There is a certain comfort in indulging in junk food during times of stress, boredom or when we have a lot of free time on our hands! That is the case nowadays as we are all obliged to stay home in self isolation to fight the ongoing pandemic. There is no harm in pampering yourself with junk food every now and then; however, we must learn when to stop to avoid this from becoming excessive as well as balance this activity with a healthy lifestyle.

Here are a few steps you can take in order to control your weight during quarantine:

Monitor your eating habits

There various methods of keeping track of what you eat, these include food tracking apps such as My Diet Coach, Yazio and Lose it!, or websites like MyFoodDiary, MyNetDiary and Penzu. You can also use notepads on your personal devices or diaries and scrapbooks. Pick the option that you are most comfortable with and the one that works best for you. It is essential that you track what and when you are eating and drinking, as well as the quantity you eat and drink by measuring your portions every day. The process will be more precise when you note down this information as soon as you are done eating. Once done, take some time to review and think about the information you have collected. Look for current habits that you would like to change and consider new new habits you may want to add to it. Utilize your journal to take small strides towards your healthy objectives!

Eat fruits and vegetables

It is a proven fact that a healthy diet strengthens the immune system. If you want to protect yourself from COVID-19 or any other illnesses, eating foods that are rich in vitamins and nutrients such as fruits and vegetables can help boost the immune system and at the same time act as a good replacement for junk food to fill your stomach. Keep a bowl of fruits and vegetables close to you at all times so that you can habitually keep munching on them. Brands such as Barakat deliver fresh fruits, juices, vegetables, salads and dry fruits straight to your doorstep. Fruitful Day also delivers a selection of seasonal fruits & vegetables, as well as other healthy snacks for your home. A good source of protein such as eggs, yogurt, nuts, seeds, tofu, lean meats, poultry and fish are also a great addition to your diet for stronger immunity and a healthy diet.

Stock up wisely

Always have a shopping list in hand as part of your plan for healthy grocery shopping. Knowing what you will pick up when you reach the store will help you think ahead about which aisles you will shop from. This in turn will help you save time and also help you to avoid entering aisles that may tempt you to buy unnecessary, unhealthy items. It is vital that you stock up on the right food and ingredients while shopping. Ensure that you are filling up your trolley with more essential grocery items and healthy food rather than junk food and snacks that are not needed. Your grocery trips are limited during quarantine so make sure you make the best use of that time by limiting the purchase of comfort food. If you have a lot of junk food at home, you will consume more of it, however if you only have a limited amount you will make sure to consume it wisely too! Moreover, never go to the grocery store on an empty stomach since this will tempt you to purchase high-calorie items.

Plan your meals

Planning your weekly meals ahead of time can help you make smart choices related to your personal health and wellness needs. It also aids in creating your shopping list and cancels out any chances of impulsive decisions to order in from restaurants and cafeterias. Meal planning will allow you to see how much you’re actually eating and teach you portion control. Regardless of whether you're attempting to get in shape, or simply improve your eating routine, meal planning is a simple activity to assist you in achieving your objectives.

Stay hydrated

Drinking water helps boost your metabolism, cleanse your body of waste, and acts as an appetite suppressant. Since it is an appetite suppressant, drinking water before meals can make you feel fuller, hence reducing your food intake. Attempt to stay away from or restrict drinks made with sugar or counterfeit sugars, which according to studies, upgrade your sweet-tooth and increase your intake of excessive and unnecessary calories. Replace the sugary drinks with water and fresh juices.

Remember, too much of anything is harmful & balance is key! #StaySafe and #StayHealthy.