After quarantine, I've officially let myself go; the amount of weight I've gained is endless. It affects everything, from the clothes I wear when I go out to my self-esteem. Should I start exercising, go on a diet, or should I first sort things out in my head? How do you bounce back in situations like this?
I've experienced this a lot; I was literally depressed for 3 months because of the belly I gained after quarantine. At first, I started working out, but I couldn't progress without getting my head straight. I think first you need to accept that this process is normal for yourself, then start with a small walk 🫠
Honestly, I think diet is a big part of the equation. When I gained about 10 kilos, I only relied on exercise and it didn't help. I cut out carbohydrates and reduced sugar, and not only did I lose weight, but my mood also improved. But if you don't make it a routine, it's tough.
Now I have to ask you this: why did you eat so uncontrollably that you gained this much weight in quarantine? We all went through similar experiences, but everyone learned to cope with it. I think you've allowed a bit of your self-esteem issue.
You need to support yourself both physically and mentally. Weight gain can also stem from stress and hormone imbalances. I recommend that you see a specialist while gradually adding small exercises and healthy eating to your daily routine. Especially, things can become clearer with a blood test.
Let me add this: I was really stressed during that time and my hand kept going to snacks. Now I feel like I would quit immediately if I started again. How did you manage your appetite?
I don't think this is just about the weight. There’s also a deeper issue of self-confidence going on in the background, which might be why you felt this way. Could it be that you’re actually fixating on something else using weight as an excuse? 😐
I had a similar situation as well. I couldn't control my appetite, but I managed to suppress it by drinking water. Gradually reducing portion sizes also works very effectively. Don't try to quit all at once one day.
