As we continue to wade through the current Covid-19 pandemic, it’s no less important to keep up with healthy lifestyle habits. However, a continual lack of structure and added stress can easily get the better of us if we aren’t intentional.
The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), Founder of Your Weight Matters, sought some expert advice on this subject. OAC asked Nina Crowley, PhD, RDN, LD, to take over its Facebook page on April 16th with health tips and words of encouragement. Dr. Crowley is a registered dietitian and health psychologist who leads the metabolic and bariatric surgery program operations at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.
Below, we recapped some of the advice she shared.
Nutrition Tips:
- Try to plan your meals ahead of time to feel more in-control and avoid emotional decisions. It will also help you control what you eat, manage portion sizes and save time.
- Pair protein and produce for a healthy snack. Both protein and fiber keep you fuller for longer, so they are a perfect pair.
- For snack time, try stuff that doesn’t take much prep time so preparing food is easy if you’re busy. Single-serving packages work well for work/home/school.
- Consider buying farm boxes with fresh veggies to boost your produce intake. You’ll be eating locally-grown foods and supporting farmers.
- Use downtime to challenge your cooking skills with new/variable/surprise items.
- Give your little ones out-of-the-classroom education by teaching them to do meal prep in the kitchen. This is a nice way to connect and encourage your family to practice healthy habits. There are awesome services offering low-cost and free options during Covid-19 to get families in the kitchen. Dr. Crowley says, “We got a free kit from Raddish Kids to make raspberry love muffins. We also subscribed to Taste Buds Kitchen for recipes and videos. We’re planning to try their soft pretzels later!”
- If you’d like help from a dietitian, use the OAC’s Obesity Care Provider Locator to find one near you. Many are offering telehealth right now.
- Extra shopping, planning and meal prepping will help you get more organized.
- Thanks to social distancing, we have some space between wanting/craving something and actually getting it. When we do get it, it’s more enjoyable!
General Health Tips:
- Schedule breaks by setting timers to keep yourself standing, moving and refreshed.
- Get outside for your mind, body and soul.
- Healthy habits can be helpful to change your mindset.
- Connecting with family, friends and other loved ones feels good! Pick up the phone or do a video call. Even reach out on social media.
- Moving more can be a keystone behavior that others tend to follow.
Healthcare Tips:
- Healthcare providers are still available. Most are ready, willing, able and chomping at the bit to connect with you! Reach out to your providers to connect in any way possible.
- Most providers have now figured out telehealth and are ready to see you!
- Don’t delay or avoid routine visits!
- Tech options can be very convenient and help solve some of the barriers faced by traditional healthcare (transportation, physical limitations, finances, time).
For More Health and Covid-19 Resources:
- Building Your Mental Health Toolbox: Tips from Rachel Goldman, PhD, FTOS
- Stress Eating During a Pandemic: Why We Do it and How to Manage it
You can also add-on OAC Premium Access Membership at NO COST through July 1, 2020, to access more great health education. Benefits include resource articles, OAC’s Digital Video Library and more.
