SHU Box (of the “Best of Both Worlds” podcast) has, I think, written every single day of the quarantine. She’s recently been posting an interesting “habits” feature. The latest one on eating habits–and an accompanying comment by Gwinne–prompted me to come back here for a fairly superficial topic, if you will forgive me.
Part of why I haven’t showed up here regularly, in addition to some insane work hours, has been a hesitation to talk about the scary, serious events that have been occurring (which frankly, I am still processing). So I hope this post doesn’t come across as superficial and tone-deaf during this crazy, awful time.
Lots of us, I think, have been trying as best we can to stay healthy during the pandemic. Part of that is, of course, diet and exercise. I used to go to exercise classes or the gym pre-pandemic. Now I don’t do either of those things.
As I wrote earlier this summer, I had been doing TV streaming exercise programs, mostly the 30 Day Shred. I also walk my dog once a day, for about 20-30 minutes. I needed minor surgery this summer, which required me to not work out for about a month. Immediately after the surgery (like, the next day!) I gained two pounds, which I was not able to shake off. I made tweaks to my diet cutting back portions, but nothing. I wondered if the daily cocktail we had been making were playing a role, so I took a week off with no alcohol and I gained two more pounds!! WUT?
Before Covid-19, I was already creeping towards my high water mark for my weight, and now I am at that mark.
After the surgery restriction was lifted, my Peloton arrived. Since I am no longer paying any gym or Orange Theory class fees for the foreseeable future, I thought an investment in an at-home exercise machine (my first!) was probably worth it. I love the bike so far, and try to use it every day. SHU wisely recommended adding heavier weights to my routine, and that was certainly something that made me feel stronger and better while I was doing Orange Theory. So I plan to order some for the house, as the Peloton app offers heavier weight classes.
Still, my weight hovers in my high range. I’m not technically overweight, but my body just doesn’t feel great and I want my immune system to be in good shape. I’ve gained weight in my mid-section, where previously I never carried it. I feel sluggish and slower. Gwinne mentioned age as a factor, and as I am in my mid-40s, it is definitely a possibility.
On the food front, I’m not sure what to do. Here is my typical daily menu. I feel like I am starving sometimes, which sucks.
Morning
- Shot of espresso with 4 oz steamed whole milk, no sugar
Lunch
- 6 oz low fat cottage cheese with one sliced tomato (I hate whole fat cottage cheese, although I know it’s better for me) or
- 6 oz Greek yogurt with sliced fruit or
- 4 oz leftover salmon (although like SHU, I tend to hoard the leftovers for more dinners!)
Snack
- 12 whole almonds or one peach or 10 cherries or 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1-2 LaCroixs (0 calories)
(Sometimes: One cocktail before dinner. We’ve been working our way through this list.)
Dinner
- 4 oz steamed salmon or 4 oz roasted chicken or 1 turkey burger (no bun) or 1 BBQ’d Aidells chicken apple sausage
- Small side salad with this vinaigrette, or steamed / roasted veggies with olive oil and salt/pepper (usually Brussels sprouts, broccoli, spinach, Swiss Chard)
- (Sometimes: half a baked potato with small portion sour cream)
(Note: We have been half-a**ing it on the cooking front this summer, making the same dishes over and over.)
What the heck am I doing wrong?
Have you gained weight during the pandemic? Any suggestions to change up my diet? Am I stressing over something stupid and meaningless during this horrible time?
Hope you all are well and safe
Xoxo Jjiraffe