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How the pandemic has affected our food choices
Table of Contents
1. Poland has two poles of behaviour
It is difficult to say for sure whether we currently lead a healthier lifestyle. Studies have shown that there are two patterns of dietary changes unhealthy behaviour was observed in 28% of respondents, and unhealthier behaviours occurred in 19% of participants. Górnicka et al. 2020). Studies on this topic have been conducted in many countries, including Poland, France, the USA and Italy. Scientists from the Department of Human Nutrition SGGW in Warsaw conducted a survey of a group of more than 2,000 Poles.2. In the field of foreign policy, it is important to be aware of the importance of the EU's foreign policy and of the role of the European Union in the fight against terrorism
People in this group reported a higher intake of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. 76% of people reduced their fast food intake, and more than half were less likely to reach for salty snacks and sweets. 53% of people were more likely to eat homemade baked goods, and over 60% of people more often than before the pandemic ate homemade meals. Interestingly, positive lifestyle changes were more common in overweight and obese people than in people with normal body weight before a pandemic. 27% of people increased their physical activity.3. Italy 8 of the most important changes
Italian researcher Rosa Fanelli has noticed several changes in dietary habits and lifestyle caused by the pandemic among Italian society.4. A change in shopping habits
They were more willing to shop in small local shops, avoiding large crowds of people in the markets. This was mainly true of non-food products, but more and more people are also buying food online. During the pandemic, shopping was usually done online.5. Changing the contents of the basket
They are eating healthier than before the pandemic, they are introducing more vegetables and fruits into their diets, and they are mainly supplying products specific to the Mediterranean diet. Italian consumers have restricted their purchases and consumption of highly processed products or ready meals.6. Food as an antidote to stress and anxiety
Emotional eating, as it's called, helps to relieve stress and re-establish balance. The current situation has a significant effect on increasing stress. People tend to reach out for foods rich in fat and sugar, like candy, cakes, chocolate. Some people with strong emotions reach out to food because they're looking for comfort and reassurance.7. Less food waste
This has led to a significant reduction in the amount of food wasted. Italians are paying more attention to what they buy, planning meals and preparing a shopping list. The uncertainty of the pandemic and fears of economic constraints have led to increased awareness and responsibility among Italian consumers.8. Attention to food safety
Freshness is also an important aspect: up to 70% of those surveyed said that whether food is safe is an important issue and influences their choices. 28% said they check labels more often than ever before. Concerns about health and life have led Italian consumers to be more cautious.9. The desire to eat a healthy diet
Fear of disease has led to a desire to boost the immune system, and people are beginning to realize the importance of a healthy, well-balanced diet with the nutrients that support our immune system.10. Less physical activity
The decrease in physical activity has been linked to numerous restrictions imposed during the pandemic.The closure of gyms and fitness clubs, restrictions on visiting parks and playgrounds have resulted in the possibility of exercising being restricted.11. France is interested in comfort food
It has been observed that children have seen a significant increase in the frequency of emotional eating behaviors. More than half of parents have noticed more boredom in children. 71% of parents are more likely than before the pandemic to use food as a way to calm their children down and improve the atmosphere. There are far less stringent rules for eating at set times. They are much more likely to focus on enjoyment than comfort in comparison to times before the epidemic. More often than not, more parents enjoyed the so-called Comfort food addiction.
