Can I just keep it real for a minute and talk about weight loss during COVID-19? Have you experienced the COVID-19 15? Have the pounds you released decide to make a reappearance over the last several months? I know they had for me with stress eating, staying in one place most of the day in front of the computer, and the smell of my mother making fresh homemade bread every other day was just too difficult to resist. Let me just say my snacking game was on point!:).
Paying attention to what I was eating was not a priority and my clothes started letting me know as I tried to stuff myself into a pair of my favorite jeans that said, “I don’t think so dear’ Try again later.” So, I decided it was time to push the reset button and go back to the basics of when I first started my whole food plant-based vegan journey as well as getting in regular exercise. Let me share my weight loss during COVID-19 plan of action.
Have you ever thought, ‘how can someone be overweight if they are eating vegan?’ Well, let me tell you, these days it is pretty darn easy with all the different foods on the market, the tons of recipes out there veganizing comfort foods, and the Facebook groups showcasing some great looking foods that you just gotta try. Yes, eating vegan can still bring with it high caloric and high-fat foods if you’re not careful (I know they just taste so good) you will see the extra you hanging on and not letting go, Now, every once and a while is fine to indulge in these delicious treasures but every day in high quantities is not the ticket and you may find yourself in a whole different situation.
How Did I Reset to Regain my Best Healthy Self?
So, in April, I decided to hit the reset button and go back to what I did at the beginning. What did this mean? I went back to reducing/eliminating processed foods, white sugars, white flours, and the overall reduction in junk food. It also meant to keep things simple and healthy in what I cooked. For instance, if I made sweets I made sure to use natural sweeteners/sugars. I mainly focused on eating whole foods like veggies, fruits, legumes, and grains. One of the programs I followed was the 30 Days to Healthy Living (to find more click the link)
In addition, I added exercise to my daily routine. I started out walking 30 minutes every day for 30 days. So far, at the time of this post, I have exercised consistently over 115 days straight. I am walking/jogging a minimum of 3 miles each day which is huge for me considering jogging was not my jam. My record so far has been a total of 6 miles – say what?!?!? Check out the pics below to see my progress over the last few months.
The Benefits of Choosing Healthy Habits
With exercise and choosing to eat healthy foods, I am feeling a lot better. My energy has improved, I released a lot of the bloating, and my how clothes are fitting better. For instance, those jeans I tried to stuff myself into can button with just a little bit of muffin top to let go – woohoo!!! I don’t have a working scale in the house so the number of pounds, I have no idea, so I’m making my best guess based on how I feel and how my clothes fit. It kinda feels like I have released about 10-15 pounds. In addition, I have released 2 inches from my waist in a month.
Celebrate Each Win Along the Way
I am still on the weight loss during COVID-19 journey but having more of a lifestyle mindset versus not a temporary fix. The goal isn’t just about getting into a pair of jeans, but to stay in those jeans until I don’t want them anymore. When you set your mind to start your health journey, do it with all your might. Celebrate every micro and big win along the way, and forgive yourself. Know you are on a journey that has several paths and sometimes detours but you can continue to travel forward. You are becoming and staying your best healthy self. Congratulations!!!
If you are looking for inspiration and encouragement along your journey, check out how we can work/walk together on your journey.
