5 Healthy Tips - Keeping Fit Through COVID19

Hello everyone- I hope you're all adjusting to these unique circumstances as well as can be expected. When it comes to healthy eating and exercising in the midst of "stay-at-home" guidelines, we can view the situation in a couple of ways. Option 1, "I think I'll just hibernate until this is all over. I will resign myself to coming out of this with some extra pounds and not feeling so great (mentally or physically). Once things get back to normal, THEN I'll get healthy'".  With plenty of "bake your way through the pandemic" recipes on Instagram, endless carryout and curbside pickup food options and the lack of ideal workout venues, it might be tempting to go this route.

Can anyone relate??

But WAIT! There are other possibilities. Option 2, "It's hard to use the 'I don't have time' excuse anymore. Could I use the time in the upcoming weeks to keep myself on track or even improve my health?". Spoiler alert- YES YOU CAN! What might it be like to come out of this feeling BETTER, to be on top of your fitness game once we are again free to roam the earth? Is it the easiest option in the short term? Maybe not. But give it a go, and you'll likely thank yourself later!

Here are 5 tips, in no particular order, to help you put some healthy practices into your day. Please note that I'll dive into more specifics around healthy eating in the next post!

Tip #1 - Be kind to yourself. You might wonder how this tip aligns with creating a fitter, stronger or faster version of yourself. And it might even sound a little kumbay-ish....All I'm saying is to commit to a few good habits, and if you experience a setback, let it go. This isn't going to be perfect. Remind yourself why you're taking these steps in the first place, and get right back to it. If you eat an extra cookie...don't sweat it...simply load up on more fruits & veggies at your next meal.

Tip #2 - Put your dessert or snacks on a plate or in a bowl.  Measure out a serving (or maybe two) and that's it. Yep, you heard me. Do NOT saddle up in front of Netflix with a bag of potato chips or three sleeves of Thin Mints. We all know that is not going to end well. If you want the cookie or some chips, by all means, enjoy them. Simply take what you're going to enjoy and then put the rest away. Take your time....enjoy the texture and flavors of your treat...but save the feed bags for the experts!

Whatcha got in there? Donuts?

Tip #3 - MOVE. How easy is it these days to go hours and HOURS without leaving the couch, except maybe for a bio break and to see if there's anything new in the fridge? Now more than ever it's important to move your body every day. What's a reasonable time commitment? 10 minutes? 30? This may depend on where you're starting. There are tons of at-home workouts available- on Facebook, Instagram, maybe from your local gym - including many that do not require equipment. Find something that looks interesting to you and TRY IT. For those of you with weights or other equipment in your house, dust it off and make the best of it. It may not be pretty- my temporary workout area also houses our washer & dryer, my husband's work bench and a couple of litter boxes. Not exactly inspiring....but I'm grateful to have something.

Hang in there- this is temporary!

Also, at the time of this post, Peloton is offering a free 90 day trial of their app. There are a variety of workouts available...might be worth checking out!

Tip #4 - Get outside. If your mode of exercise already involves something outdoors -you can kill two birds with one stone. If not, fresh air is still crucial to your physical and mental well being. Besides getting Vitamin D, being outside may reduce anxiety, improve focus, improve your sleep, etc. Even if the weather isn't ideal, go out anyway.  Listen to a podcast or music, call a friend...or enjoy the solitude (which may be hard to come by these days).

Ensure proper social distancing guidelines....

Tip #5 - Try on your "regular" clothes at least twice per week.  Many of us are working from home or just plain don't leave the house. Do NOT make the mistake of wearing ONLY yoga pants or sweats (or other male equivalent of yoga pants) for eight weeks straight.  Put on a pair of jeans or other less-forgiving pants as a check-in. Do they still feel good? Are they a little snug? If you've got less breathing room, now would be a good time to incorporate any of the tips listed above! A wise friend informed me that I don't have to wear my jeans all day...I just need to try them on. Then it's back to my work pajamas!

Uh oh!

You'll notice that none of these tips are earth shattering, mind-blowing rocket science. So if you're not yet doing any of these, figure out what's getting in your way. Maybe you could write down your plan or perhaps enlist a buddy who will hold you accountable. Start with one of two of these...and determine when it makes sense to add another.  

Again, the next post will focus on more on food- meal prep and simple menu ideas to get you through this time feeling good!

This week's recipe is a simple one...and easily modified based on your preferences and what you have in the house. It's a burrito bowl from Forks Over Knives. https://www.forksoverknives.com/recipes/amazing-grains/burrito-bowl/#gs.2e2ntz

Take care and stay safe.