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Why you should stop worrying about gaining weight during COVID-19

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You’ve read the posts - you’ve seen the memes.

‘Me before quarantine - Me after quarantine’,  ‘Wear your bathing suit instead of pajamas’ ‘COVID-19 is the new Freshman 15’ 

I’m sure if you scroll on your news feed right now you’ll see one.

The fear of gaining weight and the stigma of diet culture amidst a global freaking pandemic is really just not funny.  There, I said it. I get that humor is a way to cope with stressful situations - and some people may not see them as harmful.  But they can be triggering and subconsciously affect the way you treat yourself - physically & mentally.

As a positive fitness professional, my whole world and train of thought on this kinda stuff shifted a few years back and it truly hurts my heart when I see the posts like this.  And honestly, as someone who preaches overall wellness (not diet culture) I don’t want to be associated with them.

Now, I’m not saying to throw your hands up and give up on yourself and your well being and be a couch potato and binge Netflix/food all day. 

I’m saying that there are more important things going on in the world than you worrying about your pants feeling a little tighter.

Are you feeling stressed? I can pretty much guarantee that.  I am, too - you’re not alone.

We know what stress does, right?  It’s one of those ‘hidden’ culprits of weight gain.  It’s literally a natural bodily response. Our body is responding to what is going on in the world today.  Find yourself feeling more hungry? It’s not a lack of willpower. It’s your body’s way of taking care of you.  And shouldn’t we listen to our body? I hear it’s a  pretty darn smart machine. 

So yes, you may gain weight - and that’s ok.  Because - NEWS FLASH - life is more than just about focusing on our weight fluctuations. 

If you find that you may be gaining weight during this very stressful time in our world & feel bad about it - I want to remind you of something:

Be kind to yourself.  Give yourself grace. You are enough. Change your perspective. 

  • Stop following people on social media that feed into the diet culture bullsh*t. (socially distant yourself from them!)
  • Move your body in a way that brings you joy.
  • Mindfully eat - tap into your hunger cues.
  • Drink lots and lots of water - and yes, you’ll be peeing more. That’s ok!
  • Focus on the good things in life.
  • Practice gratitude. 

Take care of yourself in a positive way. Mind, body & spirit. 

My friends, you are more than a number. 

Xo