Most of us have been home for months. Being home during a pandemic brings on stress, anxiety, boredom, frustration and anger. How have many people dealt with these feelings? By eating. That is where the term Quarantine 15 came from.

It is now summertime and the thought of taking our new fluffy bodies and stuffing them into a bathing suit is horrifying. What’s more, as things are opening back up, many people have had to face the dilemma of going back to work and fitting back in their work clothes.

With gyms being closed, weights and cardio machines being sold out and in many places it is too hot to workout outside, what should you do to drop the extra weight? There are many fitness apps out there. I am a fan of Beachbody. However, there are many others and many that are free. In addition there are some fantastic free workouts on You Tube. What I truly enjoy about these apps is the variety of workouts. There is Barre, Yoga, Zumba, bodybuilding, Hiit, Tabata and so much more. I love Zumba as it is fun, burns fat and to me does not feel like a workout. Find one that is your fitness level and that you enjoy. That’s right, working out can be enjoyable! Also, remember that it takes two weeks to make a habit, so commit for at least that long. If you have been lounging on the couch for six months, this will be a challenge. Take that challenge and slay it!

Is working out the only answer? No. Losing weight is 80% diet and 20% fitness. For some just cutting out the junk food will work wonders. However, many of us need a lot more than that. There are many diets out there, that are both free and for profit.

If you can deal with tracking everything you eat, apps like my fitness pal are free and set you up on the necessary calories, carbs, protein and fat.

I have been very successful on nutrisystem, but it is not something you can do forever and the food is only ok.

Jenny Craig is expensive, but the food is good and it works.

My husband has always been successful on intermittent fasting, where you choose eight hours that you can eat and then you do not eat anything else.

With so many to choose from, you need to choose what works for you. Everyone’s body is different. You may just need to eat healthier foods or increase your protein and add in some exercising. Also, don’t make the scale your source of truth, as sometimes the numbers do not move, so you should go by how your clothes look and feel .

While there is no magic pill that will take off the weight, water is crucial You should be taking in at least half your body weight in ounces of water per day. So, if you are 200lbs you need to take in 100 ounces of water. Water not only helps with weight loss, but it also decreases inflammation, flushes out toxins, keeps you full and keeps you hydrated. In fact, if you drink a glass of water before each meal, you will eat less.

Many people have a hard time getting enough water in. What helps me is to always have my 32oz water bottle with me. I have set a goal of drinking at least three of those per day. If you do not like water, try adding some fruit, lemon or cucumbers to it. There are also many flavored water additives. Coffee and sugary drinks like juice do not count as water intake. Tea will add to your daily water intake, but keep in mind that it is also a diuretic, meaning it will increase your urine or water output, so you may need to drink more

Below I have listed some great fitness apps, diets you may want to look into. Good luck, I know you can do this. I am rooting for you.

Fitness Apps:

Beachbodyondemand.com – Has a variety of workouts for all fitness levels

Ifit – Has a variety of workouts for all levels

Blogilates – Combination of Barre, dance and pilates

Daily Burn – Has a variety of workouts for all fitness levels

Zumba – Dance fitness app

Diets:

Weight Watchers – Has different plans that hep you to lose weight while eating your own food

Pro’s – You can eat whatever you want

Con’s – There really isn’t any as long as you are good at tracking what you eat

Jenny Craig and Nutrisystem – Help you to lose weight by providing pre-portioned meals and you provide the snacks. The food on Jenny Craig is much better, but the cost is much higher

Pro’s – Easy, convenient

Con’s – You have to eat their food

Optavia and Medifast – Help you lose weight by eating their foods throughout the day and lean and green meals for dinner.

Pro’s – You lose weight really fast

Con’s – The food takes some getting used to

Whatever you do, remember that it takes time. Don’t beat yourself up. The scale does not define you.