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Health and Happiness  

The Quarantine 15

Boredom eating, stress baking and closed gyms can lead to what people are calling the Quarantine 15 – weight gained from our time in isolation. 

While I don’t want to add another anxiety to an already growing list, your physical health should remain a top priority during isolation.

Although worrying about weight gain isn’t helpful or effective, taking steps to look after yourself will boost your mental health as well as keeping weight gain at bay. 

I’ve put together some ideas to help you keep your mind and body in peak condition during this time.  

Identify why 

Why is it that you keep going to the fridge or cupboard for more snacks? It is likely boredom, which is understandable. The solution is to keep your mind and body busy; call a friend, do a puzzle or read a book.

If you’re still struggling, try snacking on something very low in calories, like celery or carrots. It’ll keep your mouth and hands busy and won’t be contributing to any weight gain! 

Keep track

Use an app like MyFitnessPal to track your calorie intake as accurately as possible. Most of the time, seeing how our calories stack up during the day is enough to put us off eating more than we need.

You can also look at the vitamins and nutrients of what you’re eating, and adjust accordingly. The chances are, there’s vitamins or fibre that you’re missing out on, so you can focus on increasing foods that are rich in these. 

Exercise where you can 

With closed gyms, parks and outdoor spaces, finding a way to exercise right now can be challenging. The good news is that there are lots of online courses and apps that offer at home workouts, ranging from a good old fashioned HIIT session to at-home ballroom dance or burlesque.

Many companies are offering reductions on courses, or free sample sessions, so make the most of what’s out there. This may be the time to find a new passion. 

Go low

When grocery shopping and cooking, aim to use low fat and sugar foods, such as dairy, spreads, salad dressings and oil. If the unhealthy snacks aren’t in the cupboard, you won’t be able to eat on them! 

Think before you eat

Ask yourself; am I eating this because I’m hungry, because I’m bored or because it’s in front of me? If it’s the latter two, stop.

Suggest a game or a walk to break up the mindless munching, or have a glass of water instead. 

Check your mental health 

Take time to check in on your mental health.

With your routine out of whack, food, sleep and exercise taking a turn for the worse, financial and work struggles and kids out of school, this is a difficult time for us all.

It’s important to cut yourself some slack; this is a stressful time and if chocolate or the odd glass of wine helps you relax, go for it! It’s all about finding a balance between healthy living and enjoying life, and only you know what’s right for you and your body. 

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.



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About the Author

Dr. Hannah Gibson graduated from medical school in the UK before moving to live in Canada. During her five years at university, she's worked in every department from pediatrics to geriatrics, advocating for both physical and mental health. Now based in Kelowna, she works to provide outreach healthcare for the homeless community. 

Hannah is passionate about preventative medicine, and the focus of her column is to educate and inspire people to take proactive measures to improve their health. 

Hannah believes that we all can, and should, take responsibility for our own health. It is the most important asset we have, and should be respected as such. Follow each week as she gives you the tools to improve your own health and wellbeing, and ultimately live a happier and healthier life. 

Get in touch through the comments section, or by emailing Hannah on [email protected].



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The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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