6 Pandemic Habits You Should Keep for Lasting Weight Loss
Assess What's Working (and What's Not)
As the pandemic forced us to adapt to a new way of living, many of us picked up some healthy habits along the way. Perhaps you started walking every morning now that you're not commuting, or maybe you're getting an extra half hour of sleep each night. Cooking more meals at home is another positive change for many.
Take an honest look at the habits you've built and ask yourself which ones have been beneficial. Which new routines did you enjoy and were easiest to incorporate into your lifestyle? At the same time, consider what didn't work so well, like snacking more while working in close proximity to the kitchen. Identifying the pros and cons allows you to focus your energy on cementing the good habits while troubleshooting the not-so-good ones.
Get Creative With At-Home Fitness
Regular exercise is essential for weight loss and overall health, but doing the same home workouts day after day can lead to boredom and burnout. Keep things fresh by investing in some basic equipment like dumbbells, resistance bands, or a yoga mat to expand your exercise options.
Trying new virtual fitness classes is another great way to stay motivated. And don't forget about outdoor activities, even in the colder months - skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and winter walks or runs are all excellent ways to stay active year-round. Experiment to find something you truly enjoy and could see yourself sticking with long-term.
Keep Doing Your Grocery Shopping Online
While not without its quirks, online grocery shopping has one major perk for weight loss - it cuts way down on impulse buys. When you order your groceries ahead of time rather than browsing the aisles, you're more likely to stick to your list and avoid tossing less-nutritious items in your cart on a whim.
Plus, grocery delivery services can save you time and money. Just watch out for funky substitutions if an item is out of stock - it's not uncommon to accidentally wind up with beef jerky instead of sparkling water, for example. Double check that order before finalizing!
Broaden Your Culinary Horizons
With many restaurants closed or limited during the pandemic, more people have been getting acquainted with their own kitchens. Use this time at home to hone your cooking skills and get adventurous with new recipes and cuisines.
Travel the world from your own kitchen by whipping up dishes you've never tried before. When you do order takeout, some menu sleuthing can help you find healthier options that are baked rather than fried, go light on creamy sauces, and include a protein and veggies.
Make Mindful Eating a Priority
Working from home has allowed more people to step away from their desks and devote time to eating meals without distractions. Sitting down to eat undistracted, rather than scarfing something down in a meeting or at your computer, makes you more aware of what and how much you're consuming.
Even if you return to the office, try to maintain the practice of mindful eating. Take a break to have meals and snacks sitting at a table, away from screens and other diversions. Chew slowly and savor each bite. This can go a long way in preventing overeating.
Prioritize Quality Sleep
The connection between sleep and weight is well-established. When you're short on sleep, hunger and appetite-regulating hormones get out of whack, potentially leading to increased snacking and cravings for less-nutritious foods.
Many people have been able to catch a few extra Zzzs while working from home during the pandemic. To further improve your sleep habits, put away devices an hour before bed so the blue light doesn't keep you up. Develop a relaxing wind-down routine and stick to a consistent sleep schedule as much as possible. You'll likely notice the benefits not just in your energy levels, but your food choices and waistline as well.
