I gained weight because of COVID

Warning! Harsh truth revealed below, not for easily offended.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author herself.

I’m sure you've heard this sentence, or maybe said it yourself a million times. According to studies. , roughly 22 percent of adults reported weight gain during the pandemic. I don’t even know what to say to that. It’s alarming.

I get it though.

Too much change, too much stress, too many anxieties, too much of “this is not how it used to be”, too much of “I don’t like this anymore” can get, well, too much.

The imposed limitations disrupted your world, your routines and your ‘normal’ way of life.

Your days are out of whack, gyms and recreational centers are (or were) closed, you are in lockdown. [Increasing stress](https://www.calltheone.com/en/life-coaches/stress-management-tips-and-techniques] and uncertainties about life as you know it took their toll on your mental and physical health.

You might struggle with weight management due to increased work and family demands, unforeseen hardships and unpredictable future.

Your sleep patterns are off, good eating habits as well…. Physical activity is almost non-existent. You either sit behind your computer or on the sofa binge-watching Netflix. There is almost always a plate with food or snacks next to you, soda or maybe even beer.

You complain about the government, your boss, your spouse, your kids, your family and everything else in your outer world. “They” are responsible for what’s happening to you!

Lack of sleep, decreased physical activity, snacking after dinner, eating in response to stress, and eating because of the appearance and smell of food are behaviors linked to weight gain during quarantine.

be·hav·ior
/bəˈhāvyər/
noun: behaviour the way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially toward others.

Ponder this.

• Who is responsible for your behaviour?
• Who is responsible for your thoughts, emotions and feelings?
• Who is responsible for your happiness?
• Who is responsible for your joy and love for life itself?

YOU! Yes, YOU!

It is easier to blame others, than taking control over your life. That requires yet another change. And there has already been SO. MUCH. CHANGE!

Accepting responsibility for your own life can be a frightening thing because it requires that you face your fears and stop blaming others for the life you have or the situations you encounter.

“I gained weight because of COVID”.

NO!

You gained weight because your world as you know it collapsed, which can be frightening.

You gained weight because you couldn’t control your feelings and emotions.

You gained weight because you are an emotional or stress eater, and this is how you cope.

You gained weight because you didn’t feel like sticking to your workout routine, because your family or your boss needed you.

You gained weight because of your “what’s the point anyway” attitude.

You gained weight because you didn’t care about yourself and you justified it with logical reasoning.

You gain weight because you got lazy.

You gained weight because you found reasons and excuses why not to exercise.

You gained weight because you allowed it to happen.

My point is - you have access to endless abundance of tools on ‘how to’ do and achieve anything. And yet, you decided to do whatever you did, or are currently doing while pointing fingers away from yourself.

Have you read the article about Capt. Sir Tom Moore, a 100-year old British WWII Veteran raised more than $40 million for health care workers by walking laps in his garden during lockdown? Wow! I mean, wow! Did it blow your mind?

Please don’t get me wrong. I’m not pointing fingers or scolding you or laughing at you. This is my #truthbomb for today.

And before you unleash your “how dare you…” and throw at me some extreme and traumatic situations people are in and have absolutely no control over - I’m not talking about such people.

I’m talking about you, you that feels I insulted you some way. You that thinks “I’m going to show you, you b***h” and send me your heated opinion or tell me a long list of excuses.

If you feel spoken to, or insulted, or a little hurt - maybe it is for a reason. Maybe deep down you know I’m talking to you. So get over yourself and take action towards a healthier, vital and happier you.

We always have a choice to decide what we allow to affect our emotions, decisions, choices and behaviors. Take responsibility. You will get through the discomfort and fear - with us on your side.

When you find your courage to change your life, to change the way you feel, think and behave - let us know. We are here to help, guide, support and motivate you.

I know YOU CAN! Do you?