According to a 2020 study, 22% of adults surveyed reported they gained weight during the COVID-19 pandemic. Self-quarantine resulted in people embracing various bad diet and fitness habits due to a lack of sleep, stress-eating, reduced physical activity, and snacking after dinner.
If you’re one of the many people who gained weight during lockdown, various tactics can help you banish that extra weight. Check out the below five top tips for losing weight.
1. Move Your Body
Exercise can help you burn calories each day. Plus, it can stop you from dipping your hand inside the cookie jar, as you will not want to undo your hard work. If you no longer like your appearance or your clothes feel a little snug, incorporate more physical activity into your routine, such as:
- Going the gym
- Enjoying a brisk walk
- Attending fitness classes
- Running or cycling outdoors
- Performing various home workouts
If you’re worried you will not stick to an exercise plan, hire a personal trainer who will hold you accountable for your diet and fitness choices. They could motivate you to jump up from the sofa to work out.
2. Try Plant-Based Weight Loss Fasting
If you want to shed excess pounds at a fast rate, plant-based weight loss fasting might be an ideal choice. The 5-day low-calorie, low carb, and low protein plan can place your body in a metabolic state similar to water fasting. However, it avoids electrolyte imbalances or gut issues, as it provides the body with much-needed dietary fiber.
3. Clear Your Cabinets of Junk Food
If your cabinets are full of chips, candies, and cookies, you may feel tempted to overindulge. If you’re serious about losing weight and adopting a healthier lifestyle, clear your kitchen of all junk food. It could help you remain on track with a diet or fasting plan and reach your weight loss goals at a faster rate.
4. Improve Your Sleeping Habits
Various studies have found that sleep deprivation and weight gain are often linked. When a person feels tired, they are less likely to exercise and may turn to unhealthy foods throughout the day. If you go to bed late or rise early, it is time to improve your sleeping habits to boost your energy levels and make healthier lifestyle choices.
5. Ditch the Scales
Checking your weight on the scales each day isn’t healthy. The number on the dial doesn’t define weight loss. When you lose weight, you will notice a difference in your clothing, skin, and energy levels. Rather than analyzing every pound, monitor the inches around your waist, pay attention to your mood, and consider if you feel fitter and healthier.
If the number doesn’t reflect your expectation on the scales, you may feel disheartened and reach for a bag of chips or a takeout menu. Instead, stick to a weight loss plan, exercise regularly, and enjoy a good night’s sleep. You’ll soon notice a difference in your appearance.
