Due to the ongoing pandemic, it’s more important than ever to look after your mental and physical health. However, this is harder to do with gyms and health clubs on lockdown, as well as grocery store shortages and labor shortages. Some of the foods you might have a hard time finding in your stores include meat, eggs, canned goods and juice boxes.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to stay healthy and fit despite pandemic-related closures and lockdowns. And hopefully, you’ll end up developing healthy habits that will benefit your health long after the pandemic!
Focus on eating whole foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. If a salad isn’t enough to fill you up for lunch, try adding grilled chicken to your salad. This will fill you up and keep you feeling fuller longer.
Also, avoid falling into the trap of snacking mindlessly throughout the day. As people spend more time at home due to the pandemic, snacking has risen substantially as a means to ease sadness, boredom and stress. Eat healthy, protein-packed meals, and when you snack, choose healthy options like fresh fruits and cold cut veggies.
Drinking enough water is another important part of staying healthy. On average, you should drink between 2.5-3.5 liters of water for your body to function properly. Staying hydrated will also keep your energy levels up and prevent you from feeling hungry even when you’re not, as most people confuse hunger and thirst.
It’s important to point out that not all drinks are the same. It’s best to focus on drinking plain water, sparkling water or unsweetened tea. Sugar-sweetened beverages like soda, energy drinks and sports drinks certainly taste good, but they contain lots of calories and sugar. Consider that the average soda has 10-12 teaspoons of sugar!
There are plenty of ways to stay active, even when on lockdown. For many, exercise is an integral part of their day. Keep up the good work by stretching in the mornings, walking during your work breaks and lifting weights in the afternoons. At the very least, make sure you’re getting up every 30 minutes or so to take a break. This will also reduce stress and make it easier to sleep.
Some great home-based exercises to try during your free time are:
When you don’t want to cook, or you simply need a pick-me-up for your lunch break, be sure to choose a healthy restaurant. Fast food is NOT your only option. Also keep in mind that it’s not just what’s on the menu that matters but how the food is prepared. Look for restaurants that tell you where their food comes from and how it’s cooked.
La Rosa Chicken and Grill is a healthy chicken restaurant that serves grilled chicken sandwiches and wraps, fresh salads and a wide variety of side dishes. Place your order to pick up in our restaurant or schedule your order for delivery! Our dining rooms are also open.