Top lockdown tips to stay healthy and fit
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Alison Jackson offers some advice from Slimming World to help everyone stay in good shape physically and mentally through the coronavirus lockdown
Everyone’s circumstances will be different, yet there are some tips that will apply to most of us during these challenging times, especially when it comes to staying fit and healthy – which is more important than ever. Here are some boredom-busting, hope-inspiring and practical tips to help us all get through lockdown and stay healthy and fit along the way.
Fall in love with food
It’s so easy to get stuck in a bit of a rut when it comes to cooking. Do you find yourself making the same handful of meals on repeat every week? If so, you could take this time to try something new. It doesn’t have to be too complicated or time-consuming – just something that makes you feel excited about cooking again. Or maybe it’s finally finding something to do with that ingredient that’s been lurking at the back of your store cupboard for a while. That tin of chickpeas could make a delicious home-made hummus or that bag of quinoa could be your new salad superstar! Many people have found solace in baking, too – and there’s no reason to miss out on that. Banana bread seems to be the hottest trend at the moment, so why not have a go at the slimming-friendly version which you can find on the Slimming World blog? If you’ve got kids at home they’re sure to enjoy helping out too. Just call it home economics!
Stay in touch
It’s easy to feel isolated during lockdown. As well as missing family and friends, just missing your normal day-to-day routine can have a big impact on the way you feel and, as a result, your eating and activity habits. Staying connected is now more important than ever – and not just for your weight loss. Sometimes you just need a laugh with your friends to lift your spirits. Video calls are, of course, hugely popular during lockdown – things like scheduling a date with your mates and coming together online to replace that monthly night out, or booking a family quiz night and testing your loved ones’ general knowledge. Don’t forget to make some healthy snacks to nibble while you're catching up too.
Lots of Slimming World members have made firm friends at their local groups and when we took the difficult decision to temporarily suspend our groups it was clear there would be thousands of consultants and members missing the camaraderie and support of their Slimming World groups. That’s why we’ve launched virtual groups. Whether it’s attending your weekly group, chatting via a closed Facebook group or sharing successes via WhatsApp, it’s so important to make the most of every ounce of support if you’re trying to manage your weight. Visit slimmingworld.co.uk for more information on our virtual service, or contact your local consultant directly.
Take control
It might seem silly to suggest taking time out when many of us are spending more time at home than ever, but it’s still important to practise a little self-care. There’s a lot happening in the world that we can’t control and that can start to have an impact on our motivation to stay in control of our eating and activity habits, but actually looking after ourselves is something we can control.
So, as well as staying on track with any healthy eating plans or keeping up with your regular activity, it’s important to schedule in some "me" time too. Run a hot bubble bath and give yourself a pamper, pop on your favourite podcast or settle down with a book or magazine. (We highly recommend Slimming World Magazine, of course!)
Get active
Your usual gym might be closed but there are still plenty of ways to get active in lockdown, if you’d like to. Remember exercise isn’t just good for your body – it’s a great mood-booster too. There are loads of online classes you can try out – from HIIT (high-intensity interval training) to salsa-cize. Current guidelines also suggest we can get out limitlessly in our local area to be physically active, so fit in a daily walk if you can, or set yourself a challenge like completing Couch to 5K.
Of course, activity doesn’t have to mean running or aerobics, though – it can be something as simple as weeding in the garden (harder than you’d think) or getting some DIY and spring cleaning done. Anything that raises your heart rate counts!
Soothe your mind
In these challenging times, people will be feeling more worried and anxious than usual, and these feelings could have an impact on us making healthy choices and see us turn to food for comfort. If events on the news are a trigger for you, try to limit your exposure.
Make your own playlists rather than listening to the radio, scroll through just one social media channel, and enjoy a Netflix fix rather than watch live TV. Let those around you know if it makes you feel uncomfortable to talk about current affairs, too. Focusing on the present moment – mindfulness – to calm your mind in times of uncertainty can be really helpful. Colouring books, jigsaws and word puzzles are useful activities for this. Also, there are apps that guide you through techniques to help ease anxiety or panic.
Follow your ordinary routine as much as possible, and keep a sense of normality, whether that’s packing up your lunch the night before, dressing in work clothes if you’re working from home, taking a nice hot shower or doing your hair and make-up.
- Alison Jackson is the Slimming World consultant for Wick and Thurso. She has been running her local Slimming World groups virtually since March 23 and says they have proved a great success in keeping members motivated and in touch with their friends.
