Have you put on weight over the past year with the pandemic and the lockdowns? So much stress, fear and uncertainty, surrounds us every day - it's only natural to be thrown off your game.

You may have:

• More demands at home - kids at home with virtual learning, trying to balance your job with home schooling, trying to make meals for everyone and keep up with things around the house.

• Less time - with your busy schedule and trying to get into a new routine, it's hard to find time in the day to plan and prepare healthy meals and to get any activity in.

• Added Stress/Emotional Anxiety - absolutely, everyone is feeling some sort of stress and a wide range of emotions with everything going on in the world and in their own lives right now. Being in lockdown and not having control is enough to make anyone go a little crazy! Hormone imbalances, stress eating and over indulging along with the inactivity is a recipe for weight gain.

• Lack of Connection - humans need physical contact and to connect with friends and family on a regular basis. This time has made it very hard on everyone. Isolation, lack of social events/interaction and being unable to comfort loved ones when they are sick/struggling...all are taking a toll. Who would have thought that hugging, shaking hands or walking past someone on the street would be so awkward and risky.

• Increased Alcohol Consumption - it's no secret that people are consuming more alcohol being stuck at home and unable to go out and socialize. The added stress and potential boredom with being stuck at home can also increase peoples need or want to drink.

• Who knows how much longer we are going to be in lockdown and in this state of emergency. Don't let this pandemic prevent you from reaching you goals! Find a way to stay focused on being healthy, happy and positive - the one thing you can control right now is your mindset, what you eat and what you do with your day.

Here are some ways to fight weight gain through this lockdown!

1. Get Active - the nice weather is finally here, which will make it a lot easier to get outside! Make time every day to get some activity in - get out for a walk, hike, run or bike ride. Play in the park or your backyard with the kids. Anything to get you moving. There are lots of great exercise/yoga programs/videos that you can do at home as well! Make activity a priority every day. This will improve your mood and energy levels and will also help prevent weight gain.

2. Make sure that you have lots of healthy foods in the house. Take some time to meal plan each week and focus on making good choices as often as you can. Make your meals and home vs. ordering in. Try to keep the junk foods/sweets out of the house. Get into a good routine with your meals and be mindful of your portions. The better you eat, the better you will feel.

3. Get lots of water in each day! Stay hydrated.

4. Reduce/Manage Stress - find a healthy way to keep your stress levels in check each day. Outdoors, exercise, yoga, mindfulness/meditation apps, deep breathing, reading, essential oils, baths, quiet time. Anything to put you in a good frame of mind. Do your best not to reach for food or alcohol to help manage your stress.

5. Sleep Well - get into a good sleep routine. Aim for a good 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Your mind and body need this time to reset.

Take things one day at a time. Keep focused on your goals and work towards them every day! Stay strong and positive - be the best YOU that you can be.

Stay healthy and stay safe! ❤️