5 Ways to Improve Your Eating Habits in Quarantine
I think we can all agree that eating the right things in quarantine is TOUGH! It’s so easy to snack all day, eat late at night, indulge in sweet treats, order unhealthy take out food, and lose motivation with eating healthy. Here are five ways that can help you get back on track. Think about your big “Why.” Why did you decide to eat healthy in the first place? Why did you first start working out? Why did you want to improve yourself in the past, and why do you want to improve yourself now? These answers can be anything you want them to be, and will look different for everyone.
1. Prepare yourself mentally.
Lately, I have had to take accountability of my eating one day at a time. Schedule what time you will be going to the grocery store, and what time you will be cooking food for the day. Sit down and make a list you will take to the grocery store and only buy what is on that list. It’s easy to aimlessly walk through the grocery store and buy things you do not want or need. Take the guess work out, and stick to the plan.
2. Accountability Partner.
Find someone you can talk to about how you would like to eat during this time. This can be a spouse, significant other, friend, or anyone who can keep you accountable. Tell them what your goals are, and how you plan on achieving them. Be sure to make your goals obtainable where you are in life right now. It most definitely will look different now then it might normally look. When goals are said out loud to others, they tend to hold more weight. I like writing down my goals and having them where I can see them multiple times a day as a reminder.
3. When to indulge in sweets and drinks.
As a rule of thumb, eat carbohydrates before exercise and protein after. If you choose to indulge in sweets, time it so that it fuels you right before a workout, or immediately following a workout. By doing this, your body will be able to use the carbs and sugar before or after movement and be processed quickly through the body. As for alcohol, I find I have the best results when I drink in moderation, stick to only one kind of booze, and stop drinking a few hours before bed. If I know I’m going to enjoy a few drinks, I make sure to drink more water then usual the day before and the day after.
4. Eat in a 10 hour window.
I eat from 9AM - 7PM everyday. If it is outside that window, I do not eat. Again, this takes the guess work out of the equation and you do not have to make a decision. It also promotes better eating habits with sticking to a time frame, and deciding not to unnecessarily eat. Ultimately, eating in a timed window cuts down on overall calories and could be what you need for success.
5. Exercise more self control.
If you have ever talked to Coach Park about healthy eating, you WILL hear him say, “Every meal is a decision towards your goal or away from it.” It’s helpful for me to think about this as I choose and prepare my meals. I have no control on what is happening in the world, but I do control what I put into my body. I am striving to be the very best version of myself coming out of quarantine and eating well is at the top of my list.
Stay positive, strong and healthy!
Coach Emily