SHEDDING THE QUARANTINE FIFTEEN

By Vicky Roe

With a lot of extra time being spent at home these days, it can become very easy to succumb to a condition I like to label “boredom eating”- I know I can’t be the only one guilty of this, right? Eating simply because I’m bored is not something I wanted as a continuous habit, so I sought the guidance of New Orleans native Health Professional, Ron Wells. While it may be easy for us to come up with a million excuses as to why we can’t work out, whether it be we don’t have the time, we’re too tired, or simply life itself, we should remember we only get one temple and we have to take care of it!

As someone who’s always been involved in some sort of fitness, some may think Ron Wells can’t possibly understand the struggle of someone who can’t seem to find the motivation to get moving. But it wasn’t always an easy road for Wells when it comes to his fitness journey. “After Katrina, I had to relocate to Charlotte and it was there that I tore my ACL while playing football in high school. I tore my ACL a second time while in rehab. I told myself I would just major in this field because I learned so much about the body from all of this rehab.” Wells turned what could’ve been looked at as a downfall, into a degree! This is an important point because the fitness journey is not solely physical.

“Mental health plays a big part in starting and maintaining your fitness lifestyle. It will help with mood, anxiety and self-esteem, just to name a few. Having a space in your life where you can go and have some time for yourself, to better yourself, is very important. If you have a healthy mind, the body will follow,” said Wells.

Let’s face it though, finding that initial motivation to get up and get going can be one of the hardest parts. Wells says finding that extra push while you may be stuck in the house all starts with prepping for your first day. “Put your clothes out the night before, like the first day of school. You should make yourself excited, write affirmations on your mirror or even get an accountability partner. For the first day, find a comfortable place to work out and build a foundation on consistency, not a number/scale goal.”

While we see how simply deciding to start and mental health play a big part in your fitness journey, we can’t forget about one MAJOR component: FOOD! “Diet is very important but outside of the term ‘diet’, so is a healthy mindset and healthy eating habits.” Wells says. And if you don’t want to go cold turkey on all the foods you love or simply can’t go without, do it in baby steps. “On that first day, write down what you eat. Review that list and figure out that one food that you can take out or go a day without. As time goes on, take out two ‘bad foods’. As you take the foods out, replace them with something that you like and that’s healthy. Remember, eating healthy doesn’t have to be nasty or boring.” Wells says.

Do you need some suggestions on the best foods to incorporate into a healthy diet? Wells has got you covered. He also gave us some suggestions for a beginner workout. Please consult with a nutritionist, dietician and your physician before trying any suggestions below. Also, make sure to take into account any food allergies. Results vary per person.

All in all, remember that getting healthy and fit is not about what other people think or even a scale number. As Wells says “Fitness is a universal world that welcomes all kinds. Do not let the small insecure world of social media ruin your perception of fitness and stop you from accomplishing your goals. Start with a day at a time and be excited for your new journey. Don’t chase after a picture for a look or a scale number; chase a lifestyle that will forever change you for the better.”

With Vicky Roe, you’re getting the best of both worlds - born and raised in New York City but growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina gives her the Concrete Jungle hustle with a solid serving of Southern Hospitality!

After numerous opportunities, including working for “American Idol” during their stint in Charlotte, to interning for the “Rachael Ray Show”, to becoming a Television News Reporter in Alabama, she ultimately made her way back to Charlotte where she worked as the Executive Producer for a Morning Radio Show. The experience both behind the scenes and on the mic, set her up to be the next powerhouse on Q95.5 in Lafayette, Louisiana, and now contributing writer for 337 Magazine.