Comfort Food Does Not Provide a Sense of Satiety

Have you been avoiding putting on your pre-pandemic work clothes?

In many cases, stay-at-home workers are struggling to flatten their own pandemic curve that is measured in pounds. A recent WebMD poll found that almost half of the female participants and about one-fourth of the men who were asked reported weight gain while sheltering in place. So called comfort foods tend to contain an excess of sugars, salt and fats and do not provide the fiber and nutrients to create a sense of fullness. These are also the culprits that spike blood sugar levels and are associated with chronic health conditions. If you are stressed over the fact that the world around you seems to have completely fallen apart, now is the time for you to gain control of the things that you can do something about… like your personal health and wellness. Listed are tips for dealing with pandemic weight gain:

• Avoid Refined Sugars - Research studies suggest that children are much more likely to develop obesity if they drink quantities of sugar-sweetened beverages every day.
• Eat More Protein - An analysis of successful weight loss studies suggests that participants tended to get at least one-fourth of their calories from healthy sources of protein.
• Consume Less Carbs - Current research warns that the fat lost while following a low-carbohydrate menu plan is usually harmful abdominal fat. Also known as visceral fat, it is commonly stored within the abdominal cavity.
• Exercise More - Cardio exercises will increase blood flow and help you burn excess calories. Whereas, resistance training, on the other hand, helps clear out stubborn fat deposits.
• Consume Whole Foods - Usually anyone following a strict whole menu plan does not waste time counting calories. The foods you eat are generally lower in calories and unhealthy fats.
• Get Better Sleep - A relaxing routine or bedtime ritual can help your mind separate sleep time from activities that create excitement, stress and anxiety, which can make it difficult for you to fall asleep or remain asleep.

Anyone who is experiencing Pandemic Pounds, or is now a member of the Quarantine 15, likely understands that stress can have a powerful effect on their appetite. However, it is false logic to think that eating comfort food can reduce stress while sheltering in place; it cannot. Increased appetite and weight gain have long been linked to inadequate sleep. Unfortunately for most people, it is easy to abandon their sleep routine with extra time on their hands. To stop gaining weight, stop staying up late and sleeping in the next day. Since you can only control yourself and not the actions of others, it may be time to seek the help of a professional weight loss center that can help determine your body’s specific needs and provide the personalized weight-loss support for sustainable results. Visit Metabolic Research Center for free, no-obligation consultation.