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Feb 01

Snack, Sleep, Repeat? Reversing Unhealthy Habits in a Pandemic

At the height of the pandemic, when many people were eating unhealthy foods and getting little exercise, Yamiley Polycarpe made the decision to improve her lifestyle.

After months of varying levels of coronavirus restrictions, where people have been “locked down” with more snacks and stress and less sleep and activity than ever before, “gaining the COVID-19 pounds,” is a pretty common joke. But, is it possible to lose – not gain – weight in a pandemic?

It was for Yamiley Polycarpe, an R.N. at AdventHealth Altamonte Springs. Polycarpe, who suffered from high blood pressure, started her wellness journey in March 2020, at the very start of quarantine in much of the U.S. She lost 50 pounds.

“I said, ‘I don’t care what’s going on, I’m going to make sure I’m eating right,’” recalled Polycarpe. “I just said what I was going to do, and I just went with it.”

Throughout the pandemic, states and countries around the world have issued stay-at-home orders to combat the spread of COVID-19. A study published in the Obesity Society research journal reported on the habits developed during these lockdown periods:

About 44% of the participants reported an increase in unhealthful snacking.

Physical activity significantly decreased by 18 minutes per week.

44% of the participants reported worse sleep quality.

Weight gain occurred in 33% of the individuals with obesity.

Instead of continuing these negative lifestyle behaviors in her own life, Polycarpe enrolled in two weight loss programs, including New Day, New Weigh by the AdventHealth Diabetes Institute. Through it she was connected to a nutritionist, exercise specialist, endocrinologist, and behavioral health specialist.

“Before starting the program, I was eating whatever I wanted whenever I wanted,” Polycarpe said. “I wasn’t exercising and I would go to sleep at 1 or 2 in the morning and I would wake up the next day and not eat until noon. I wasn’t thinking about it even though I knew I needed to take care of myself.”

Sherri Flynt, R.D., nutritional excellence manager at AdventHealth’s Center for Nutritional Excellence, said that the foods people typically gravitate toward in times of stress (like a pandemic) are more refined foods like chips and candies, which increase inflammation and weaken the immune system.

“We need to flip our mindset to getting more plant-based foods,” she said. “Maybe not being vegan or vegetarian, but putting more plant and natural foods on our plate. The closer we eat to the ground, the better.”

In terms of exercise, Polycarpe has taken this time to enjoy workout DVDs at home, and safe, socially distant family bike rides around the neighborhood.

“I want people to know COVID is very poorly transmitted outside. So, people really would do well to get outside and get some sunshine in their eyes. Sunshine increases serotonin,” said George Guthrie, M.D., M.P.H., board-certified family physician in the AdventHealth Medical Group. Serotonin is the key hormone that stabilizes mood and feelings of happiness.

Polycarpe is already experiencing many benefits. Her blood pressure has gone down significantly, and weight and inches have been “falling off.”

“My clothes fit better, I smile more,” she said. “I’m happier because I’m healthy, and I can do more with my family because I’m not tired and sluggish like I was before.”

To reverse unhealthy habits you may have developed in the pandemic, Flynt suggests being mindful and intentional, and writing down a plan for what you will eat, how you will move, and when you will rest.

“Never discount those baby steps,” she said.

AdventHealth | February 2021

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