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Health

Has A Poor Diet Become The Norm In Lockdown?

August 12, 2020 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

By now you’ve probably heard of the saying ‘lockdown weight.’ Many of us have piled on the pounds and it’s because we have been stressed, eating comfort food, haven’t been able to properly exercise, and we’ve become lazy in our shopping practices. This leads many to think that a poor diet has become the norm in lockdown. Do you feel this way? You’re not the only one. Millions of people are now trying to melt off the pounds while summer is still here. Do you see more people running outside? Going for an afternoon bike ride? Families are beginning to realize that although they may have (hopefully) escaped the novel coronavirus, also known as Covid-19, they haven’t come out of this unscathed. Your body has suffered in one form or another, here’s what you can do about it!

The Essentials and Weight Gain

Since going into lockdown, the essentials have become the highest priority for all of us. When it comes to grocery shopping, the essentials come in the form of rice, cereals, bread, and pasta. All of these foods are in the complex carbs category. They have made us very overweight, in such a short amount of time. It’s because complex carbs are very dense in calories yet they don’t weigh a lot. So, it’s more likely that you will fill your plate with pasta and still feel like you are hungry. Whereas, a small portion of steak will fill you up because the meat is very dense. 

We also don’t realize that carbs take a lot of time to digest and to burn off as fat. It means that the fat that carbs have been converted into, takes more effort to shift off our bodies once they are on. The main cause of this sudden weight gain is because carbs are full of starch which is released over a long period of time. Hence they take more effort to burn off.

Solution

Eat complex carbs as opposed to simple carbs. Consider eating more vegetables, nuts, whole wheat bread, and whole-grain pasta. You can also limit your carb intake, which will force your body to burn fat for energy quicker. Eating more fats and protein should suffice your appetite and cravings.

Comfort Foods

First of all, there’s no shame in eating comfort food every once in a while. Food is something that excites our senses and makes us feel good and happy. But, let’s never see food as something that can fill a void. But during the lockdown, that’s all most people have been doing. And who can blame them!? Everyone has been in the same boat, locked down, unable to see family or friends, and constantly worrying about the future. 

We have turned to junk food, such as chips, ice cream, pizza, and candy. Why? Because it tastes good and makes us feel satisfied. But we’re now paying for the consequences. We thought that a short term hit to our health wouldn’t be so dire, but now we’re finding out that our clothes don’t fit us anymore, we don’t look healthy in the mirror, we are not feeling confident in ourselves and this plagues our mental health.

Solution

No pain, no gain. We’ve done this to ourselves, so now it’s time to workout. There are lots of at-home exercise groups you can join. Cycling clubs have started out of nowhere, right from within the family home. Getting on a modern screen bike that you can use to watch a class or be part of it, can be really motivating. Or perhaps, following a YouTube channel like Joe Wicks, who has been doing pilates and intense cardio aerobics for many weeks. It’s time to get moving and exercising again.

 

Too Much Candy

In lockdown, we have been more likely to give in to our cravings because we are either too bored or simply too stressed to comply with our good nature. This has led to many people not taking care of their teeth and gums. What can happen is that our gums and teeth begin to shrink and become far weaker than before. The sugar will eat away at our gums, making them recede. The smaller or shrunken gums can then make your teeth loose and potentially fall out. The issue comes from a lack of strength in the root canal.

Solution

Speak with a certified endodontist who has done many root canal operations and has the experience and track record you will trust. They will give you advice on what your options are. They don’t always recommend you go for surgery, because if there’s hope to save your teeth, then they will do everything they can to do so. This goes for your root canals too. If there is an infection or inflammation, you can be given medicine for it. But if there is no alternative, then a root canal removal will need to be done. Don’t worry, you’re in safe hands.

Fat and Stress

Fatty foods have always been tempting to the majority of people. But now that we have been in lockdown for so long, eating junk food has been almost irresistible. Chips, chocolates, deep fried chicken, pizza, cheese, and all the rest of it, has been far too delicious to not have as part of your daily diet. But what does this mean? 

Combined with stress, this has led to an obesity surge. Why? When stressed, the hormone cortisol activates and stimulates fat and carbs to metabolism and releases insulin. This then means that the fat in our body is increased due to the promotion of rapid digestion and absorption of energy. The chronic stress we have felt from lockdown has just added so much to this problem. 

Solution

You need to have more endorphins and positive chemicals rushing through your body. Thus will make you feel far less stressed and able to return your body to it’s normal function. The constant stress of worry will activate our body’s fight or flight response. The body is simply protecting itself by absorbing more fat, which is basically just energy. Go outside now that the lockdown is mostly lifted. Go to a park, go for a walk in the countryside or by a river. Eat less and do more casual exercise such as cycling, walking, stretching and things like yoga. You should also do things that make you less stressed, such as turning off the news and staying away from social media. Focus on your diet and exercise, while focussing on your personal life, not what’s going on in the rest of the world.

Pixabay

A Lack of Vegetables

A lack of greens in your diet is always a bad sign. But why has this happened? Well, for the first time in a long time, vegetables have not been part of the shopping list. Items such as toilet paper, medicines, bottled water and hygiene products like sanitizer have been at the top. Vegetables have neither been seen as necessary or worth the spend due to everyone also being put on hold from their professions. We haven’t known when we’re going to return to work so why bother spending money on food items that we may have already seen as a chore?

This has led to a drastic loss in minerals, nutrition and vitamins. Our skin has suffered as a result, due to a lack of vitamin B12 and vitamin E. We have also found that due to a lack of vegetables, our immune system has been weaker. We feel more distraught over an allergic reaction to the summer pollen, we feel more alive when the sun hits our skin and gives us the daily dosage of vitamin D we need and we feel heavier internally. Our system needs a good clean.

Solution 

Make something with every ingredient being a vegetable. A vegetable baked with spices and herbs, or a vegetable smoothie with some natural sweetness, or perhaps a quiche with some summer vegetables? The bottom line is we need to increase our intake of vegetables, some way, somehow. Have vegetables as part of your normal breakfast. Bacon and eggs, with a side of onions and mushrooms? Pan-seared halloumi with some seared broccoli? Maybe even a bowl of porridge with some blackberries and cherries?

Eating At All Hours

Since the lockdown has broken our normal routines, we now eat at abnormal times. Do you find yourself having dinner later than usual? Perhaps you have it earlier and then can’t stop yourself from snacking. Well, now is the time you should stop eating and snacking at the wrong times and get your life clock back to where it should be.

Solution

You can do this by not eating breakfast for one day. You will then be hungry at lunch and have a chance to reset your eating habits to where they should. This only works if you are eating too much, however.

A poor diet has indeed become the norm. We shouldn’t get too comfortable with our poor eating habits and no longer use the lockdown as an excuse. Let’s take a more proactive approach in what we eat, how much of it, and when. 

Thank you for reading!

Filed Under: Health Tagged With: covid-19, health, quarantine, weight loss

Health

Staying Safe and Staying Social As Lockdown Eases

August 9, 2020 By lyndsinreallife 1 Comment

Image via Pexels – CC0 License 

There’s no manual for the global pandemic we’ve all been trying to navigate for nearly half the year now. Everyone has been trying to find their own path with staying safe, balancing their mental and physical health and all the other challenges that have been thrown at us recently. And everyone has their own comfort levels as to what feels right for them. One of the most important things to navigate has been trying to fulfill our natura

l need to socialise with the distance required to stop the spread of germs. With complete lockdown easy, many of us have been looking forward to the rules easing up a bit. But as local recurrences and worries about a larger ‘second wave’ have surfaced, and some areas have gone back into lockdown measures, it can be hard to know what to do. So, is there a way to stay safe while still being social? 

Rock Your Face Mask

Rules around the wearing of face coverings vary from place to place, but most locations now require them in public settings like shops. Many have mixed feelings about being required to wear a face mask, but they are an easy thing to do to protect ourselves and others. Although they aren’t foolproof, they limit the spread of droplets when we cough and sneeze, and they also stop us touching our nose and mouth after we may have picked up germs on our hands. And it doesn’t have to be a plain white, bad-for-the-planet disposable mask either. They are now available in a huge variety of colours and patterns, from light floral cottons for day to silk face masks for evening – it can sort of be fun to match them to your outfit! And then you can meet up with friends safely as well. 

Find Socially Distanced Activities 

The crisis has meant that many people have felt quite isolated and also demoralized, working harder than ever without the release of social activity. Now we can finally get back to seeing loved ones and friends, finding socially distanced activities to do means that everyone can keep safe while socialising. With summer at its height, picnics, barbecues and alfresco drinks are a perfect fit. But you can also look after your health by combining exercise with seeing friends – a bike ride, becoming running buddies or playing tennis are all a great workout, in the open air and can be done at a distance. 

Have Someone To Turn To

With the seismic changes going on in our lives, it’s still natural to be experiencing stress and anxiety. If you haven’t suffered true hardship, you may even feel guilty about feeling that way. But the truth is everybody has had a lot of change, disruption and upset to deal with, everybody’s experience of the pandemic has been different. So make sure you have somebody close to you that you can talk to when the worries and anxieties just get too much. The power of a well timed video call can do a lot, so make sure to check in on others and it will usually do a lot to lift your own spirits too. Focus on the positives and the bits of normality that are coming back, and take everything one day at a time. 

Thank you for reading!

Filed Under: Health Tagged With: covid, lockdown, mask, pandemic, quarantine, social distancing

Fitness

Fun Lockdown Workouts To Keep You Motivated

June 18, 2020 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

Working out at home is one of the ways you can stay fit while social distancing is happening. Exercise is always important, but even more so now. It helps keep you healthy, keeps your mental health in check, and gives you something to do to give some structure to your day.

But one of the issues with exercising at home is finding the motivation to do it. It can be hard to make workouts fun and to get yourself psyched up to sweat each day. 

So what can you do to make working out at home more enjoyable? Here are some fun lockdown workouts to keep you motivated!

Image Credit: Unsplash under Creative Commons

Challenge yourself with a HIIT workout

HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) workouts are a fantastic way to exercise. They’re short, sharp and super high-energy – not something for the faint-hearted. But that’s all part of the fun! HIIT workouts provide a fast-paced, challenging session that will help you tone up while losing fat, plus help to improve your cardio health. They’re difficult, but full of some fun moves to keep you busy. Check out some of the best HIIT workouts on YouTube and start pushing yourself.

Get yourself a rebounder

If you’re looking for a great way to exercise, get yourself a rebounder. But what is rebounding on a trampoline? Rebounding is an effective form of exercise, while also having the benefit of being a lot of fun. While many people have trampolines in their backyards for the kids, this is a type of equipment that’s more suited to the adults in the family. With so many great exercises you can do on a rebounder, it’ll certainly liven up your fitness routine.

Try partner exercises

Working out with someone else is a great way to stay motivated, so why not give some partner exercises a try? There are some great partner exercises you can do with a resistance band, as well as bodyweight moves. Partner workouts can be fun, challenging and could even bring you closer together – making for one highly effective way of working out!

Join a group workout with friends

Video calls have become a part of people’s daily routines, with both work and social lives taking place on applications like Zoom. But have you thought about doing a group workout with friends online? A video workout can be a fun way of spending time together and help you look forward to a workout. You could follow another video together, or task someone to design the workout each time! This is an ideal solution for those who miss going to classes and want a bit of company when they work out.

Staying motivated to exercise is never easy, but there are a lot of things you can try while in quarantine to stay on top of your fitness. Check out some more fun ways to workout at home to help you stay strong and healthy and keep on top of your fitness goals!

•What have you been doing to stay on top of your workout routine?

Thank you for reading!

Filed Under: Fitness Tagged With: exercise, fitness, health, HIIT, quarantine, workout

Lifestyle

Tips to Feeling Fresh While in Quarantine

June 8, 2020 By lyndsinreallife 24 Comments

Quarantine Cozy. The look we’ve all been sporting for months now: sweatpants, torn old t-shirts, disheveled hair that really needs a haircut. Turns out being in lockdown really has a major effect on what you decide to wear, and how many times you choose to, uh, shower each week. It also seems like it’s crept into a lot of homes as clutter seems to be building up. 

So, what are some tips to freshen up both yourself and your living space while you continue to quarantine? Look no further! 

  • It’s time. Switch out your pajamas for some comfy clothes like high-quality hoodies, athleisure, or just by putting on shoes instead of slippers for the 91st day in a row. Again, you don’t have to wear a three-piece suit to feel good. Feeling extra fancy? Put on that beautiful dress or shirt you’ve been wanting to wear since the weather turned warm.

If you have a weekly get-together with your friends online, put your best face forward by slipping into something clean and fresh feeling, and even consider donning some jewelry or a new tie that you’ve been wanting to sport. And hey, if you’re still wearing pants, nobody will be any wiser.

  • It’s time for some spring cleaning! If you haven’t jumped on the Marie Kondo bandwagon, there’s no time like lockdown present. While the Kon Mari method breaks down exactly where to start de-cluttering, a less extreme way to add some life to your home is to simply analyze the clutter, and where things typically stack up. Then, take action.  

If you’re continually fighting surface space, ask yourself why. If it’s because you don’t have great organization, put baskets in specific areas for shoes, keys, and so on. 

Image credit

While you spring (or summer!) clean, take down any curtains, remove all your bedding, and throw them all in the wash. Get your rugs outside, and start shaking them out! A fresh and clean space will feel amazing after so much time in lockdown.

  • Light your outdoor space. While quarantine began in cooler months, it’s now transitioning into summer, and there’s no reason you can’t be spending more time outside. If you haven’t reset your patio for summer, what are you waiting for? Get your outside furniture freshened up, and hang any string lights that you take down for winter months. For some inspiration, check out our earlier article on our outdoor furniture and lighting. Lighting really does make a huge difference when you’re feeling less-than-fresh. 

Image credit

  • Get some fresh air into your home. If you are in need of some natural light, you’re not alone. Open those windows, and let some fresh air in, as well as some natural sunlight. It can have a huge effect on your mood. However, if you’re a little more prone to allergies, keep those windows closed, those air filters cleaned, and try a different approach, like opting for diffusers for a subtle scent. With so many options on the market, you can likely find one that fits the aesthetic decor of your home. 

    How do you stay fresh while in quarantine? Comment below!

Thank you for reading!

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: clean, covid-19, fresh, quarantine

Health

How to Keep Yourself Occupied During Lockdown

May 18, 2020 By lyndsinreallife Leave a Comment

The world is currently facing trying times due to coronavirus, and it’s proving to affect everyone in different ways. However, some people are using this unique situation as a way to rekindle their creative fires or as a chance to complete any long put-off tasks. During these times, it’s only natural that we may feel dips within our motivation levels and our overall mental health. This is why it’s so important to fill your days in lockdown with engaging and creative activities, and to remind yourself that you are not in a productivity competition with others. If you’re at an end with things to do to occupy yourself during lockdown other than Netflix bingeing and ab workouts, these six refreshing ideas are for you! 

Get Creative

It may be hard to believe, but the opportunities to be creative at home are endless! With so much technology at our fingertips, it’s easy to get started on your own YouTube channel or create your own personal blog that covers topics that you’re excited about and want to share with the rest of the world. If you’ve been delaying writing a novel or postponing reading a trilogy, now is the perfect time to complete just that! You can also try out journaling, doodling, and painting, which can be ideal for de-stressing and to separate yourself from negative media reporting that can often be hard to ignore. To avoid procrastination, try to put away your phone or any other distractions you usually have, and set goals for what you would like to achieve or complete during the week.

Learn New Skills 

The extra time we now have at home has provided us with the unique opportunity to learn new skills or to pick up on a hobby where we left off. You can learn a new language, advance your career related skills with online courses, or even try new hobbies that you may not usually be drawn to, such as learning how to give readings with tarot cards. For those who love the outdoors, why not give gardening a shot? Even if it just means helping your family out with planting a few new flowers, gardening can be a therapeutic and rewarding activity, and it’s also an excuse to get out in the sun in the comfort of your own home.

Sort Out Your Wardrobe 

There’s nothing more satisfying than a clean room, and for most people, clothes can take up a lot of the space! Sort out your clothes and decide what to keep or what to give away to charity when you can. If you’re wanting a bit of extra cash, why not sell your unwanted clothes, electronics, or books? Having a fresh start doesn’t have to be limited to just your bedroom – take a shot at some DIY video tutorials, rearrange furniture in your living room, or paint walls and hang up cheerful art prints to create the impression of a fresh, new space. 

Watch your old family videos and look through photo albums 

There’s something so magical about looking back into the past and laughing at embarrassing photos of yourself or your siblings. This is a great way to bring the whole family together without the use of technology and screens, and it can really lighten the mood when you need it most. You can even organize and print off your recent photos to make new albums, buy scrapbooks to fill with all your favorite memories, or even create a fun video compilation from past trips and vacations that you can send to your family and friends. 

Bake! 

Now more than ever is the best time to grab those baking books that have been stored away for years in the kitchen and start mixing up some sweet treats. Getting creative in the kitchen doesn’t have to be just restricted baking either – you can easily gather cooking inspiration through blogs, TV shows, YouTube videos and cooking apps to organise fun dinner times where you and your family can take turns in preparing tasty meals (and desserts!).

Games Night 

Why not gather the family one evening and enjoy laughs, delicious food, and a good old fashioned board or card game. As we can all often get carried away with the whirlwind of social media and technology, this can be a perfect idea to kick back and spend time socializing with your loved ones. However, this doesn’t have to mean you can’t invite family and friends to join in on the fun via video call! 

How are you keeping busy during this quarantine?

Thank you for reading!

Filed Under: Health Tagged With: coronavirus, covid-19, quarantine

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