How to stay fit during lockdown period?

Fitness and Health

"All progress takes place outside the comfort zone."

Who knew a mere bat could bring the whole world economy down in one go? Ironic, right! But as per the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic, the demand of the time is to stay fit and healthy while staying inside your houses.

           

          Urban Indian society appears to be quite concerned about the chances of gaining weight during this lockdown. But you don't have to worry about this. Follow the guidelines given below to stay in good physical shape. Being a tennis player who works out and does immense physical activity for 5 hours, 5 days a week (not these days, of course!), I'm sure I can give you some tips that you'll find worth paying heed to.

               
The importance of timely and regular meals cannot be over-emphasized. Body metabolism works best when you eat foods at regular intervals instead of being erratic. It is particularly important to avoid eating dinner very late and sleeping soon thereafter. This habit of regular meals should ideally be followed even when there is no lockdown. Finally, this habit is particularly relevant to diabetics, as it avoids erratic blood sugar levels.

Since most of us are not burning off calories during this period of lockdown, it is natural that our fuel foods intake should be lesser in this period. Carbohydrates (fuel foods) include food items such as bread, chapatis, rice, potato, etc. Intake of these should be curtailed during this period. Additionally, since the body does not need any energy during sleep, carbohydrates can be completely avoided at dinner. If satiety (satisfaction) is an issue with a curtailed intake of carbohydrates, we could increase the intake of low/non-carbohydrate food items such as pulses (dals), freshly cooked vegetables, fruits, etc.

Remember, you are on social lockdown and not a fitness lockdown. 

Staying fit is 70% about maintaining a good diet and 30% about gyming and exercising. Keeping a healthy diet is important but you can't forget the fitness part. Maintain a healthy fitness regime. If you're a beginner, then start with an easy workout and do it for 30 days (approx.). Till then, it'll become a habit. 

          

LOCKDOWN is a challenge for super-fit gym-goers since gyms are closed and movement outside is limited, but there are some exercises you can do while stuck indoors.

I'll let you know about the fitness schedules you can follow in my upcoming blogs.

Here's a recipe you might want to follow. You can take this at breakfast. Follow the instructions below to make this delicious granola.

Wanna know how to make your own home-made granola?

Put 2 cups oats, 3/4 cup raisins, and 1/2 cup chopped nuts, along with some sunflower seeds, in a mixing bowl. Mix all the ingredients together. Then put your granola in a screw-top jar. Label the jar, adding the date. You can eat your granola with milk, yogurt, or fresh fruit juice, and have a healthy breakfast.

I found this granola recipe in one of the encyclopedias that I own. TBH, I've never really tried making it myself. But I'm definitely gonna try it out someday. And till then..

Stay Fit, Stay Healthy and stay at home!

And remember, your suggestions are valued. If you think I'm missing any critical points, then please lemme know about your opinions in the comment section!