Sunday Thoughts - COVID 29

We’ve all heard about COVID 19. 

It’s about all we can talk about, and that’s not going to change completely overnight.

But have you heard about “COVID 29?” 

It’s directly related to the epidemic you’ve heard about. And threatens us for years to come, if we don’t do something about it. 

Soon.

Because according to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association, more than 4 in 10 adults reported weight gain due to COVID 19. 

And the average gain was… 29 pounds. 

Which is not too surprising, but it is alarming. And it’s cause for change if you’re facing it right now.

Believe me, I get it. Staying at home was bad. Boring. And stressful.

And making sourdough or banana bread was a nice (and tasty) diversion. 

But we need to keep in mind what’s going on here, and what we need to do about it. 

We all had plenty of excuses to curl up on the couch, binge our favorite shows, reach for some comfort food, and try to forget our troubles. 

But soon those excuses will dissipate. And we’ll be left with a constant reminder of what we’ve been through. 

One that will make it much harder to stay healthy, whether we’re dealing with nasty bugs or just the rigors of aging. 

So it’s time for a real talk with yourself. 

If you’ve sampled a few too many “quarantinis” or dusted off your bread making skills far too often, it’s time to start (or restart) some healthier habits. 

Focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, and fill your plate with them.

Cut back (or try to eliminate for a time) refined carbohydrates and sugars. 

Start upping your water intake. Make a real effort to drink throughout the day.

Stay true to your supplement routine, or start one that focuses on energy, metabolism and combating inflammation (extra pounds really stress you). 

And commit to getting off the couch and getting some fresh air. 

The sad reality is it’s far easier to pack on the COVID 29 than strip it off. But if you don’t make an effort, you’re prolonging this terrible interruption to our lives.

Only to have it come back to haunt you, again and again. 

Look, you need to give yourself some grace here. But you also need to start a different path. 

And that can start whenever you’re ready. Just don’t put it off too long. 

Because the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll reawaken that healthier you that’s in there. 

Stronger. Fitter. And able to withstand the next health challenge you face. 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.