Staying at home in the COVID-19 lockdown makes it easier for people to forget their diet. Boredom and stress eating can be tempting during this crisis, and it’s easy to drop healthy eating habits when you don’t have the luxury of time to buy the right ingredients.
However, nothing is impossible if you remain committed to your weight loss goals. Our dietitian in Hernando Beach shares some practical tips on how to keep eating healthy during the quarantine.
1. Take advantage of homecooked meals
Experts have been saying this for years. Food from restaurants is generally packed with unhealthy ingredients that can make you gain weight. While in quarantine, you’ll have more opportunities to prepare and eat homecooked meals, as you are in control of the ingredients you use.
If you have time to shop for groceries, and social distancing at the store isn’t much of an additional burden, try to stock up on more vegetables and fruits, nuts, whole-wheat pasta, and plenty of fish. Learn to cook that healthy Mediterranean meal you have been wanting to try but didn’t have the time until now.
Cut or add ingredients as you see fit. If you’re on a weight loss journey, you can cook food with less salt, sugar, or refined carbohydrates. If you are not sure how to do this, you can ask our dietician to help you create an effective individualized program for weight loss in Spring Hill.
2. Avoid late-night eating or meals after 7 pm
Late-night eating or having meals after 7 pm may increase your risk of gaining weight, according to the British Journal of Nutrition. Apparently, your body can digest food better if eaten some hours before you sleep. Proper digestion is an essential factor in losing weight.
Your environment also influences your cravings. People often eat what they see. Store away unhealthy snacks where you cannot see them and place healthy meals at the center of your kitchen table, or anywhere that will make them easily visible.
To avoid eating past 7 pm, create a structure for your mealtimes, and stick to this routine.
3. Use portion control
If you’re hankering for a snack straight out of a bag, practice portion control. Don’t consume one whole bag of chips in one sitting. Instead, pour some into a bowl.
Our expert dietitian in Hernando Beach warns that eating out of a bag, while you’re watching the news about the pandemic on T.V., may prompt you to eat more because you’re stressed out. So, avoid doing this as much as possible as you’re only going to gain more weight.
4. Hydrate!
You might forget to drink water if you’re staying home, but water can actually curb your craving for unhealthy snacks. Herbal tea will also help if you want some taste in your water but avoid carbonated and sugary drinks altogether.
You might be tempted to forego your diet now that you’re stuck in the comforts of your home. However, we highly encourage that you stick to a healthy diet, as losing weight has many benefits in the short-term and even more in the long-term. In fact, it gives your immune system a boost, which provides you with a better defense against COVID-19.
Learn more about Batista Weight Loss Clinic in Spring Hill
Our highly qualified weight-loss experts at Batista Weight Loss and Wellness: Susan Batista, RDLD; John Batista, M.D.; Stephanie, M.A; and Valerie, Office Staff, together have decades of experience working with weight loss patients.
At the Batista Weight Loss and Wellness Clinic, we believe that successful weight loss depends on two factors – the knowledge about how to lose weight, and following through on your weight loss plan. Our expert dietitians in Brooksville will provide you with a customized weight loss plan and regular face-to-face interaction and motivation.
To create your own customized weight loss plan with us and achieve sustainable weight loss in Brooksville, don’t hesitate to contact us on (352) 600-3476 or drop us a visit at our clinic: 443 Mariner Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34609, USA.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.