Lockdown does not help with weight loss. In particular, there are some foods that are best avoided because they can cause health problems in the long run.
With the Covid-19 pandemic many of our habits, food and otherwise, have literally changed, especially in everyday life we have had to readjust to a new lifestyle.
The lockdown, during the first wave, it forced us to lock ourselves in the house, and in most cases, it limited us in the performance of physical activity. This, combined with a increase in the introduction of food, also due to anxiety and stress, led to a weight gain on the scale.
Bad habits that can lead to serious health problems in the long run. This is why now that many areas of Italy have become red areas, and therefore again in lockdown, and in many others the movements are limited, it is good do not fall into food errors and avoid eating certain foods in order to avoid health problems.
Here’s what to eat to stay healthy
With the restoration of the lockdown in many areas of Italy, even our daily habits are forced to undergo changes. In that case it may be the right opportunity for review some incorrect eating habits and change them for the better.
If until now, being away from home for many hours had led us, due to lack of time, to lend little attention to nutrition now, staying home, we may have more time for improve our habits.
For example by reserving more time for the food preparation, and giving impetus to those long foods to prepare such as legumes, which have to be soaked for many hours.
According to what is learned from the website of the Higher Institute of Health, this could be an opportunity for review our eating habits and allocate most of the nutrients in the first part of the day, “Habit that can help you gain less weight and sleep better”.
For example, avoid consuming a quick sandwich at lunch, perhaps due to lack of time, and pay more attention to nutrition introducing greater quantities of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, but also proteins and essential fatty acids.
Furthermore, for the weakest categories, such as children and the elderly, in this period it will be appropriate to devote more attention to them from a nutritional point of view.
What to eat then to stay healthy?
First of all it is good increase the share of plant foods. Space therefore for fruit and vegetables, but also for legumes. We can use them as snacks, instead of the high-fat and packaged ones. Carrots, fennel and cherry tomatoes can become a healthy and delicious snack.
Also, we have to introduce cereals, favoring wholemeal ones which are valid allies for intestinal health. They tend to make us feel more full and thus make us eat less.
We also remember that it is fundamental also drink the right amount of water. At least 6-8 glasses a day are recommended even if we are not thirsty. Instead, we avoid sugary drinks that will be replaced with fresh fruit juices or centrifuges.
When we cook we avoid condiments that are too fat and limit the use of salt to the bare minimum. Another useful tip can be to replace fatty foods such as cream with healthier ones like ricotta, for example.
Here are the foods to avoid during the lockdown
What then should we avoid eating during the lockdown? Always according to what the ISS advises, it is important “Limit the consumption of fatty foods, but also foods and drinks rich in sugar”.
Also to be avoided “an excess of carbohydrates such as pizza, bread, pasta, etc., all foods rich in calories for which the control of quantities can be difficult especially when you are a lot at home “.
We must also pay attention “Ai snack salad which tend to make us eat more. Also let’s remember that salt, sugar and alcohol are not needed, they can be harmful to our health and the last two are also rich in calories: let’s reduce them until they are eliminated from our diet ”.
Not only food, for the ISS it is also important check behaviors that can lead to an imbalance in nutrition. So pay attention to the portions, especially because we move less than usual.
For example, a correct portion of pasta corresponds to 80 grams raw. 100 grams are enough for mozzarella and 50 grams for bread.
This must be combined withphysical activity to be carried out also at home. And then another trick is not to overdo it in filling the refrigerator and pantry with exaggerated stocks of food that will inevitably lead us to consume even more.
Finally, during the lockdown, we avoid the consumption, especially because of boredom, of snacks and sweets, as well as that of canned and packaged foods, rich in additives.
(Source: Higher Institute of Health)
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