Illustration by Michael Parkin

Let’s face it, quarantining the right way means you have adjust how you plan out your day to day. If diet isn’t in your scheme then your reemergence in public might come with some unwanted pounds.

While spending the majority of our time inside is the new normal that very few embrace, it does provide some hidden benefits. Chances are you spending less of your hard earned funds on public transportation, gasoline, travel, eating out and other incidentals that come with having a social life. But being home this much gets boring very fast. So it is very likely that we shift our spending to making sure we have all the essentials in abundance. This includes our sustenance and here is where things get even trickier.

While at home you’re (hopefully) around food all the time. And if you’re like me you have brought home some extras that you normally wouldn’t put in your shopping cart in order to treat yourself or to break up the monotony at your place of residence. If you can relate don’t worry; I join you in your quagmire.

Since New York City shut down in late March I have indulged in assortment of high-priced comfort foods, an abundance of snacks and fine wines to pair with each plate. During the first two weeks of lock down I would pick my spots with designated days to curate specialty menus for my family; specifically the weekend. Fast forward to the start of May and things have come to downright gluttony. While I am still staying active by working out with cables and jogging four to five days a week, it is clear to me that my stomach is outworking my limbs. Unfortunately I have pretty much gained back all the weight I shed since the start of the new year.

While the reading on my digital scale dealt me a blow that almost knocked me off my feet, I was solely to blame. I was very careless and eating without a care in the world. Additionally food delivery platforms that I did not normally patronize quickly became another crutch and as many of have come to realize things add up quick on Uber Eats, Grub Hub, Seamless, etc. Luckily that May 1 weigh in was the wake up call I didn’t know I needed.

As I surveyed my kitchen it dawned on me that I have way too much going on. My freezer is busting with frozen fish, ice cream and chocolate waffles. The refrigerator is no difference. Even worse are the pantries which are filled to the brim with five different types of breads (not including wraps), chips, popcorn and other items. ‘What I have I become?’ I asked myself.

In six days I have shed five pounds. Even though I am not sitting at my goal weight I am confident about rebounding to my prior shape. But more importantly I have come to the realization that my spending is directly fueling by bad eating habits. Here some tips that will help you avoid packing on the pounds during quarantine.

Shopping Lists Are Your Friend

When grocery shopping I have found it clutch to make a list, a thoughtful one. Your approach should be to make note of your true needs and not wants. The most important action item is sticking to it. Out of dish washing liquid? – get it. Need to re-up on eggs – that’s no-brainer. Those freshly made cookies by the bakery – maybe not. Simply put adding items to your cart out of emotion will lead you down a slippery slope.

Rise And Shine

If times permits I suggest exercising first thing in the morning. Yes I know working out at home might not provide the same opportunities as your local gym but it is a must you stay active. If you are into strength training I suggest getting a set of resistance cables. They are easy to use and do not take up much space. Personally I use the Fitness Insanity Resistance Bands Set and it has been clutch. I have also started to incorporate some online yoga for beginners classes on Amazon Prime and Youtube into my weekly routine to change things up. Additionally with the weather being so nice in New York City I have found that a 20 minute walk will do wonders for my energy in the early AM. With so many options available you can make it work to suit your needs; just make sure you continue to put in the work.

Prepare For Victory

I find it easier to make smart food choices when I prepare my meals in advance. Typically I will cook some protein that will last two to three days (steak, fish, etc.); same with my sides which are usually an easily digestible carbohydrate (Success White Rice) and some healthy fats (avocado). This way I know I have food I can quickly heat up and not deviate from my eating plan.

Smart Options

Keeping the right kind of food around you will also help you make good decisions. So if you are surrounded by cookies, cakes, sweets and processed foods chances are you will be facing some sort of temptation every time you walk in the kitchen. Personally this has been my biggest Achilles heel thus far because one treat turns into several throughout the day. Before you know it you have consumed 500+ empty calories before dinner. Instead I now snack on light mozzarella string cheese and high protein yogurt. Additionally adding some blueberries or strawberries gives a nice texture to my smoothies. I recommend Cellucor COR-Performance Protein Powder; it mixes well and it is low in carbohydrates.

Drink In Moderation

For the last consecutive four weeks I have purchased about five to six bottles of wine for the weekend. And by each Sunday afternoon I have already exhausted most of the bottles. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying liquid libations those calories add up quickly; trust me I am living proof. Additionally I was pairing the glasses with less than healthy food options including chips, pizza, wings and more.

If you can’t go entirely dry try avoiding the mixers (the margarita blend I was using 120 calories per drink). Additionally eating before you drink will hopefully curb the urge to nosh with no limits. Also I find that the earlier you start drinking the more careless you will become throughout the day with your eating regimen. So either keep it to a nightcap or set a drinking goal and stick to it.

Words by Mr. Martin Jean Founder, Flawless Crowns @IAmMartinJean