Almost two weeks into the lock down and it seems like a lot of people are finding ways occupy their time by getting busy in the kitchen. Who is buying all the flour and more of a concern, what are they doing with it!

Budding Bake Off competitors maybe, or just baking up a storm for entertainment? The result is the same in that there is more temptation on hand. Step away from the baking and check out recipes for new meal ideas instead. There are lots of recipes here.

With Easter coming up this week the shops are flooded with all kinds of tempting treats and with having our wings clipped, it is very easy to while away time by munching on treats. How is it going at your house?

Remember, the more sugar you eat, the more you crave.

Uncertainty, anxiety, worry, stress, they can all be triggers for comfort eating and for slipping back into old, less helpful, habits. What else can you do when you have a lot of extra time on your hands?

I’m a big fan of routine and putting some structure into a day.

• Make daily exercise non-negotiable. It is a great stress reliever to get out of the house and get moving, in your local area of course at this time. Exercise also boosts your immune system. Here are a few links to home exercise options.

  • Daily Mail: Effective home workout during lockdown

  • Now to love: Total Body Tone Up

  • Now to love: Total Body workout with park bench

  • The Guardian: How to make a home made gym while self isolating

  • Plus you have Les Mills classes on TV1, Monday to Friday at 9am

• Have a To Do list (or two or three) and then aim to knock at least one thing off a day. From the simple to the more unappealing tasks, it gives a sense of satisfaction to see the list shrinking.

• Don’t lose contact with your friends and family. If you can’t physically meet with them, you can still hook up with them via Zoom/Whatsapp/Skype etc. and I know of a few families who have organised regular quiz nights and games via apps. It is good for your mental heath to keep social connections.

• Keep your mind occupied. Jigsaws, crosswords and quizzes seem to have come back in fashion, great for your brain and excellent to keep you out of the pantry. Or listen to podcasts or music, take the opportunity to study something you always wanted to, but didn’t have time. It beats spring cleaning!

• Eat healthy. We need to support our immune system by eating good quality, nourishing food, especially veggies and protein. Frozen veggies are fine. Limit foods that rob your body of health; processed food, sugar and alcohol being the main offenders.

• Plan your meals. It also means you will need to shop less frequently when you can shop according to your meal plan.

• Gratitude is the antidote to fear. Find something to be grateful about every day and realise these challenging, frightening times will end and at the other end you want to come out a better person.

If you want to keep up with your accountability during lockdown, or want ideas for meals, etc, I am able to work with you online, at whatever frequency you find helpful. Check out this link for more information about non-contact appointments.

Keeping track of what you are eating

I know, when you feel like you are off the rails with your food, the last thing you want is to see it staring you in the face, but if you want to get back in control again, keeping an honest food diary can really help. You can download a food diary here.

There are lots of Resources, Blog Articles, Recipes and Tips on my website. If you need inspiration, have a flick through and if you would like to keep in touch, feel free!

I hope by the time I write my May newsletter that restrictions have eased somewhat and we can start to re-build our lives.

Stay safe, be kind and look after yourselves.