How to Avoid the Boredom Bulge

01 Jul How to Avoid the Boredom Bulge

1. First of all, stop obsessing about your weight, that adds more stress to the all the unknown we are facing during this pandemic.  However, some important things to keep in mind:
   1. What we eat can affect our immune system and our mental health
   2. Process food can trigger inflammation in your body and lower your immune system to fight off infection
   3. Without the proper nutrients, your body can’t make healthy cells to fight off infection or hormones that boost your mood
   4. Focus on what you have control over instead of stressing about the unknown
   5. Start your day with a positive mindset of staying healthy
   6. Cut yourself some slack, it is okay to have a small indulgence once daily
   7. Balance your diet with a variety of colorful vegetables – they provide antioxidants to help boost your immune system
2. Set a structured schedule for the day especially your meal schedule to avoid mindless eating
   1. Schedule an outdoor walk at least once/daily for mental health even if it is a short walk
3. Start a new hobby to keep your mind and hands busy such as coloring books, knitting, crochet, gardening – Home depot and Lowes offer online order and free curbside pickup.
4. Do not eat out of the bag – portion out your snacks and put them in a bowl/plate before eating
5. Sit down to your meal or snack to avoid any mindless or compulsive eating
6. Brush teeth after your meal especially dinner to avoid unnecessary snacking
7. When you feel like stress eating, go for a quick 5-10 minute walk, meditation or yoga.  These activities can calm your nervous system.   www.doyogawithme.com (free)
8. Drink plenty of water (fruit infused, crystal light)  – most people can’t differentiate between hunger or thirst, drink first before you decided to snack
9. Try to eat your calories instead of drinking them.  Too much sugar/carb in your diet also makes you feel sluggish and depress
10. Grocery shop after a meal instead of going when you are hungry (mask, 6 feet rule)
    1. Keep an inventory of what you have in your pantry and refrigerator
    2. Shelf stable food:  beans, brown rice, quinoa, unsalted nuts, nut butter, seeds, root vegetables, shelf stable milk (soy/almond), apples, citrus fruit, canned vegetables (no salt added), canned tomatoes
    3. Refrigerator: eggs, cheese, yogurt, most can 1-2 weeks beyond sell by date
    4. Freezer: Frozen vegetables, fruits, meat, seafood
    5. All purpose oil good for cooking and for salad – almond oil