Stop Over Eating during Lock Down

It's fair to say we are all learning to live a little differently. Social distancing, even from those we love, washing our hands more and practicing good cough etiquette.

People are trying to work from home while simultaneously trying to home school and entertain children. It's all a bit overwhelming. As a result, you might find while you're moving less, you are eating more. If you are OVER over eating during lock down, keep reading to find some helpful tips to get you back on track.

Create a Routine for Meals

Back in the day, when we had school runs and jobs to go to, we also had some kind of routine. Breakfast in the morning, lunch at lunchtime and dinner in the evenings. Now it seems, there are no rules! To curb the overeating during lock down, try to create a routine for your meals. Not a bad idea for the kiddies too, if you are blessed with the company. Set your meal times and stick to them.

Comfort Control

Many of us are emotional eaters and at a time like this, emotions are running high and it's easy to slip back into bad habits. Everyone needs a little comfort right now. What you could do to keep the comfort eating under control is, schedule a treat night and plan out what you will have. That way your brain knows it will be rewarded for your effort and there is indulgence ahead.

Chocolate & Crisps Everywhere

When you are stocking up to limit the trips to the shops, it's not only eggs and lettuce that are finding their way into the trolley. You may not live alone and are trying to cater for everyone in the house. That's understandable. However, out of sight, out of mind. Hide the treats from yourself and try leaving a bowl of fruit out on the counter. Make nuts and veggie snacks easily accessible so that you don't go rooting for the Tayto! Save it for your scheduled treat night.

Start Moving

If it's been a while, now is the time to start moving again. All this staying home means we are moving less. Prior to the crisis, even if you drove every where, you had to walk to the car, walk around the shopping centre, walk to the canteen, you catch my drift. Now you might be going from the kitchen table to the kettle, from the sitting room to the bedroom. Set a reminder on your phone to get up every 30 minutes. Particularly if you are working from home. Get up, do a few laps of the table or go up and down the stairs a few times. Get the blood flowing and oil the joints.

An Oldie but a Goodie

Drink more water! The brain confuses thirst with hunger. So if you are feeling peckish, guzzle a glass of H2O and wait and see how you feel. You might just be thirsty. Also, if emotions like boredom are triggering your hunger pangs, again opt for a glass of water to delay any impulsive decisions!

Don't be too hard on yourself

These are unusual times and we are all trying to deal with our own 'stuff' during this pandemic. If you had been making progress and fallen off the band wagon, so what? Every minute is a new opportunity to change it around. No negative self-talk allowed. You can get it back on track. I believe in you.

Who knows how long this will last? In the meantime it is crucial that you look after your physical and emotional well being. Fueling yourself as best you can will help you stay strong and focused.

Niamh has been helping women overcome their struggles with fitness and weight loss since 2014. Niamh's studio, Fitness at the BodyShaper, moved online on the 12th March 2020, with the goal of continuing to support women achieve their goals. You can join any of Niamh's classes by booking online or if you would like information on personal training email her at info@fitnessatthebodyshaper.com