COVID - 19 ... Our New Reality

GoalGal50
GoalGal50 Posts: 90 Member
edited December 24 in Health and Weight Loss
As we are all now affected by COVID-19, how does this sabotage your progress or does it?

A. What are you doing maintain your calorie count?

B. How are you compensating for your normal excercise routine?

C. How many pounds (gained) are you willing to allow yourself in this pandemic?
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Replies

  • bmeadows380
    bmeadows380 Posts: 2,981 Member
    edited April 2020
    A ) the same as I have been for the last several months - nothing changed whatsoever about my deficit; this situation has not affected me.

    B ) I'm making sure to get an elliptical session in of a morning, using the time slot I would have been commuting to work in. If its pretty outside, I take a long walk; if its not, then I do a 25-30 minute low impact aerobic video on YouTube. I'm also trying to establish a body weigh program for myself.

    C ) absolutely 0. I'm still losing as planned because I have been able to stay within deficit.
  • cupcakesandproteinshakes
    cupcakesandproteinshakes Posts: 1,161 Member
    I work from home anyway so that hasn’t changed. My family is at home too, but I’m enjoying the company.

    Gyms closed so I’ve bought some power blocks so I can carry on training at home . I’m probably doing more exercise than normal. I don’t intend to put on a single pound and will aim to lose a few pounds if I can.
  • SnifterPug
    SnifterPug Posts: 746 Member
    A) I'm counting calories as before. It's important to me to keep up with my routine and stay healthy. Turning into a wobbling heap on the sofa is not an option.
    B) I managed to get hold of a suspension trainer, pull up bar and even a barbell that converts to dumbbells. It won't go that heavy but enough to be meaningful. Already had a kettlebell and resistance bands a-plenty. Our gym has provided lots of workout videos. Mostly they do nothing for me but trying Pilates has been interesting. I have to work out to deal with stress, so I am doing it every day and it is helping me a lot. I intend to come out of this fit and slim
    C) I have no intention of gaining weight. I am on the slide into maintenance (want to lose maximum 12 pounds but will see how I look as I go along.
  • estherdragonbat
    estherdragonbat Posts: 5,283 Member
    Fewer walks, more time on the glider.

    Also, with fitness stores shutting down right now, I'm a little concerned about what to do when I'm ready for heavier dumbbells. The shipping on 80lbs of iron (a pair of 40s) is going to be high. For now, though, I'm ok with the 35s and hopefully by the time it becomes an issue, things will be settled down enough for the stores to reopen.
  • RelCanonical
    RelCanonical Posts: 3,882 Member
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    This has zero impact on my diet or exercise. I'm eating the same way I've been eating for the past seven years...if anything, my wife and I have been doing some more experimenting with recipes and whatnot since we have more time being home. My normal exercise consists largely of road cycling, mountain biking, and hiking and I continue to do those things...actually I'm doing more than normal since I no longer have a two hour commute and more time in my day.

    ETA: if anything, this pandemic is making losing my winter fluff easier than it usually is...I'm not chained to a desk all day...and spring is just gorgeous here and being outside is wonderful. That said, I live in a rural village just outside of Albuquerque with plenty of space and not too many people around in general...I don't know how I would handle being in a large and crowded city. Albuquerque isn't even all that big, but I'm happy as hell I don't live in the city proper. I do have to cross city lines to get my grocery shopping done, but that's it...other than that I'm hunkered down on my property and riding bikes a lot.

    Me too! I would say my only struggle with COVID-19 is finding things to do so I don't boredom eat. I love thrift shopping and can't right now, so I have to find other things to do to fill that time. I've also been getting some more exercise as well because of extra time, and it gets me out of the house to hop on my bike and explore town a little. The lighter traffic has made it easier to do so.
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    no change for me...



    A. What are you doing maintain your calorie count?
    ~~~same thing I've always done...use a food scale and logging.

    B. How are you compensating for your normal excercise routine?
    ~~~no change...I use a home gym and do what I can anyway.

    C. How many pounds (gained) are you willing to allow yourself in this pandemic?
    ~~none..I expect to lose weight.

    I have to say I've often said that people need to get used to the idea that exercise is not ideal for weight loss...you need to learn how to lose weight with just CI...because there could be a time when you can't exercise...and look here...

    And don't get me wrong it's not because we can't exercise but people aren't keen on changes...*shrugs* my summer bod will be ready.
  • pink_mint
    pink_mint Posts: 103 Member
    edited April 2020
    I'm sure it's different for everyone depending on their normal routine and their situation.

    I actually already do a home bodyweight workout as part of my normal routine. That and the fact that we're a longtime homeschool family and happen to do home haircuts too (I do a good job, we don't look weird) a lot of this is actually not a huge change for us.

    The only thing that throws me off in terms of weight loss stuff is not being able to run to the store whenever I want to, for example, grab salad greens. Or items not even being available when I do get to the store. Having to be flexible with what food is available and practical at the time. Still counting calories.

    But overall I see this time as motivating in a way. I'd like to come out the other side of this lockdown healthy, God willing, and not in the obese range anymore.
  • steveko89
    steveko89 Posts: 2,223 Member
    It's certainly not sabotaging anything, at worst I'm maintaining, at best I'm in a better spot. Working from home I get an hour of my day back so working out (which always occurs at home) is a little easier. I'm eating basically the same as I normally would, minus impulse buys at the office vending machine or eating out. I'm down almost 4 lbs in the last 5 weeks so if anything this situation is making things easier for me.

  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    RelCanonical wrote: »
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    This has zero impact on my diet or exercise. I'm eating the same way I've been eating for the past seven years...if anything, my wife and I have been doing some more experimenting with recipes and whatnot since we have more time being home. My normal exercise consists largely of road cycling, mountain biking, and hiking and I continue to do those things...actually I'm doing more than normal since I no longer have a two hour commute and more time in my day.

    ETA: if anything, this pandemic is making losing my winter fluff easier than it usually is...I'm not chained to a desk all day...and spring is just gorgeous here and being outside is wonderful. That said, I live in a rural village just outside of Albuquerque with plenty of space and not too many people around in general...I don't know how I would handle being in a large and crowded city. Albuquerque isn't even all that big, but I'm happy as hell I don't live in the city proper. I do have to cross city lines to get my grocery shopping done, but that's it...other than that I'm hunkered down on my property and riding bikes a lot.

    Me too! I would say my only struggle with COVID-19 is finding things to do so I don't boredom eat. I love thrift shopping and can't right now, so I have to find other things to do to fill that time. I've also been getting some more exercise as well because of extra time, and it gets me out of the house to hop on my bike and explore town a little. The lighter traffic has made it easier to do so.

    My two boys (10 & 7) have me covered on the not getting too bored thing...never a dull moment...lol
  • sgt1372
    sgt1372 Posts: 3,997 Member
    GoalGal50 wrote: »
    As we are all now affected by COVID-19, how does this sabotage your progress or does it?

    A. What are you doing maintain your calorie count?

    B. How are you compensating for your normal excercise routine?

    C. How many pounds (gained) are you willing to allow yourself in this pandemic?

    A. Continuing 2log @thing I eat.
    B. No chg; @thing I need I have @home.
    C. Zero.
  • aries68mc
    aries68mc Posts: 173 Member
    No impact. I am still logging/continuing to maintain and making sure I get exercise in, even while working from home. It's a bit easier to get exercise in as I can jump on my exercise bike or treadmill at any time and not have to feel like I am forcing myself to in the evenings after I would normally get home, when I'm more tired. And, our work wellness team has even added virtual work out classes in the mornings 2 days a week that I am taking advantage of.
  • lightenup2016
    lightenup2016 Posts: 1,055 Member
    edited April 2020
    I've found that between reduced motivation (planned running races canceled) and having everyone at home (homeschooling 3 kids, my job, husband's job) and associated chaos, PLUS general anxiety about the whole situation, I'm doing good to maintain my weight at this point. Which I'm fine with--I was previously within 10 lbs of goal, and within a normal BMI, so I'm counting this time as my "maintenance practice".

    A. I'm still doing pretty good at logging, but have skipped a few days or parts of days. I definitely do better when I do log. I'm allowing myself to have up to 2100 calories, which is pretty much maintenance for me, up from 1600 when I was trying to lose 1 lb per week.

    B. Exercise has not been affected. I'm still able to keep up with running on our greenways outside, and we have a treadmill at home. I also have a treadmill desk for when I want to get some extra steps in while working. I already have some weightlifting equipment at home, and was doing StrongLifts, but I haven't been as motivated for that lately.

    C. I had previously gotten down to a single reading of 135 lbs, but pretty much an avg of 136.6 or so. As long as I can maintain under 140 lbs during this stay-at-home time, I'll consider myself maintaining, and be fine with that. I've been at 139 lb for the past week, which is about 3 lbs up, but stable now.

    ETA: I worked from home already, so that part has not changed for me. Also, my 3 kids go to a hybrid school, so they were 2 days at school and 3 days at home, so some of that was the same. But having them home everyday, and also my husband now working from home, has added some chaos and also more "snacking" for some reason.
  • dtmwed
    dtmwed Posts: 130 Member
    Most people life hasn't changed and I feel the exact opposite. I like my office because I can't get food other than what I bring. My husband buys a ton of junk and I fall prey to it 100%. I have what I call control self control. I can do it when I pack lunch, but it just being in front of me is so hard!

    1. I'm still trying to meal prep and eat what I know I need to in my calorie counts. It's hard when he drops off a few girl scout cookies at my desk when he wants.
    2. I have started daily burn. Personally I like it.
    3. Don't want to gain any and trying to overcome the need for food. I have to fit into normal pants again at some point.
  • Dunegirl15
    Dunegirl15 Posts: 12 Member
    The first few weeks were shaky, but things improved once I created an at-home schedule for me and my 3 year old. I am better with daily structure even if it is artificial.

    A. I moved my calorie goal to maintenance for now. The extra calories help when I’m stressed about work at the hospital and keep me from flying off the rails. I don’t need to lose right now, just make it through.

    B. Exercise program hasn’t changed much other than timing. Thank goodness for naps and YouTube videos.

    C. As for weight, I’m adopting a maintenance range of +/- 5 pounds. If I lose, great. If I gain just a few pounds, no sweat. I can handle that.
  • springlering62
    springlering62 Posts: 8,686 Member
    I made a goal to stay at maintenance.

    I’d just started recomp last month, so I cut calories back by 20%.

    I’m walking or running 2-3x a day, using the extra walk to make up for the two online class per day that are not as challenging, and burning half the calories, I’m used to.

    I find it very soothing to hear my usual instructors, and am SO grateful they have pooled together to make the effort. I totally understand they can’t make it more challenging for liability reasons (i.e. goobers at home trying stuff without supervision).

    I’m also painting, cleaning, moving, washing, dusting anything that doesn’t sit still, experimenting with new recipes to see just how lo-cal can I go. I’ve finished painting two floors and have two buckets of paint left for the third. After that I may go knocking on doors and begging neighbors “Paint your house? No charge! But stay six feet away!” just to stay sane, in motion, and off my *kitten*.

    After frustratingly slow loss since the holidays, I’m down six pounds in less than three weeks. SMH. Didn’t expect that at ALL. I’m a pound from goal today and have to reevaluate. New goal, more chill time, or more food? I’m happy, but it’s just really freaking me out.

    I’m worrying all the muscle I’ve worked so hard to build has fled my body in three weeks and I’ll go back to the gym as a quivering mass of jelly.
  • NovusDies
    NovusDies Posts: 8,940 Member
    1) Been doing this system for 2 years. It would be harder to deviate than to just do what I do.
    2) Still getting it done except strength training which I have yet to compensate for.
    3) If I get sick I wouldn't care if I gained a couple of pounds if the extra food energy helped me get over it faster. Otherwise I see no reason to gain weight right now. If someone I cared about got sick and needed me I would switch to maintenance temporarily but still no reason to gain.
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