Tips to Help You Transition Back to Wellness

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 By: Gabriel Patel

For many, self-isolation has been a sedentary undertaking, with very little reason to leave the house. Being home all the time also means regular access to the fridge, and many of us tend to snack when we’re feeling bored. If you’ve found that being more sedentary and snacking more has added a few inches to your waistline, remember that it’s possible to get back on track—the hardest part is getting started.

Healthy eating

While it may have been a difficult transition to cooking more at home during self-isolation, it’s actually a healthier way to eat. 

 As you consider healthy meals, take a look in your pantry and see if there are meals you can put together with ingredients you already have. For example, legume quesadillas are loaded with protein and fiber—most of us have a can or two of beans gathering dust somewhere in the cupboard. Pair it with tortillas and shredded cheese for a tasty, healthy lunch option. Another healthy option is spinach tortellini soup, which can be thrown together with a can of tomato soup, frozen spinach, and pasta from the pantry. 

 It can be difficult to launch right into a new eating plan without any guidance. If you’re struggling to lose weight and need some help, consider hiring a freelance dietitian who can help you get started. Freelance dietitians can work with you on a personalized healthy eating plan that suits your taste buds and your schedule. Online job boards are great resources for finding freelancers with specialties like this.

Home workouts

Everyone’s routines were upended when the pandemic hit, and as everything except essential businesses were forced to close in most areas, we all lost access to our gyms and fitness studios. If you were dependent on the gym for exercise before the pandemic, it’s likely been difficult to get the same workouts in at home. While there are bound to be adjustments, there are plenty of exercises you can do from your living room.

 One of the best home workout options is yoga, which requires very little equipment—just a yoga mat, and perhaps a yoga block—to get started. If you’re brand new to yoga, it’s best to start with online classes that cover the basics. Or, if you’re more interested in one-on-one sessions, you can hire a teacher to do an online class with you, where they can watch your form and help you get into the various poses.

If yoga isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other home exercise options out there. Do a quick internet search to check out various types of online classes, and consider working with a personal trainer who can help design a workout for you to do at home.

If you’d prefer to work out at a fitness facility and out of your home, you’ll have to take precautions, but there are still options available.

Challenges to weight loss

While losing weight may be easy for some, there are plenty of factors that can make it hard for others. Genetics play a major role in everything from body shape and size to energy levels. If you know that weight loss is a challenge for others in your family, you will need to stick to a consistent routine to get results. 

Another factor that could contribute to weight loss challenges is culture. While you may feel ready to kickstart a healthy diet and exercise routine, it may be hard to incorporate that into your life based on cultural norms. Food is a major cultural bond for families and communities, so veering off the normal diet for your family could be a challenge. You can navigate this by planning your own meals where appropriate and possible.

 If you’ve found you’ve gained weight during self-isolation, remember it’s never too late to change your eating habits and kickstart an exercise routine. Take stock of your pantry to create some healthy meals, and get creative with home workouts to shave off the pounds. However, if you’ve been challenged by weight problems for quite some time, recognize it may be genetics or cultural norms that have held you back. With some guidance from dietitians and personal trainers, you can get on track and get healthier.