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Many people are experiencing weight gain in quarantine. In fact, according to a WebMD poll, 47% of women and 22% of men responded they have gained weight during isolation. Varying factors have contributed to weight gain, including a lack of exercise and more stress eating.
With that in mind, keep reading for the unexpected diet mistake that is causing quarantine weight gain.
Not Meal Planning
With so much more time at home, it might be easier to leave planning meals to the last minute. Unfortunately, that's probably not the best idea for your diet.
Instead, meal planning ahead of time can help keep your weight in check. By incorporating a lot of protein and fiber, limiting processed foods, and adding in fruits and vegetables, meal planning makes it easier to stick to a healthy diet.
Without planning your meals and snacks ahead of time, you could fall into a pattern of stress eating unhealthy, over-processed foods.
Healthline stresses the importance of including snacks in your meal plan: "Snacks can help lower hunger, promote feelings of fullness, and reduce the overall number of calories you eat per day. Protein- and fiber-rich combinations, such as nuts, roasted chickpeas, or veggies and hummus, appear best suited to promote weight loss."
It's also a good idea to include variety in your meal plan, decreasing the chances of you becoming bored with the meal plan and resorting to other, less healthy options.
Plus, according to Healthline, "Eating a variety of foods is instrumental in providing your body with the nutrients it needs."
Meal planning can also help keep your grocery visits efficient. By knowing what you will need for the week ahead of time, it will be easier to stick to a list when it comes time to go the grocery store.
