Since the pandemic began, it has been difficult to stick to healthy habits, especially during the holiday season. Are you someone that has been wanting to lose the weight that you’ve gained during the pandemic or the holidays? Here are some tips to help you lose that weight safely!

Remember that starving yourself or other extreme measures do more harm than good. If you are very concerned about your weight, talk to your doctor.

Drink More Water

You have probably heard several times that drinking water is very good for your health. It can help with your circulation and digestion, eliminate toxins from your body, as well as boost your metabolism. Drinking water before each meal can prevent you from overeating by reducing your meal portions. There could be times when you may feel hungry but you could be thirsty instead. Try to drink lots of water or eat foods containing water instead of sugary drinks or snacks throughout the day.

Exercise Daily

Exercising daily is good for you whether you are trying to lose weight or not. It not only helps you burn calories, but it could also help you make healthier food choices. This is because being physically active can help reduce stress, increase your energy and mood, improve your sleep, and build muscles that can help your metabolism. Try to aim for at least 30 to 40 minutes of exercise per day. You could go work out at a gym or just walk around the neighbourhood. Exercising with friends or family is a good way to get you motivated.

Avoid Eating Out

Eating out at restaurants or ordering in can be very tempting. Although there is nothing wrong with eating out once in a while, it should not be done frequently. Most restaurants’ serving sizes are much larger than what is recommended and you may feel tempted to eat all of your food. Eating home-cooked meals is much healthier. This is because you have control over what ingredients are used and how much food is put on your plate. If you are going to eat out or order in, try to divide the food to take home or save for later.

Follow a Schedule

It is important to eat at around the same time every day. Eating on a regular schedule can regulate your appetite which prevents you from eating more or less than usual throughout the day. Also, skipping meals is not a good idea. It will only make you feel hungrier. This will lead to you overeating during your next meal. One thing you should have in your meals is vegetables. Vegetables are filled with vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants. Try to incorporate more protein into your meals as well. Protein helps keep you full for longer.

It is important to remember not to be hard on yourself during this process. You may feel discouraged and frustrated. Keep in mind that you will see results when you put in your hard work. It may not be as quick as you’d like, but the results will be there.

Resources

Blanchfield, Theodora. “10 Ways to Reverse Holiday Weight Gain — Fast!” Glamour. https://www.glamour.com/gallery/10-ways-to-reverse-holiday-weight-gain-fast

Greuner, Dr. David. “5 To Lose Weight After The Holidays.” Muscleandfitness.com.  https://www.muscleandfitness.com/nutrition/lose-fat/5-ways-lose-weight-after-overeating-during-holidays/

Manning, Joy. “6 Habits That Can Help You Lose Lockdown Weight (and 5 That Won’t).” Everyday Health. https://www.everydayhealth.com/weight/habits-that-can-help-you-lose-lockdown-weight-that-wont/

Sass, Cynthia. “COVID Weight Gain Is Totally Normal: Try These 9 Nutritionist-Approved Tips for Dealing With It.” Health.com. https://www.health.com/weight-loss/losing-weight-gained-during-the-pandemic