Lockdown Episode II: Lock down your nutrition
The snack drawer was our best friend.
If you’re anything like us, the snack drawer was our best friend during the first lockdown. This time round, we are 7 days in. 3 weeks to go!
In a recent survey, 62.5% of the participants reported a reduction in their physical activity levels and nearly 50% of 25 to 34-year-olds said they had upped their food consumption in the pandemic.
Sometimes, it’s that sneaky bad habit you developed without even realizing it, munching on a share bag of choc in front of your favorite TV show or reaching for a handful of nuts every now and then while you work in the kitchen. Perhaps you have got into the habit of grazing all day instead of fueling yourself with 3 nutritious meals. Are you fueling yourself with whole foods or are you relying on caffeine? How in tune do you actually feel with your hunger signals?
During states of high stress, anxiety and low mood it can be really easy to turn to food and use it as a comforting technique. Now, we all know this year has been crazy and I can safely say I’ve definitely eaten less healthy more often. I picked up some seriously bad habits during the first lockdown but this time, i’m off to a great start. I’m 2 days into my Virgin cleanse and I’m feeling motivated to keep up a healthy eating routine throughout the next 3 weeks.
Here are some tips to really get your nutrition locked down in Lockdown:
MINDFUL EATING
If you feel like you are overconsuming, try eating from smaller dishes. Avoid eating straight from a container or package because this gives you a distorted perspective of the amount you have had.
Physically put your fork down between bites, take smaller bites, and be sure to chew each bite thoroughly. Also, drinking water throughout your meal will help you slow down and feel fuller as you go.
EXCESSIVE SNACKING
Keep only healthy snacks within reach, such as hummus, carrots and cucumber slices, fruit, popcorn, yogurt, and nuts!
STOP SKIPPING BREAKFAST
Now that we have much more time because goodbye commute, start incorporating a nourishing, well-balanced breakfast into your day. Often people think that the best way to lose weight is to skip meals- NO, no no! Start your day the right way and fuel yourself with goodness. You’ll also feel fuller for longer meaning less snacks.
By having a balanced breakfast in the morning, your blood glucose levels will remain stable throughout the day and therefore, you won’t get those slumps and spikes in energy!
Keep your eye out for our favourite breakfast recipes coming out tomorrow!
MORE WHOLE FOODS
Last but not least, include more whole foods into your diet. Eat plant-based, nourishing meals made from natural foods instead of products that have been processed and essentially vegan junk food!
The key to a healthier diet is to allow your favourite foods in moderation. If we restrict ourselves and attach moral value to foods as 'good' or 'bad' so that they are on a pedestal, we become a lot more obsessed over them and this is likely to trigger a binge or overindulgence when we do finally have them.
There's still time to invest in your health this November. If you need a bit of extra support, check out our nutritionist designed diet plans.
