Lockdown has turned a lot of us into couch-dwelling, snack-eating machines - but Judy Davie wants locals to shake things up a bit.
She has developed a healthy eating program to encourage people to 'Lighten Up in Lockdown'.
Ms Davie has operated her food coaching business, The Food Coach Courses, for the past 20 years.
She said the 2020 lockdown inspired her to create a free program for those looking to lead a healthier lifestyle.
"Last year according to an IPSOS survey approximately 35 per cent of Australians gained weight during the lockdown," she said.
"They also drank more alcohol than any other country in the world.
"I was concerned by these statistics because we know the negative impacts lockdown can have on mental health, and alcohol and poor diet can also have negative impacts on mental health."
Ms Davie said her program provided residents with a meal plan and shopping list for two weeks worth of nutritious meals.
"We know that boredom, anxiety and stress can lead us to eat more," she said.
"We also know that more access to snacks can lead us to eat more.
"The Lighten Up in Lockdown program covers two weeks of meals but it can be used over and over again."
Many people turn to their favourite comfort foods, like chocolate, cookies or ice cream, during stressful times, however Ms Davie said the sugar crash was not always worth it.
"Those quick fix type foods might bring you some comfort for a little while as it might spike your blood sugar quickly but then you will have the sugar slump, and perhaps a mood slump with it," she said.
"The program encourages people to give up sugar, or as much as you can.
"Sugar isn't the enemy as it can be good in the right foods.
"The program also encourages people to give up white grains for whole grains and to eat your five serves of veg a day.
"Alcohol is the big one - I understand people might like a drink every now and then but you really should have three or four nights a week without alcohol, and if you drink it should be limited to four standard drinks in one sitting."
Ms Davie encouraged locals to give the free program a try.
"While in lockdown you have a chance to change your way of thinking," she said.
"Importantly, we want to emerge from this healthier than when we went in.
"We have the opportunity to focus on the positive and make the most out of lockdown."
To find out more or download the Lighten Up in Lockdown program, visit: www.thefoodcoachcourses.com.au.
