The global pandemic that the world is facing right now is sure to have impacted all of us. When the lockdown was announced the one thing that we all wanted to make sure was if we have enough food in the kitchen and most importantly, all our favourite binge-worthy snacks. In the current situation, it isn’t right to be mulling over weight gain and the trivial stuff while there are people dying worldwide. But if the quarantine weight gain is bothering you too much, then here are a few simple lifestyle and weight loss tips that you can stick by.

1. Packaged Food Is Convenient But Is It Healthy? 

One of the biggest cons of sitting at home or even working from home is the habit of unhealthy snacking and overeating. If you are one of those who cannot stop munching, then you can always replace oily food with healthy food. Packaged or processed food is high in calories, salt, sugar and fat. All of these are sure to lead to weight gain. You can replace this food with nuts, fresh veggies and fruits, to keep your weight in check. 

2. Sugar Cravings Are Bound To Increase With Anxiety. How Much Is Too Much?

With so much time in hand and so many MasterChef in the making on Instagram baking drool-worthy cakes and breads, you are bound to crave dessert. Another reason for craving sweets, can also be the constant anxiety of when all this will stop and when normalcy will be restored. While even we can’t say no to delicious sweet treats, it is important to maintain a check and a quarantine diet routine. According to studies, the ideal sugar intake for men should be 150 calories/day and for women should be 100 calories/day. Not many are aware but even the daily food we consume contains sugar. So keep a limit to how much sugar you are consuming if you want to avoid gaining weight.

3. Can Healthy Food Be Tasty Too?

That healthy food is tasteless, bland and cringe-worthy, is a myth. Fruit salads and vegetable salads maybe passé, but there are numerous ways of making simple, healthy food taste yummy. Eating home cooked fresh food is the best way to lose weight. Find your inspiration on Instagram where plenty of food bloggers, chefs and even home-cooks are sharing healthy recipes that can be prepared in minutes with easily available ingredients.

4. Roti, Sabzi, Dal, Chawal Vs. Ready-To-Eat Meals

The quarantine has given us ample time to learn how to cook simple home-made food. We have all grown up eating roti, sabzi, dal, chawal, and we shouldn’t quit this habit. Ready-to-eat meals from the grocery store are okay to consume occasionally, but you cannot be surviving on this. The preservatives used to store the ready-to-eat meals not only make you feel sick but also increase the risk of obesity.

5. Are You Overeating Sitting At Home?

The disadvantage of being confined in the house is that every time you get bored, you head to the kitchen. As such, you are bound to overeat while at home, there’s no doubt about it. You can avoid overeating by eating without distraction of your phone, computer, TV and eating slowly to savour and activate your senses. This can help you avoid weight gain.

While keeping all these things in mind, also remember that now is the time to be kind not only to others but also to ourselves. Do what feels good and keeps you smiling. There’s no ‘right way’ of coping with what the world is currently facing. Stop judging yourself with every bite you eat and let loose.