I first heard the phrase “Quarantine 15” last week, when I was listening to NPR’s Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me! as part of my Sunday routine.
In case you don’t know, or can’t figure it out from context, it’s a a play on the “Freshman 15” a reference to gaining weight your freshman year of college. And truth be told, I’ve laughed at a few memes on social media about eating during stay-at-home orders and our official New York PAUSE. Because sometimes, you just need to laugh.
I’ve seen all kinds of information, “inspiration,” and jokes on social media. Use this time to workout and get in shape! Use this time to eat healthy and lose weight! Use this time to sink into all the comfort foods.
Personally, I’m all about whatever works for me. Some days, I’m curled up with Netflix, coffee cake, and Easter candy. Some days, I’m cooking tofu and broccoli. Each day I’m moving for at least 30 minutes, but somedays it’s a 15-minute walk and 15-minutes of restorative yoga and other days its a 5-mile run.
And my reality is this — whatever works for you.
Last week, I was watching television with my father-in-law who parked for a few minutes on the latest episode of the PBS series NOVA. He asked if I was watching and I said yes, hooked on the documentary called “The Truth About Fat.” It was a fascinating look at fat from the necessary role it plays in healthy humans to the difficulties people have with weight.
The science is fascinating. And it’s not exact. There are so many factors that go into your body size and shape and how your body handles fat. Science has shown it’s not as simple as a calories in/calories out formula. Generally, my personal philosophy is: Move More. Eat Less. Mostly Plants. But that’s what works for me most days. And more importantly, learning to accept my body as it is — perfect in the moment, for the moment — has been an important journey for my overall health.
I wish as a society could get away from body shaming. You can’t tell a person’s story just by looking at them. Thin doesn’t mean healthy. Fat doesn’t mean undisciplined. (For an excellent read on body shaming during COVID-19, check out this article from Eater.com)
My husband did our first big quarantine shop. We have packs of all-purpose flour and bags of white rice and an entire row of canned beans. I told him next time he’s doing a big disaster shop to be sure to grab some big packs of frozen vegetables as well. Partly because they’re healthy. Partly because I like to eat vegetables.
I could give you advice to move more. To drink water. To try and eat more fruits and vegetables. But here’s my thought for this Fitness Friday — take time to love your body as it is. Nourish it in the ways it needs to be nourished, however that looks for you right now.
There is strength in being gentle with ourselves.
