The pandemic created by the novel coronavirus has had a profound impact on countless lives. The very real threat presented by COVID-19 has facilitated big changes in many of our daily routines, particularly when it comes to eating and exercise. While doing your part by staying home is admirable, being housebound can lead to poor dietary choices and a reduction in fitness activities.

Fortunately, being stuck at home doesn’t have to be synonymous with poor eating habits and neglected exercise routines. With a little bit of effort and a willingness to adjust, staying in shape during the current crisis should be well within your abilities.

Get Plenty of Protein 

As any seasoned vegan can attest, eating right is synonymous with feeling good. While the current pandemic may be scary, it shouldn’t prevent you from maintaining a healthy – and satisfying – diet. When arranging a menu that provides your body with essential nutrients and energy, make sure that proteins are prominently featured. Although proteins are commonly associated with animal products like meats and cheeses, plant-based proteins are every bit as nutritious and flavorful.

Furthermore, many animal proteins contain high levels of saturated fat. Anyone who’s new to plant-based proteins can’t go wrong with lentils, tofu, tempeh, edamame, nuts, seeds, chickpeas and other beans. Additionally, a wide variety of vegan protein powders can easily be found online. 

Find Dependable Online Food-Sellers  

Given the ballooning number of new infections, going out in public carries a tremendous risk. That being the case, if it’s possible to do your food shopping online, you’d be wise to take advantage of this convenience. Fortunately, as the vegan lifestyle has become increasingly prominent, so too has the number of online vegan food-sellers.

If you’ve never done your food shopping online, simply fire up your favorite search engine to be presented with a broad range of options. Alternatively, if you wish to continue supporting any local vegan food-sellers throughout the pandemic, make sure to take advantage of any delivery or no-contact pickup options they may be offering.    

Incorporate Non-Fish-Based Omega-3s 

Although healthy eating and vegan diets go hand in hand, even the most dedicated vegans are liable to have trouble getting certain nutrients. This is particularly true in the case of DHA and EPA, both of which are found in omega-3 fatty acids, play a large role in brain and eye development and are conducive to heart health.

Historically, these acids have primarily been found in fatty fish, but in recent years, many vegan foods (soymilk, for example) have become available in DHA-fortified varieties. Some of the best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids are chia seeds, brussels sprouts, hemp seed, walnuts and flaxseeds. So, if fish-free omega-3s are what you’re after, keep an eye out for products containing them when doing your food shopping. 

Adhere to a Fitness Schedule 

When it comes to getting in shape (or staying in shape), routine is important. The sooner you’re able to integrate exercise into your daily grind, the easier working out will become. However, with the novel coronavirus throwing many of our rhythms out of whack, placing physical fitness on the backburner is all too easy.

Even if the pandemic has thrown a wrench into your regular routine, make a point of charting out an at-home fitness schedule and sticking to it – provided, of course, you’re physically able. Whether you prefer to work out in the morning or after the sun goes down, consistency is key to maintaining a good flow and meeting your fitness goals. 

Invest in At-Home Fitness Equipment 

Since going to the gym is off the table for the foreseeable future, at-home fitness equipment represents a smart investment. Strength-training sets, treadmills and other traditional workout tools can help you bring the gym experience home and maintain your safety.

If you’re not a fan of gym-style workouts, consider giving movement-oriented video games a try. Ring Fit Adventure, Beat Saber and the Just Dance series will all provide you with a rigorous workout – and countless hours of fun.   

For the vast majority of humanity, the novel coronavirus represents uncharted territory. Since the last pandemic of this magnitude occurred over a century ago, no one under the age of 100 has experienced anything like what’s happening now.

Many of us are understandably anxious, stressed out and stuck at home, which generally isn’t a combination synonymous with good physical fitness. Still, while staying in shape in the time of COVID-19 may present some challenges, it’s by no means impossible. 

What are you doing to stay in shape while staying at home?

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