I see a lot of before/after quarantine memes that suggest we are all going to get fat and out of shape during the stay-at-home orders. This should not be the case. Indeed, it should be the opposite. Sure, the gyms are closed, but we can still exercise. Yes, it will be exceptionally hard on athletes and, especially, bodybuilders, but we just need to be creative. Many of my friends have taken the opportunity to beef up the home gym by buying more serious weight equipment. If a home gym is not in the budget, there are body-weight exercise options and a host of at-home workout opportunities. For most of us, we are no longer commuting, so, that “time” excuse is even more silly. Time is what we make of it.
Weight management is largely a matter of caloric balance. If we are getting less physical activity—as most of are, now working from home—then, we need to eat less. Eating less should be easier because restaurants are closed and eating out in more difficult (though we should still do takeout a couple of time a week to support the local restaurants we love). Grocery visits should be more limited—don’t restock the junk food! Moreover, we should have more time for meal planning. Don’t eat impulsively. Instead, increase the number of meals and plan your macros (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) more carefully. Sit down for meals (seriously, where are you rushing to??) and eat slowly. Drink more water. Avoid unnecessary snacking.
Many of the memes are about alcohol consumption. Again, this is a choice. You can only drink what you have on hand. Don’t stock up on alcohol like toilet paper (also, don’t hoard TP!). Drink only in moderation. Be smart about alcohol calories. Indulge, if you wish, but don’t over-indulge.
Be smart and intentional, and you might even come out of quarantine with a beach body to shock everyone you are not seeing while you are staying home. (Or you can do the opposite and shock everyone by how out of shape you get—your choice!) Quarantine (and time) are poor excuses for bad decisions and lack of discipline.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!