! Having the support of our loved ones, especially those you live with, is SO important! You want to be healthy and eat great and don’t want your friend, family, or significant other scarfing down a large pizza right in front of you. For everyone that signs up to work with me, one of the first questions I ask is if their partner or roommate will be supportive of living this new healthy lifestyle.

4. It’s Not A Diet!

I am not a fan of diets. At all. Whether counting every calorie, weighing your food, or completely eliminating whole food groups, nothing about that is easy or fan. Quick-fix diets might work for a few weeks or a few months but eventually, it gets too hard to keep up with and you end up with all the weight back plus some. You have to remember the key is getting you healthy for life, not just for right now.

5. Get Moving!

Yes, you can still workout! Just because the gyms are closed doesn’t mean you close down your workouts. Anything and everything helps. Go for a walk! Not only is it great for you physically as you are getting your steps in but getting that fresh air is so great for you mentally. In this crazy time, we all need to take some breaths, have me-time, and recharge. If you’re not right mentally, you will never be right physically. You can never be helpful to others if you’re not helping yourself. It doesn’t have to be hours long, even a 20-minute walk can make a world difference. Not a fan of walking?

No problem! Just hop online. There are A TON of free workout videos. Do you have stairs in your house or in your building? Have at it! Start by doing some sit-ups and push-ups while watching some tv. Start easy and slow, even if just 10 at a time, keep up with it daily and soon your abs are feeling so much stronger! You don’t need fancy weights or bands to get a great at-home workout in. All you need is just a little bit of time and some determination.

6. Make a Plan!

It’s SO easy when stuck at home to make many, many, many trips to the kitchen. A little snack here, a little snack there, can really start to add up. Have your meal plans set and ready to go for the next day. They help you to stay on track and focus on portion control. If having set meal plans, it will keep you from the nonstop snacking that can pack on the pounds.

7. Don’t Ever Forget The Positive Attitude! 

If you think it, you can do it! If the negative thoughts out weigh the good ones, reaching your goals will always seem unattainable. If you think it and believe it, you’ve already won most of the game!