You May Be Bored… and Not Really Hungry

Everyone is dealing with major disruptions to their daily routines, and some people feel their waistline is spreading as fast as the coronavirus. It is important to remember that comfort food is one of the easiest ways to support emotional eating, which is not an acceptable outcome. Although it will require some effort, keeping a daily log of foods you consume will help you avoid mindless snacking. Moreover, if you find yourself standing in front of the fridge and starring at the light, accept the fact that you are probably bored and not hungry. Since you’ve likely purchased some comfortable clothes to wear at home while you are sheltering in place, make a commitment to not buy any new clothes in larger sizes until you’ve shed those unwanted pounds. In the long run, it will save you money and time.

Routinely practicing gratitude can have a positive effect on your mindset as well as following the tips listed below:

• Avoid Refined Sugars - Researchers suggest that sugar’s harmful effect on your health is due the increase of abdominal fat and liver fat that can lead to insulin resistance and a variety of metabolic problems.
• Eat More Protein - Multiple studies have shown that protein may be the most important macronutrient in your fight against unwanted belly fat by curbing your cravings for sugary foods and drinks.
• Consume Less Carbs - It must be noted that low-carb diets tend to produce quick reductions in water weight, which produces faster results on the scales with study participants seeing a difference in just a couple of days.
• Exercise More - Exercise physiologist at Duke University say aerobic exercise like walking, swimming, and running is the best way to burn belly fat, since it burns more calories and allows for reductions in abdominal fat.
• Consume Whole Foods - Although there are no official criteria for what a whole food diet includes, most experts agree it consists of minimally processed foods as close to their natural state as possible.
• Get Better Sleep - A relaxing routine or ritual before bedtime can help you separate your sleep time from activities that create excitement, stress and anxiety that can make it difficult for you to fall asleep or remain asleep.

Even though the pandemic will eventually go away, having to deal with stress in life probably won’t. If you have packed on the pounds while mindlessly eating in front of the computer or TV, it is likely a good time to change your ill-found habits. Restoring healthier eating patterns can help you stop gaining and start losing weight. Start by sitting down at a table to eat without distractions, practice better portion control, and add five helpings of whole foods to your daily menus. Assuming you are now a member of the Quarantine 15 club, start by limiting your intake of highly processed foods and drinks with added sugars. Moreover, portion your snacks and meals to prevent mindless overeating while passing time in front of the TV or computer. While you are having to shelter in place, it is a great time to prepare your own version of your favorite comfort foods and high-protein snacks. Visit Metabolic Research Center to learn more.