We are officially at the tail-end of 2020, the year that was, in large part, controlled by the COVID-19 pandemic around the world. Learning how to adjust to this new normal was hard for many, and still is. If you have changed your schedule due to the pandemic and find yourself working from home or spending most of your time in the house, the basic principles of your health can sometimes be left by the wayside due to an increase in stress and anxiety along with a change in routine. Remember that your gut health is of the utmost importance as it controls how healthy the other parts of your body will function. We wanted to take it back to basics when it comes to getting a handle on your gut health, so, follow these simple ideas to keep your gut health or get back on track.
Eat on a regular schedule
Although your normal routine may be flipped upside down, try to stay consistent in your eating plan. Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner on a regular schedule and avoid excessive snacking throughout your day. Try to plan out your meals ahead of time, even though you are not heading out the door each day. Having a plan is always easier to stick to when it comes to consistency and routine in eating. Avoid the dreaded fridge search when you feel hungry as this will, most likely, turn into unnecessary snacking. Fill up on wholesome food choices to keep you full longer and reduce cravings.
Avoid overindulging in takeout
Supporting local restaurants and ordering takeout is a wonderful idea on occasion, especially during a pandemic, but don’t make a habit of it. Although nothing compares to the convenience of ordering in, prepared foods tend to be high in salt, sugar, and fat, which can cause an imbalance in your overall gut health. Don’t feel the need to nix your orders completely but aim to keep them at a minimum of about once or twice per month. When ordering, and eating, choose foods that are gut-healthy options such as non-starchy vegetables and high-fiber foods.
Stay away from fad diets
Although you may feel physical changes from staying home, stay away from the idea of beginning a fad diet. Although they may seem tempting and a “quick fix” option to any weight gain you may be experiencing, they don’t provide very many lasting or healthy results. Instead of considering dieting to switch up your eating routine, opt to stick to foods that are wholesome and healthy for your body. Choose options that make your gut balanced which will play a role in an overall healthy mind and body.
Stay active
Exercise is essential to overall positive health. Regular exercise can reduce inflammation making you less susceptible to common GI issues such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Crohn’s Disease. Exercise has also been shown to improve the balance of healthy gut bacteria. Positive changes were noted in the gut microbe about two months after adding regular exercise to your daily life. Daily outdoor exercise can also reduce stress, depression, and anxiety levels that may be increased due to the looming pandemic. Consider adding in a 20-minute walk or bike ride to your schedule to kick your health up a notch, both physically and mentally.
Keeping a healthy gut, mind and full body can feel tough when you are working from home or stuck in the house for long periods of time. Find new ways to consume the foods your body needs while also fitting in daily exercise. A healthy and balanced diet, along with regular exercise can work wonders on balancing your gut, even when your regular routine has changed.