Diet Tips: Inspiration and Ideas to Promote a Healthy Lifestyle in Uncertain Times.
The last year has been extremely difficult for us all. The back and forth through lockdown has put incredible strain on not only our mental health, but also our physical wellbeing. For the majority of the day, people are confined to their homes where they experience a totally new way of living, as social lives and routines are turned on their head.
The dramatic shift in dynamic has forced people to adapt. Whether it be working from home, studying remotely or caring for children, the stresses of life during lockdown hold tight and can be particularly difficult for many to deal with. In regards to maintaining a healthy diet, this can be particularly tough as bad habits can manifest and seem impossible to kick when there is no end in sight.
It is crucial to take a proactive approach and implement a healthy and balanced diet, whilst keeping an open mind and not being too hard on yourself. The temptation to eat everything and anything is at its peak when you’re at home all day. Comfort eating can be an easy fix for the daily stresses that come with the current climate, especially when routine is interrupted, but with these tips you can kick the habit and take control of your food intake helping you to feel great again. Below are some tips to help manage your day.
Develop a new routine:
- Plan your week.
- Eat at regular scheduled meal times.
- Eat your meals away from your working environment and distraction.
Meal planning:
- Write food lists, eliminate unhealthy snacks.
- Make cooking fun by trying new things.
Focus on eating foods rich in nutritional value:
- Eat from the core food groups.
- Cut out processed foods and takeaways.
- Introduce healthy snacks such as fruit and nuts.
Eliminate the temptation:
- If you know it’s there, it will be in the back of your mind – get rid of it.
- However, it is important to reward yourself every once and a while.
- Work for your rewards – whether it be putting in the extra effort with work study or exercise, positive reinforcement can promote a positive attitude and motivation.
Hydration & Sleep:
- Hydration is so important in promoting a healthy lifestyle, keeping a bottle of water close by is a great way to remind yourself to drink throughout the day.
- Keeping a regular sleeping pattern is also vital in ensuring our bodies stay healthy. Going to bed and waking up at a structured time each day is extremely beneficial to both our physical health but also our cognitive functions and our mental well-being.
Track steps/ Exercise:
- Set daily goals. Tracking your steps is a great place to start.
- Work at your own pace - Don’t compare your level of activity to others.
- Everyone has to start somewhere.
- There are so many home workout videos available on YouTube, catering for every level of ability.
Maintaining healthy eating habits is especially difficult during lockdown periods and can be far more difficult for some. It is important to stay optimistic and even if you break your diet, forget about it and start again tomorrow. There are many influential Irish personalities offering excellent content online, with countless recipes and nutritional advice that may better suit your individual approach. To name a few:
- Daniel Davey - https://www.daveynutrition.com/
- David & Stephen Flynn - https://thehappypear.ie/
- Indy Power - https://littlegreenspoon.ie/
- Rosanna Davison - https://www.rosannadavisonnutrition.com/
- Roz Purcell - https://naturalbornfeeder.com/
Those listed offer so many options that are easily accessible and readily available. There are endless options that can suit the needs and preferences of anyone willing to give it a try. If you require specific diet information or are finding it particularly difficult, you should not hesitate to contact an informed professional source such as your physician or a dietitian as well as seeking advice from friends and/or family.
HSE advice and guidelines for healthy eating: