Question of the day
Thursday, Sep 10, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller
* From a recent poll of New Yorkers…
A large amount of New Yorkers, 41 percent, have developed a new hobby and 13 percent have adopted a pet.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, 42 percent say that they have gained weight while 32 percent have lost weight.
Seventy percent say the government’s priority should be to contain the spread of the coronavirus, even if it hurts the economy. That’s the same percentage as it was two months ago.
Ninety percent said they continue to practice social distancing, wash their hands after touching any surface and wear masks as much as they can or completely.
I was hanging out with a buddy in his back yard last week and he said he’d lost 30 pounds during the pandemic.
* The Question: Have you gained or lost weight since March? Take the poll and then explain your answer in comments, please…
picture polls
- Downstate - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 2:40 pm:
Lost weight. It helps that my spouse also exercises. The biggest factor, for me, in sticking to regular physical activity (walking, biking, running, etc.), is having an exercise partner to make sure you stay with it.
- Aaron B - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 2:44 pm:
I’ve lost weight. I had been working hard to lose weight since the middle of January and had lost 30 pounds by the start of the quarantine. I stopped dieting for a couple months and gained a bit back but now I’ve lost a total of 65 pounds since the start of 2020.
- Grandson of Man - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 2:44 pm:
Lost weight. Been eating better.
- TheInvisibleMan - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 2:46 pm:
Lost.
My eating habits have greatly changed, for the better. No longer am I going to fast food locations. It went from a few days a week, to only once since mid-march - and it tasted horrible.
Lunch today came out of the garden in the backyard. This has been the case for many days this summer.
Cantaloupes are coming off the vine almost faster than I can eat them. Almost.
I can’t see myself ever going back to the old normal, and I don’t want to.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 2:47 pm:
Lost.
Been running as of late… lost 21 pounds… almost at “playing weight”
- bhartbanjo - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 2:48 pm:
Lost weight. Eating better and walking more when I was at home. Since returning to work, some weight has come back, but not all the way to what it was in early March. Lunches are better because I’m making them at home instead of running out for fast food or takeout.
- Bruce( no not him) - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 2:51 pm:
For all the people who have lost weight, I have found it. Let me know how to give it back to you.
- Stuff Happens - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 2:54 pm:
Neither; it stayed the same.
- Steve M - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 2:54 pm:
Lost 15 pounds. No more fast food lunches at the office and working out at home with the wife. Actually weigh what my drivers license says for the first time in 25 years
- Mr. Black - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 2:55 pm:
Gained. Pizza, tacos, and beer will do that. Luckily I’ve only worn sweatpants since March.
- Dysfunction Junction - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 2:57 pm:
Went from 245 to 210 lbs initially, but gained 10 back once the restaurants opened back up and my employer summoned us back to the office. Work From Home was a big boon for my physical health and productivity. Gained a new skill - sourdough bread - which will come in handy if there’s another round of quarantine.
- Oswego Willy - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 2:57 pm:
If I’m honest?
=== Lost.
Been running as of late… lost 21 pounds… almost at “playing weight”===
Been sleeping a lot less, some more stress, lost some appetite too since March.
Running? It’s clearing my mind a bit, easing the worry, collect my thoughts, get centered.
Eating way better. I’m cooking, cooking better food, not much from a box or “prepared” in a microwave. As I’m cooking, fewer meals, eating less but eating better.
“Playing weight”… dunno if the weight i was carrying golf bags in high school - college is healthy, but that’s kinda where the needle is headed.
It’s about 71% bad weight loss, but hopefully by eating better, running for mental health, it’s good weight loss for overall health.
- pool boy - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:00 pm:
Neither, stayed the same.
- Joe Bidenopolous - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:00 pm:
I skewed your poll, maybe. I have lucky gene metabolism and have never needed to lose weight. But, I have worked out more since being home and put on about 10 lbs of muscle, so I voted “gained” even if it’s for different reasons
- Yiddishcowboy - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:02 pm:
I lost weight–20 lbs. Staying inside was driving me crazy and costing money (too much online shopping). I had to do something. I took up walking and biking. I feel great…so does my wallet.
- Leigh John-Ella - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:03 pm:
Both.
Lost and was in great shape.
Then hit a lull, gained back.
Working on turning it around.
Cycle of life.
- DownSouth - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:03 pm:
Initially I gained some weight - about 10 pounds - in the early days of things I think I was finding more comfort in food, and feeling like everything else stinks so I’ll have more ice cream. It didn’t help that I am a heavy public land user and DNR had everything around shut down and locked up.
I’ve gotten my head wrapped around things better and it also helps that we tend to eat seasonally so more veggies, fish less red meat and crap. Also spending more time back out on public land. So I am down about 15 pounds from pre pandemic weight. Still need to work on my endurance. It’s not great. I don’t even want to think about the huffing and puffing and whining when it’s time to drag a deer out.
- LoyalVirus - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:06 pm:
Dropped approx 15 lbs & I can’t explain why, as I am definitely drinking more…
- Montrose - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:07 pm:
I’ve generally replaced commuting time with walking and running, but also eating all the things under the guise that I need comfort. So, basically its a wash with an edge to losing a couple pounds.
- Huh? - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:08 pm:
Both. Gained weight. Went to doctor for annual physical. Got some eye opening results, decided to go on diet. Have since lost 15 pounds. Trying to lose more and get more exercise.
- Groucho - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:08 pm:
Lost weight. 60 pounds
Better Diet. Eating at home. Walking and biking
- Waffle Fries - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:10 pm:
Gained - on my rear end most days in video conferences, because meetings are easier now so why not have them all day every single damn day.
- JoanP - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:10 pm:
Pretty much the same.
- Earl - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:12 pm:
Stopped smoking (after 30 + years)on April 5th; gained.
- Spfld - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:12 pm:
Gained. Eating dinner is the highlight of my day now, and covid stress has definitely meant I’m drinking more. Wish I could say I am in the other category.
- SSL - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:14 pm:
Lost weight. Cut out sugar as much as possible. It really works.
- Former Merit Comp - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:16 pm:
Gained about 10 because baking became my new hobby lol
- Cool Papa Bell - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:16 pm:
Lost, gained some back over the past month or two.
But I’m not a stress eater or drinker. So March, April, May was low calorie and no booze.
- @misterjayem - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:18 pm:
Lost.
Eating much better and in May I resumed striking the heavy bag in the garage and have hit the bag a little more than 200k times since.
It’s an unheated garage, so I’m REALLY not looking forward to winter’s arrival.
– MrJM
- DuPage Guy - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:19 pm:
Lost weight - 15lbs. Eating better and regular lifting combined with trying to get 10k steps a day.
- Simple Simon - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:20 pm:
Lost a little. More exercise due to boredom plus eating at home. Would be doing better if I cooked more healthily more often, but I get bored preparing something interesting every darn meal.
- Homebody - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:22 pm:
Weight stayed the same according to my last trip to the doctor, but I think I’ve lost muscle mass with gyms closed and gained a little waistline. Gotta do something about that.
- twowaystreet - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:23 pm:
Lost weight. Better diet now that I make every meal. And without the breaks in the day from commuting I need some kind of exercise to give my self a little bit of break from the house.
- cler dcn - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:24 pm:
Neither so I did not vote. An old cyclist and runner and have been putting in long miles on the bike. Out in the middle of nowhere and social distanced from most things except corn and beans. Manage 1000 mile months riding for last 6 months in a row. I do tink fresh air is good for the whole situation.
- Chicago Cynic - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:25 pm:
Neither.
- Langhorne - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:30 pm:
Lost 21 lbs in 24 weeks. I have been eating so many damn salads that I now buy artichokes by the half gallon. Started making my own deluxe salads when I realized what I was paying for Panera to cut a grape tomato into four slices.
Eating healthier. Rare, careful, lunches out. After such virtuous behavior, I feel entitled to my martini and glass of wine with dinner.
- The Real Captain - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:30 pm:
exactly the same
- Sal - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:32 pm:
Went to doc on May 9; again on Sept. 9 - weigh exactly the same, thanks to a low carb lifestyle. Started back at gym for one-on-one classes 2x a week. I used to go to classes at gym 4-5x a week. At least that’s something I can be happy about now. Good luck to everyone.
- Nameless - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:33 pm:
No
- Froganon - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:34 pm:
Hat tip to Bruce(not him), still laughing.
To the post, lost 5 pounds, things are trending down. My goal is 8 more pounds.
- Skinny - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:37 pm:
Lost 12 pounds. Eating at home, very little alcohol. Lots of fruit. And, worry about getting laid off.
- Dotnonymous - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:42 pm:
Elastic waistbands help offset increases in girth.
- Ducky LaMoore - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:42 pm:
Gained 20. I shouldn’t mention the wife, but I guess she doesn’t read the CapFax, so I will. She has gained 10 or 15. Stress. Lots of stress eating. A house full of kids all remote learning and both of us parents are working. Someone will probably stop working soon before we go off the deep end. Sanity and health is more important than money… just let me get the van paid off and the emergency fund full….
- Attisgirl - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:43 pm:
Lost weight. Not being able to eat out as much and not being able to go to the bar helped. I also ramped up my exercise with both daily fast walks and workouts. I’ve lost about 15 pounds and wore a dress I hadn’t been able to get in to for 10 years!
- Left of the Lake - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:45 pm:
Gained a solid 25 lbs. Work from home has lead to more snacking and less activity. Also gotten really good at baking homemade sourdough bread.
- Drake Mallard - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:49 pm:
lost weight. Had to eat my own cooking. Not good.
- 10 pounds - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:52 pm:
Gained. Banana bread & booze.
- Skeptic - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:55 pm:
Stayed the same, but now working out more, so I’m far less distant to “ripped” than I have ever been.
- Facts Matter - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:55 pm:
Lost weight while working at home. Gained it back plus a couple of more pounds since my employer has us return to the office. Not as much time for running since the return to the office.
- Sox Fan - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:57 pm:
I initially lost weight as i was running every day at lunch to stay sane. The hot summer months really took a toll on my motivation in july and August, and i gained a little bit back. I’m happy to say that I’ve been able to increase my mileage the last few weeks and hopefully the weight will start heading in the right direction again
- Proud Papa Bear - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 3:59 pm:
Lost a little at first due to anxiety.
Them gained a little due to boredom and easy access to fridge.
Then lost because I wear a mask all day and I don’t put as much stuff into my mouth.
- Wylie Coyote - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 4:02 pm:
Lost a few. Spent more time working out than drinking out since there was no Spring Session. Managed to keep it off during the summer months with more home-cooked meals and less eating out. That’s about the only positive I can report from COVID.
- Titan - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 4:23 pm:
Gained … an alarming amount.
I retired at the end of last year, and then became only semi-retired. Too much time home cooking with my wife. Not as much walking as before.
- Almost the weekend - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 4:24 pm:
Lost weight but not sure if it’s good or not. Was 190 before now down to 175. Running alot in spring, summer too hot so biked, now doing more free weights and abs.
I’m with OW on sleep don’t think I’ve slept through a night since early March.
- Earnest - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 4:28 pm:
Lost 19 pounds. Stress, or at least my poor management of it, has wreaked havoc on my digestion. It’s weird–all through my life I’ve been someone who tends to overeat when stressed. I’d never experienced anything like this though. I’m a lot less tough than I thought I was.
- North Park - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 4:31 pm:
Gained. I used to walk to the train, then to the office, and I used to drink a lot less.
- zatoichi - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 4:33 pm:
Hit the gym early in year and was dropping weight. COVID closes gym, started walking neighborhood then hurt achilles on some hills. A…walking…injury. Rotator cuff injury from lifting Oreos is likely next.
- SW IL - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 4:35 pm:
Shortly after the start of the stay at home order, I decided it was time to lose the weight I’ve gained in recent years. I started walking everyday and watching what I eat and I’m down over 25 pounds.
- Wensicia - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 4:37 pm:
I may have lost a few pounds, my appetite is not as good due to stress, lack of exercise since I’ve become homebound.
- Mr. B.A. - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 4:40 pm:
Lost. Since I am furloughed from work, I found that walking 6-7 miles a day reduces the boredom. Nothing else to do…
- SAP - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 4:47 pm:
No, but my routine didn’t change dramatically, other than most meals that used to be dine out are now carry out or finding the rare night where weather is conducive to outdoor dining and the rest of town isn’t taking up all the outdoor tables.
- Gooner - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 4:49 pm:
Up maybe a pound, but it is pretty close.
Working in the yard was balanced by eating a lot.
The other interesting thing is that since many Loop restaurants are closed, I’m finding myself eating more junk food (Milky Ways) than before. My prior lunches were not great, but now that I’m back in the office it is way worse.
- Amalia - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 4:57 pm:
actually have not looked but assume it is more. though some days feels like the clothes are looser. brain focused on other fears.
- Enviro - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 5:11 pm:
Eating at home and healthy food has resulted in a five pound weight loss.
- Jaguar - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 5:24 pm:
I had lost 30 pounds from December to March but relaxed discipline brought the weight loss to a halt. Since April I’ve stayed the same.
- JDuc - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 5:45 pm:
Lost a couple. Regular exercise ( nothing new) and clean eating (nothing new). Same old routine.
- What's in a name? - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 6:09 pm:
Bruce didn’t find it all. Sad but true.
- Suburban Mom - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 6:38 pm:
Lost. I have two adolescent boys in my house 24/7 now and by the time I get to the food, it’s all gone.
- DuPage - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 7:11 pm:
Gained 4 pounds. Stress eating and less exercise.
- RNUG - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 7:30 pm:
Lost about 15 as of last Drs visit. May have dropped another 5 since then.
- Six Degrees of Separation - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 7:33 pm:
Wife and I lost over10 lbs after we realized we needed to do something about our post COVID weight. I am avoiding all those snacks I bought on my commute, since I am not commuting these days. Low carb meals and I have a little more time for the gym with remote working.
- Tim - Thursday, Sep 10, 20 @ 8:29 pm:
I have gained 10-15 pounds. Early on, it was from drinking a lot, even though I was eating well. Now I’m drinking less, but my discipline has relaxed and I am not exercising enough.
- Flexible One - Friday, Sep 11, 20 @ 12:00 am:
Since I’m Covid paranoid I quit the gym and don’t have what it takes to self motivate. So, exercising way less and not changing my eating habits. So I’m developing a Santa stomach. May come in handy for the holidays.
- The Dude - Friday, Sep 11, 20 @ 7:39 am:
My garage home gym is the best thing I’ve got going for me in 2020.
I’ve got about 500lbs, powerrack, total gym, adjustable dumbells up to 120, multiple bands and bars.
The crazy thing is that the prices of everything skyrocketed. My homegym cost about 2 grand but I could probably sell it all for 10 right now during pandemic. Insane mark ups from people who are selling stuff.