POUNDING ON THE PANDEMIC POUNDS Why So Many of Us Have Gained What We Didn’t Want During Lockdown

Virtually none of us are living the same way during this unforeseen shelter-in-place phase of our lives. Many of us have rediscovered ways to add depth to our lives that have long been on the back burner like board games and bike rides. Meditation and movie marathons. Unfortunately, adding to our waistlines is fast becoming a national phenomena, but apparently for good reasons. 19 of them to be exact. I think I have heard them all, so let’s get at it.  

1. I’m stressed. For good reason. No alone time at times. Too much alone time at other times. No work for my spouse. Too much work for me. Bills piling up. My personal remedy: Twinkies. And gelato. And new dark chocolate-covered pretzels.  
2. Baking is back. King Arthur has left the building. (For you dough making newbies, King Arthur is the premium flour that has flown off most grocery shelves!) The reason bread flour is in such short supply is we’ve rediscovered baking. Grandma’s chocolate chip cookies. Mama’s muffins. Homemade sourdough. The list is long. 
3. We’ve been stuck inside. What’d you expect, when I’m stuck inside four walls and my refrigerator and pantry are just a few steps away?
4. My gym is shut down. I lost my routine. I’ve got no treadmill at home. How can I lift weights I don’t own? I prefer beer curls during all this time of added stress. 
5. My psyche is off. For good reason. Even our parents never experienced something like this. And everything I read and watch contradicts what came before it. Sounds like something only Oreos and milk can remedy!
6. The kids are home 24/7. If I had wanted to be a teacher, I’d have changed my college major. That explains why I’m eating way more than an apple a day.
7. I’m making fewer trips to the grocery store. It’s critical that I buy enough to last me weeks, in case they run out...of ice cream. Cheeto Puffs. And meat lovers frozen pizza.
8. I’ve got more time to experiment. I never realized you could add fresh chocolate to chili. Or that you could make double glazed, extra jumbo cinnamon rolls. Thankfully, I’m a fast learner.
9. I’m Zoomin’ along. Some of my many Zoom sessions have no video component. That fact screams “It’s snack time.” No one knows I am slamming down 3 chili dogs if I remember to keep my mute button activated.
10. My routine is off completely. Up at 6:45 with a protein bar for breakfast and a healthy lunch at noon is no more. How can I possibly stay a disciplined eater? And why shouldn't I have a glass of wine with lunch now?
11. I love contactless take-out. It doesn’t get any easier. Order in advance. Pay in advance. And it’s everywhere. What better way to enjoy everything I enjoy? 
12. I’ve got more time in the day. Before I rarely had a spare moment before to get to the bathroom, nevertheless snack. Now I find large chunks of available time. Time to discover new snacks. New desserts. New flavors.  
13. Family meals are back. The kids love homemade mac and cheese. My spouse loves baked ziti with extra cheese. I’m a family guy so I feel the need to fully participate. Fully.
14. We’ve got a new cook in the house. My daughter always wanted to learn how to make double bacon cheeseburgers on the grill. My youngest wants to mimic his Mom’s cooking skills. It’s our obligation to help train and taste test, isn’t it?
15. I’ve got to try that recipe I saw posted on social media. Thank you, Pinterest. And Facebook. And IG. I’d have never discovered creamy Irish butter and twice breaded spicy fried chicken without you guys. 
16. I now binge watch the Food Network. I’m committed to being totally prepared in case I ever get my chance to get “Chopped” or become a “Cake Boss.”
17. I can’t help but pick up their habits. I’d have never known peanut butter went so well on a burger. Or that I could mix Haagen Daz chocolate chocolate chip into my coffee with such remarkable results. 
18. I’m up later at night. My new bedtime is now well after midnight. What I had for dinner can’t possibly carry me through my night of Netflix. Nor can just one Mich Ultra. 
19. We all deserve the treat, don’t we? With all this tragedy and uncertainty around us, what’s a few added pounds in the big picture? Not much. Except when days become months and pounds become lots of pounds. 

As we get back out into society, it’s my hope that we will be better than ever. Unfortunately, it appears bigger and better may be more accurate. Hopefully, not for long.