3 simple tricks for avoiding ‘fat traps’ and staying trim at home

Has being a homebody made you gain weight? When the pandemic hit, it forced us to abruptly shift our everyday routine to the confines of our home. And as we adjusted and acclimated to this new way of life, so did our habits.

Things that were once reserved for weekends, such as taking a break from exercise, swapping business attire for sweatpants, ordering takeout, or sneaking in a sweet treat, became a more common practice. Unfortunately, this mindset can cause the pounds to pack on fast.

More than ever, it’s imperative to recognize the fat traps associated with the pandemic. This is especially true as motivation and workout options begin to dwindle when the colder months roll in. By gaining awareness now, you can save yourself from unnecessary weight gain, and the dangerous side effects associated with it later.

The button is your best friend. If your work meetings are online now, chances are you’ve switched up your wardrobe so the upper half of your body is presentable, polished, and professional looking for Zoom meetings, while your hidden lower half is in a relaxed pair of sweatpants. But stretchy pant lovers beware: While cozy and comfortable, the sweatpants or pajama bottoms can sabotage fitness because as your gut grows, so will the band. But a snug pair of jeans can be quite unforgiving, pinching at your paunch as a warning sign that you may be overdoing it.

A recipe for disaster. Whether you get your groceries delivered or venture out to the market, it’s probably fair to say we are all a little tired of cooking every night. Sometimes you just want to hang up the oven mitts and enjoy the ease of a delivered dinner. But just know that takeout will likely boost your daily caloric intake because most restaurants prep their pots and pans with lots of butters, oils and other fat-filled ingredients to make food taste delicious. This translates to more calories, saturated fats, sodium, and sugars than you may have consumed if you were cooking your own cuisine.

If you’re craving takeout, an easy way to cut some of these additional calories is to forgo dressings, ask for a plate to be cooked without oil or butter, and to opt for fresh dishes instead of fried, cheesy, breaded fare. And remember to limit alcohol, specifically those with pre-mixed fruity fillers and sugary syrups.

Moving is a must. We know we need exercise to feel good, maintain a healthy weight, and sustain muscle mass and bone density. But finding ways to fill your fitness tank can be challenging if you don’t want to step into a gym or are new to working out. Fortunately, now is the perfect time to get outside as the weather is in that sweet spot that is not too hot or too cold. Regardless of your athletic level, there are two forms of exercise that are easy to start, require no equipment, and are effective: walking and body weight training.

To make walking work toward weight loss, good heart health, lung endurance, and other wellness benefits, aim for at least 30 minutes each day. If you prefer a faster pace, running is great for pumping up your pulse, too.

For bodyweight training, try the following no-fuss, foundational fitness moves before venturing out for cardio. Repeat this entire circuit three to five times.

Plank-ups:

Burpees:

Walking lunge:

Ashley Blake Greenblatt is a certified personal trainer and wellness coach. To learn more about her virtual training program, visit ashleyblakefitness.com.