The Covid-19 (lbs) - YouLookFab Forum

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The Covid-19 (lbs)

Runcarla

Veteran

How are the changes imposed by dealing with shelter-in-place affecting your physical health/weight? Some folks report gaining weight (too little exercise and too much comfort food) whereas others are loosing weight (less eating out and more walking).

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada.....-1.5531767

I’ve lost weight in the past month-6 weeks. Not a huge amount, about 5lbs. I believe nutrition has been the same as usual, though no coffee and pastry stops during walks, and the walks might be a little longer. Fitness at home is not the same as gym workouts and I wonder if the weight loss is lost muscle mass - since I’m not able to do the weight training that is core to my fitness regime? I’m looking forward to going back to the gym (and the bakery shop) when things open up again, but it is going to be hard work to build back up to where I left off.

What about your physical self?

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48 replies

Latest reply was from anne

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I don’t own a scale — I haven’t in years — but if my jeans from a few years ago and my structured pants are to be believed, I am either holding steady or down a couple of pounds.

I have been walking a lot and am thinking of starting back up on some sort of running goals (I got back to where I could run three miles with no stopping this winter, but got sidetracked around the time my friend died). Hubs and I were supposed to run a 10k a couple of weeks from now, but once we realized that was off the books, our training derailed. With warmer weather, I’ll get on my bike more too. The Peloton gets used on days when the weather is too crappy to walk outside.

I think cooking and eating at home is helping me, although we have had some indulgences (I have been doing a bit of baking, and a friend of ours who is a Food Network star delivers the most amazing pies — this week we decided to try strawberry rhubarb!). When grocery shopping, I try to find the balance between getting us a little treat and not loading up on sugary junk — with mixed success. I’m approaching all of this with an attitude of everything in moderation. Not a time to add deprivation on top of an already stressful time.

Brooklyn

Veteran

I lost 10 kg last year due to illness, so I don’t want to lose anymore weight. A former gym instructor lost his job because of the shutdowns so I am trying to support him by subscribing to his daily (online) gym sessions. I do it with a group so it’s actually quite motivating and fun (as I already worked from home). Plus I continue to walk my dog about 10- 12 km a day and I do rehab exercises for my back most days. Also, my mum has had all her activities cancelled. So I go to her place 2-3 times a week and take her for a walk to get her out and about. So I think I think I’m exercising more because of the shutdown. Just trying to be careful not to eat (or drink!) more than usual.

Anonymous

I had lost some weight - about 10-11 lbs - earlier this year, and am disappointed in myself for allowing some of it back on. I haven't been on the scale, but I'm sure I'm back up a few lbs. My coping mechanisms with stress and worry aren't very sophisticated, and I've not been eating as strictly and carefully as I need to to maintain the weight I want . I had also allowed alcohol back into the picture, which was really disappointing. I read myself the riot act, again, yesterday , and have recommitted to earlier bedtimes, no alcohol, a strict keto diet, and MORE EXERCISE. It's not all vanity-related...it's as much a health issue for me as anything . I need a lower BMI to be in the healthy range, and to maintain kidney and liver health. And I can't WAIT to get back into the gym. Really, really missing the vibe there.

Christina F.

Veteran

I think have held steady and am hopefully gaining some strength. My lack of commute has given me the time to finally commit to working out at home, which is good because I don't walk as much as I did. I do try to do 1-2 miles every day at a good clip in the park, but i used to do 5+ on the city streets. I then do a cardio or strength workout most evenings after I shut down my work computer for the day. I subscribe to an app called HASFit that gives you a variety of month-long workout programs via video. I have also done a bit of yoga and pilates from Youtube.

Working out is the only thing I have really forced myself to commit to right now because it's important to health (so crucial right now) and coping with stress. I always rolled my eyes at the people online who have said it's time to write the great American novel or whatever--we just need to get through this with as much kindness to ourselves as possible. My husband keeps baking and making food like pulled pork...we've also made some healthy stuff and I'm trying to keep a balance by not overeating any of it, but I can't find it in my heart be too strict about it right now.

nemosmom

Veteran

I don't weigh myself, but I try to pay attention to how clothes fit. I haven't had much time/energy to exercise, but I am trying to find a way to fit it in. I have been able to stick to the intermittent fasting schedule I started last fall, but I have to admit my food choices have been terrible. Oreos are a food group, right?

Marilyn

Veteran

I don't own a scale....I do periodic weight checks at the gym. That said, I think I'm holding steady. Everything fits the same and looks the same in the mirror so far.

I have been doing extra long walks with the dog on most days and also some stationary bike. No, home workouts are not the same as the gym. But, I'm doing online videos as well as my own thing. I have a good assortment of dumbbells, a resistance band and a Bosu Ball.

I'm a pretty health conscious eater and I'm sticking to that. I have gotten into the habit of grabbing a handful of chips pretty much daily....comfort eating.....I need to knock that off. Chips wouldn't be in the house if it weren't for husband.

I've been feeling hungry ALL THE TIME lately. I don't think it's a boredom thing....I feel actual hunger. Is anyone else experiencing this?

Cardiff girl

Veteran

I don’t weigh myself so can’t give pounds gained or lost but I am still getting into my usual clothes at the moment but like Marilyn I seem to be hungry all the time these days which is not usual for me.l am wondering if a change of diet due to the situation is responsible or whether it’s an emotional response.Anyways I am baking my way through the apocalypse much to the appreciation of my family!

My theory is that you don’t want to be too cake deprived in the face of corona.

rachylou

Veteran

The only thing about my cooking is that it’s low carb, low fat. Apparently. It’s not necessarily on purpose. I will drop weight and my blood sugar. So I have to be careful. I ate a ton this weekend but still had to fight off low blood sugars. In the end, had to make a run to McDonald’s. I know that’s weird. Maybe I should deep fry once a week?

deb

Veteran

I am down about 5 lbs. I lose weight with stress and these are definitely stressful times for me.

Gail

Veteran

I've been doing 5 mile walks about 3 times a week and on-line pilates classes about 3-4 times. This is more than pre corona. My weight is about the same. I had hoped to lose a little with this regimen but find I'm baking bread and cookies to soothe myself and have something to look forward to at the end of another long day.

Kyle

Veteran

I’ve gained some weight in quarantine due to more cooking, baking and snacking. A foot problem has sidelined me from walking, and the doctor says it still needs 3 more weeks of rest. That means my strong focus needs to be on proper nutrition, and I’m working to do better in that regard for overall health reasons.

Anonymous

I don't have a scale, but my body has been so chaotic since last summer, that I'm used to it!
Food is good and bad. I cook, make protien smoothies, and eat a lot of salad- which I can't when working normally. But- chocolate. I want all the chocolate. And craft beer. Normally I have 1 or 2 a month, but since I have to bring it home, I want to make it worth the drive! Caffeine is up too. I cut down to about 6 ounces a day, but back to a full cup again- but not 2 huge mugs like I did last year.
Exercize is good and bad too. I walk in the woods many days, and bike when it's not too windy. But normally I'd be at the gym after work everyday. I'm doing yoga, barre, weight lifting, martial arts, dance, and poi spinning at home- but not at all disciplined. Basically just put on appropriate music and go to it til I decide to do something else. The yoga and barre sometimes I use an app, which gives me ideas of new moves, but prefer to be free form rather than guided. I really don't like being wedded to screens for long stretches of time! Looking forward to paddleboarding if it ever warms up enough.

Marilyn

Veteran

Cardiff girl....... I bet it's the stress! I'm stressed out and worried almost all the time with everything going on.

I did a quick Google and webmd says this...."When you're anxious or tense, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. This amps up your feeling of hunger. Many people under stress also crave foods high in sugar, fat, or both. It may be your body's attempt to "shut off" the part of your brain that causes you to worry."

slim cat

Veteran

I lost some weight in the beginning of the year - some stress, new job and being sick combined.
Since our isolation started I gained all of the lost pounds and then
some . Snacking, baking, not working did that to me.
I'm trying to get back in shape, taking long walks, limiting my sugar intake, avoiding chips and cookies ( when I can ) with mixed results. I feel like I get tired more easy now and I do crave sweet things.

kkards

Veteran

Like deb, I tend to lose weight during stressful times...and with no commute I’ve got time to Walk (generally a 1.5-2 miles daily during the week & 3-4 miles on Saturday/Sunday ), and I’m cooking more, eating out less, and no Starbucks

Anonymous

I wish I was one of those people who lost weight and didn't eat when stressed. I've been baking a lot too - something to do - and of course "sampling" every thing I make. And Marilyn, I'm with you in feeling hungry all the time. It's the snacking and yes, chips (also my husband's fault , lol) that is doing me in. Being around the house all day makes the kitchen too easy to access. And a big YES to cortisol production, which I'm really susceptible to.

Laurie

Veteran

Not doing my best through all of this.
Caffeine - up, up, up
Wine- is back. Just a glass, but regularly.
Mindful, tracked 1200 calories a day - Not so much. I literally step outside myself, look at myself and say, "yeah. no" and don't work at recording. Not that I'm eating a lot more, I'm just wilfully not being careful. Which is ironic, because I have complete control of what I eat. Much harder in regular times, eating out, etc.
Cooking - was fun, now isn't. Tired of everything, slacking off, eating popcorn instead of dinner.
Exercise - the one thing that I'm absolutely dedicated to no matter what. in addition to yoga and exercise program, walking is really ramped up. I actually walked 9.4 miles on Sunday trying to finish an audiobook that was due. Usually I am on the phone with my son or my Mom during a walk, and the time and miles go by.

Interesting about cortisol as a good explanation for why we're hungry!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Greg has called it "The Quarantine Fifteen" - which he thinks he's on his way to gaining

I weigh myself daily. My weight doesn't fluctuate much. 2 to 3 pounds usually. At the moment I am on the lower end because like others here, I lose weight when I'm stressed no matter how much I eat. I'm stressed about my Dad.

I continue to cook, eat, and prep with joy, and along the lines of our usual diets. Three nutritious, controlled and healthy-for-us meals a day, with snacks and cake daily too. Nothing has changed. We are moderate. We eat carbs, gluten, sugar, and dairy - and are big on veg and fruit. No alcohol, coffee or mammals. The cooking and eating is the fun part in all of this - so I make sure it's extra therapeutic at the moment. Again, nothing has really changed other than Greg and I are TOGETHER a lot more.

I take Sam on walks many times a day. Do my PT exercises too. I'm always moving around and quite hyper. I can't sit still for long. Not much yoga though. I'm just too distracted at the moment.....

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Oh, the craft beer! Actually, I've been pretty careful about limiting my alcohol intake -- I'm not a big drinker anymore anyway, but keeping it to a glass of wine one night, a night off, and then a beer with dinner a couple nights later...That seems to work for me, as long as I'm active. And with warming weather, our favorite drink (Hendricks and tonic) is tempting but I keep it to once a week. But we have friends who own a brewery, and they delivered three growlers two weeks ago. I love the growlers because I can just pour myself how much beer I want, and I'm not committed to drinking a whole bottle. I want to order more!

Style Fan

Veteran

My weight is pretty stable except when I am stressed. I lose weight when I am stressed and this past year has been difficult for me. I really doubt that I will gain weight during this Covid because I don`t eat or drink to make myself feel better. My stomach becomes a knot.
We do Yoga every day and go for a walk. I am cooking plant-based meals from scratch. That is new to me. We have always been plant- based but I have never been such a "fancy" cook.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I joined Noom in February and lost 12 pounds. I quit Noom yesterday, I've had to cut back on expenses. It got me off of so much processed food. I am on the LoseIt app, far more reasonable and the food logging is easier than Noom anyway. You just don't get the "Psych Tricks" as they call them. I walk my dogs and try to get in my 10,000 steps daily, that's my fitness routine. I revised my goal downwards by another 3-4 pounds so I have some cushion for fluctuations. Some days my legs especially thighs feel weak. That must mean I have lost muscle. So I eat a big piece of salmon or the like and I feel stronger again. It's really hilly where I live so I can tell immediately if I'm losing strength.

Covid-19 has not had an impact on my fitness routine. It has had a massive impact on my finances though. I am living on borrowed money as my business went from making $2,000-$10,000 per day to $38-$300 per day. I do need to watch for daily drinking ... it's starting to creep up again, as my coping mechanism for depression/anger about my business being RUINED.

JAileen

Veteran

I’m eating regular, but early on my husband and I decided that an apocalypse required cocktails. So every day at five my husband mixes us a pre dinner cocktail. We never did this before. Anyway, we’re drinking very little beer or wine.

I hadn’t been getting much exercise because the weather was bad, but now it’s nice, so we’ve been going for bike rides. Not grueling, but ordinary half hour rides in the neighborhood.

1. Manhattan
2. Vodka gimlet
3. Cosmopolitan

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cindysmith

Veteran

Oh dear heaven, Carla, I'm in the same boat as you. Weight training has been my fitness routine for a year, and I am terrified that this lockdown is undoing 2 years of physical therapy and a year of weight training. I'm actually using k-tape again because of an owie I got at work the other day.

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

JAileen we need to do a YLF Zoom cocktail party!

Anonymous

Angie - I constantly marvel at how you eat like you do and remain so thin. I'm absolutely envious!

JAileen

Veteran

Cocolion, I’m in!

rachylou

Veteran

I frankly miss cocktail hour. Hanging out waiting for that one family member who always takes too long to dress and playing fetch with the dog while waiting... hehe

Sara L.

Veteran

I'm up a couple pounds mainly due to more cocktails and wine. I used to be really stringent about no alcohol during the week and now I have a pre-dinner cocktail or glass of wine almost every night. I've been walking or running most days though so I think the increased alcohol is balanced by more exercise. However, I used to meet with a personal trainer on the weekends to do weight training and I haven't done any weights since the lockdown so I think that's also affecting my fitness level.

Sal

Veteran

SImilar to most of you some things are going well and others not so well. I often worked at home so some things ie access to the fridge is no different.

The good
- lots of home cooked meals which tend to be healthier and smaller than takeaway or dining out.
- no spontaneous bakery stops for my favourites eaten on the run (a bad habit)
- lots of time outdoors in my garden or in the local area
- a regular yoga practice
- similar amount of running and walking, and more biking.

The mixed bag
- no meals with friends that involve lots of pre dinner nibbles and often dessert (which I love but are calorific)
- no work shouts for birthdays etc

The sad
- no weight training (I am doing some yoga and body weight stuff)
- no friends to exercise with
- no swimming

I did make an effort to wear fitted jeans for a couple of days. They fitted much the same as in March - but I do feel a bit weaker in the arms.

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