How to make the most of lockdown?

[PintOfPrawns]

Question for those who came out of the first lockdown looking and feeling great.

I'm struggling with just wanting to comfort eat, being unmotivated to do anything and hating the cold and the dark. I am determined to change this mindset and come out of lockdown winning with my weight and my mental health. The weight element I can sort so I guess my key question is: What things did you do last time that kept you feeling motivated and on track?

No advice but solidarity; I’m here for the same advice! It’s hard.

Everything you say echoes with me OP.
I coped well in lockdown no 1, what helped was having a (fairly strict) routine for the day, going outside most days too. Weight wise I feel better planning next days workout/food day before..

Also planning nice things - treats both food and non-food. It’s hard in lockdown but this weeks treats are: 1 nicer workday lunch, and weekend outing for a walk beside lake (vs usual park) & will have a treat meal (pizza) and watch something epic!

Treating self to new trainers has also been motivating :)

i.echo what @10kaDay is saying. It really takes routine that you have to force yourself to do. I walked twice daily and kept myself busy to ensure I didn’t eat mindlessly, I lost 33lbs. I’ve still 14lbs to go so am going back on the bootcamp to keep myself motivated.

@Mixitupalot: well done on the 33 pounds! I was ok in lockdown 1, gained weight steadily after esp in lockdown 2.

My goal is 2 stone off in next 3 months (I’ve got another stone after that!) through a morning workout, lunchtime walk, and an active 10 min break or 2 in day (having a boogie in living room basically)

Also healthy meals, around 1400-1500 cals a day, dry Jan (might do the whole stretch booze free tbh)

I have a Fitbit and count my steps daily: it’s a healthy distraction from the news!

Hi ladies.

It is such a crazy tough time. I help busy mums lose weight my making simple and sustainable tweaks to their lifestyle.

Good on you for wanting to change your mindset @PintofPrawns. Love everyone’s advice.

For my sanity we started walking every day after lunch this week. It’s nice to get out of house and gives me a lift in mood.

My advice would be don’t be too strict or hard on yourself. Restriction doesn’t work.
We get the urge to overeat because we are tired/bored/stressed/procrastinating (my top reason) or for comfort like you said-it’s natural. We are not hungry, we feel like we need something right now. If you can pass a little time the urge most of the time goes away. We want a change in environment and going to get something to eat gives us that and the dopamine hit. We don’t necessary savour and enjoy the food.
A good technique to use is delay, distract, decide. Give yourself 5-10 minutes and distract and busy yourself. Move to another room, talk to somebody, make a cuppa or do something, instead of automatically reacting to your urge.
This isn’t easy, but it works. Then if you still have the urge you need to decide whether to have what you really want.
If you know you are going to enjoy the food then go for it. It’s when we wolf food down as a reaction to a feeling etc that we are in trouble.

Kelly xx

Solidarity here too op.
Last lockdown I started off with a good daily session of exercise but did comfort eat a bit too much and realised I’d gained weight.
I felt embarrassed as I knew my face looked fatter too and all those zoom calls and FaceTimes left me feeling a bit low.
So I just did intermittent fasting where I didn’t eat til midday and did not eat til after 7pm. I made sure I had healthy food prepared for my breakfast/lunch, had fruit available for snacks and allowed myself one ‘bad’ food a day. Which was usually some homemade cake.
The gained weight came off. And it works well because I ended up being really productive in the morning trying to get to 12pm.

I can see the same pattern happening again. My jeans are getting tight and my face looks fatter
Time to get back to my intermittent fasting plan.

Intermittent fasting is fab. I do try to do that on a 16:8 basis. I need not to snack too much between my first and second meals though as I go for sugar mostly and then it gives me a big slump. I do like your one bad food a day thing, @SlothWithACloth. That stops it from becoming guilt inducing.

Low carb

It’s the only way I’m getting through it in one piece (and not a bigger one at that)

Absolutely agree with walking - just being outside certainly helps to boost the mind. I have gone running today. Well I say running but the route I chose was so muddy it was dangerous to even try and run in some parts.

@MarshaBradyo - I have had a lot of success with low carb, but Im also trying to do veganuary (quite lamely though as I'm including eggs). I struggle to do low carb vegan food without just eating eggs 24/7. Any tips on that front?

@PintOfPrawns - honestly, I am doing the same. Plant based + bit of milk in my tea, + eggs (I am a vegetarian normally & tend to eat loads of cheese)

low carb vegan without eggs would involve tofu or seitan... all the other options (soy-based like veggie burgers) or beans have way more carbs. I think eggs are healthier than eating loads of processed foods

Would love to hear any winning recipes/food suggestions you have (I tend to eat LOTS of bean soups/chillis which I enjoy but could do with mixing it up a bit)

[quote PintOfPrawns]@MarshaBradyo - I have had a lot of success with low carb, but Im also trying to do veganuary (quite lamely though as I'm including eggs). I struggle to do low carb vegan food without just eating eggs 24/7. Any tips on that front?[/quote]
That is quite hard as I eat eggs and a lot of tuna. I also eat a lot of courgette, aubergine, cauliflower and bare noodles which you could do. Tofu is good but I always forget about it.

@10kaDay we seem to be eating the same stuff. I completely agree with you about meat alternatives being processed. I try to avoid them if I can.

@MarshaBradyo tofu terrifies me for some reason, I wouldn't know where to start. I've eaten it once or twice and the texture was verrry strange.

Not sure how the formatting will work here but here's what's in the menu over the next few weeks. The Tunisian aubergine is amazing served with oatly creme fraiche and whole meal pittas. I also served it with a warm chickpea salad.

Veggie / vegan recipe ideas

Mains
◦ Vegan bolognese
• https://www.nigella.com/latest/new-year-2021

◦	African peanut stew
•	<a class="break-all" href="https://www.nigella.com/recipes/guests/rachel-amas-african-peanut-stew" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.nigella.com/recipes/guests/rachel-amas-african-peanut-stew</a>

◦	Peach and chick pea curry
•	<a class="break-all" href="https://www.nigella.com/recipes/guests/jack-monroes-peach-and-chickpea-curry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.nigella.com/recipes/guests/jack-monroes-peach-and-chickpea-curry</a>

◦	South Indian veg curry
•	<a class="break-all" href="https://www.nigella.com/recipes/south-indian-vegetable-curry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.nigella.com/recipes/south-indian-vegetable-curry</a>

◦	Asian peanut salad
•	<a class="break-all" href="https://www.taste.com.au/recipes/asian-style-chopped-salad/e835b4c1-3c1d-4367-b30d-ace7c5c73d18" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.taste.com.au/recipes/asian-style-chopped-salad/e835b4c1-3c1d-4367-b30d-ace7c5c73d18</a>

◦	Felafal burgers served with courgette and broccoli with pine nuts
•	<a class="break-all" href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/falafel-burgers-0" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/falafel-burgers-0</a>
•	<a class="break-all" href="https://veganuary.com/recipes/courgette-and-broccoli-with-pine-nuts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://veganuary.com/recipes/courgette-and-broccoli-with-pine-nuts</a><a class="break-all" href="https://veganuary.com/recipes/courgette-and-broccoli-with-pine-nuts/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">/</a>

◦	Nasi goreng 
•	<a class="break-all" href="https://www.gousto.co.uk/cookbook/vegetarian-recipes/indonesian-veggie-nasi-goreng" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.gousto.co.uk/cookbook/vegetarian-recipes/indonesian-veggie-nasi-goreng</a>

◦	Thai veggie curry 
•	<a class="break-all" href="https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/recipes/thai-veggie-curry-5fc8ca53223694284c037eea?subscriptionId=655656&week=2021-W02" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/recipes/thai-veggie-curry-5fc8ca53223694284c037eea?subscriptionId=655656&week=2021-W02</a>

◦	Roasted pepper and aubergine linguine (serve with gnocchi)
•	<a class="break-all" href="https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/recipes/roasted-pepper-and-aubergine-linguine-5fd75e748655e91f07576956?subscriptionId=655656&week=2021-W04" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/recipes/roasted-pepper-and-aubergine-linguine-5fd75e748655e91f07576956?subscriptionId=655656&week=2021-W04</a>

◦	Veggie shepherds pie
•	<a class="break-all" href="https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/recipes/veggie-shepherds-pie-5fd75e7712e5336f910e6ef7?subscriptionId=655656&week=2021-W04" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/recipes/veggie-shepherds-pie-5fd75e7712e5336f910e6ef7?subscriptionId=655656&week=2021-W04</a>

◦	Black bean and sweet potato stew
•	<a class="break-all" href="https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/recipes/black-bean-sweet-potato-stew-5fd8e1ec70a27f2f255b2b69?subscriptionId=655656&week=2021-W05" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/recipes/black-bean-sweet-potato-stew-5fd8e1ec70a27f2f255b2b69?subscriptionId=655656&week=2021-W05</a>

◦	Vegan meatballs with spaghetti and tomato sauce
•	<a class="break-all" href="https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/recipes/vivera-plant-based-meatballs-5fd8e1ef104e2410c63c9d66?subscriptionId=655656&week=2021-W05" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.hellofresh.co.uk/recipes/vivera-plant-based-meatballs-5fd8e1ef104e2410c63c9d66?subscriptionId=655656&week=2021-W05</a>

◦	Tunisian aubergines
•	<a class="break-all" href="https://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/type-of-dish/spicy-recipes/tunisian-aubergine-salad-with-coriander-and-yoghurt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/type-of-dish/spicy-recipes/tunisian-aubergine-salad-with-coriander-and-yoghurt</a>

◦	Vegan moussaka
•	<a class="break-all" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/vegan_moussaka_52413" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/vegan</a><a class="break-all" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/vegan_moussaka_52413" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">moussaka</a>a_<a class="break-all" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/vegan_moussaka_52413" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">52413</a>

◦	Pea and lemon risotto
•	<a class="break-all" href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/lemon-pea-risotto" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/lemon-pea-risotto</a>

◦	Veggie toad in the hole
•	<a class="break-all" href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/veggie-toad-hole" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/veggie-toad-hole</a>

◦	Peppers stuffed with leek risotto
•	<a class="break-all" href="https://veganuary.com/recipes/peppers-stuffed-with-leek-risotto" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://veganuary.com/recipes/peppers-stuffed-with-leek-risotto</a><a class="break-all" href="https://veganuary.com/recipes/peppers-stuffed-with-leek-risotto/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">/</a>

◦	Puy lentil shepherds pie
•	<a class="break-all" href="https://veganuary.com/recipes/vegan-shepherds-pie" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://veganuary.com/recipes/vegan-shepherds-pie</a><a class="break-all" href="https://veganuary.com/recipes/vegan-shepherds-pie/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">/</a>

◦	Moroccan roast veg with jewelled couscous
•	<a class="break-all" href="https://bitofthegoodstuff.com/2019/07/moroccan-roasted-vegetables-with-jewelled-couscous" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://bitofthegoodstuff.com/2019/07/moroccan-roasted-vegetables-with-jewelled-couscous</a><a class="break-all" href="https://bitofthegoodstuff.com/2019/07/moroccan-roasted-vegetables-with-jewelled-couscous/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">/</a>

◦	Red onion tart tatin
•	<a class="break-all" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/redoniontartetatin_67091" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/redoniontartetatin_67091</a>

◦	Pea and leek tart
•	<a class="break-all" href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/pea-leek-super-green-tart" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/pea-leek-super-green-tart</a>

◦	Richmond sausages, mash and gravy

◦	Aubergine skewers with satay sauce
•	<a class="break-all" href="https://www.sainsburysmagazine.co.uk/recipes/mains/aubergine-skewers-with-satay-sauce-and-smashed-cucumber" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.sainsburysmagazine.co.uk/recipes/mains/aubergine-skewers-with-satay-sauce-and-smashed-cucumber</a>

◦	Lemon and pepper pasta
•	<a class="break-all" href="https://www.blissfulbasil.com/vegan-creamy-garlic-lemon-pepper-pasta" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.blissfulbasil.com/vegan-creamy-garlic-lemon-pepper-pasta</a><a class="break-all" href="https://www.blissfulbasil.com/vegan-creamy-garlic-lemon-pepper-pasta/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">/</a>

◦	Courgette fritters
•	<a class="break-all" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/courgettefritters_87587" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/courgettefritters_87587</a>

Some great tips here - thanks ladies. I was fine in lockdown 1 but from September - January the wheels well and truly came off so now trying to undo the damage. Doing exercise daily and gradually improving food and training my will power. Will definitely be trying some of these recipe suggestions.