A lot of people’s plans for the year got derailed when the lockdowns hit because of the coronavirus pandemic. Travel plans had to be put on hold. Family gatherings for birthdays and anniversaries had to be postponed until they could gather again, though we also saw an uptick in online proposals and engagements.
However, there was something else we also saw go up: our weight. The “Quarantine 15” is real, and it’s a struggle to get rid of. For many people, it wasn’t just social plans that got derailed, but also their wellness journey. Gyms were considered non-essential and were ordered to shut down, even during when states were in the reopening phase. Those who were used to go for morning runs had to stop as people were asked to stay home or shelter in place.
These seem like minor inconveniences to some, but for others who have made this part of their healthy routine, it was a devastating blow.
Not a Laughing Matter
The term “Quarantine 15” was coined by social media users to make light of the fact that they had gained weight because of the lockdowns. Doctors, however, say it’s not something to be joked about. A recent poll by WebMD of more than 1,000 Americans found that 47% of women and 22% of men agreed that they gained weight because of the pandemic and the resulting lockdowns.
Also, most respondents said they gained 4 to 6 pounds while those that gained 7 to 9 pounds came a close second. Reasons for the weight gain included a lack of exercise, stress and anxiety because of the pandemic, and increased alcohol consumption. Physicians were alarmed at how much weight has been gained in such a short time and are urging people to be more mindful of their health during this time.
Boost Your Immune System
One of the biggest reasons health professionals are urging people to reach a healthy weight is because our immune system is strongly tied to our weight. The heavier we are, the more likely we are to get sick.
The good thing about this is that there’s a way for us to solve our weight issues and immune system problems beyond supplements and immunity-boosting IV infusion therapy. Simply being mindful of the food we buy and consume can already have a significant impact on your health.
- Consider buying frozen fruits and vegetables instead of fresh. During this time, when you’re unsure when your next trip to the store could be, we recommend stocking up on frozen items to ensure that you can make a healthy snack whenever the craving hits.
- Portion your food in advance. Take one less chore off of your to-do list by creating a healthy menu plan and prepping food in advance. This is especially helpful now that most of us are working from home.
- Invest in a slow cooker. This makes meal prepping easy since you could just toss your ingredients in the pot and let it do most of the work.
Don’t Forget to Move
During this period, it’s understandable that at the end of the day, you want to veg out on the couch. Resist the urge. Go back to what motivated you to go on a wellness journey in the first place. Plenty of things might have changed for you because of the pandemic, but exercising should not be it.
You can re-start your exercise regimen by following free workout videos on YouTube. There are tons of these videos on this platform. You’d be hard-pressed to find one that you don’t like. Exercising, coupled with mindful eating, should be your first step in getting rid of that pesky “Quarantine 15.”
