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How the pandemic has affected our food choices
Table of Contents
1. Poland has two poles of behaviour
Although the pandemic is still ongoing, scientists are already trying to investigate how it has affected our lives. Studies on this topic have been conducted in many countries, including Poland, France, the United States and Italy. It is difficult to have a clear answer whether we are currently leading a healthier lifestyle. Scientists from the Department of Human Nutrition SGGW in Warsaw conducted a survey of a group of over 2000 Poles.2. Health behaviour
Positive health behaviors were most common in younger people, aged 30 to 39 years. Interestingly, positive lifestyle changes were more common in overweight and obese people than in people of normal body weight before the pandemic. 27% of people increased their physical activity.3. Unhealthy behaviour
Adverse health behaviours were mainly observed in people whose working hours were shortened compared to the pre-pandemic period. Up to 79,6% of respondents reported higher sugar intake. More than half of those surveyed in this group had less physical activity, the same number of people ate more food.4. 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.5. A change in shopping habits
During the pandemic, shopping was usually done online, mainly for non-food products, but more and more people are buying food online as well.6. Changing the contents of the basket
Italian consumers have restricted their purchases and consumption of high-processed products or ready-to-eat meals, are buying mainly products specific to the Mediterranean diet, are eating healthier than before the pandemic, and are introducing more fruits and vegetables into their diets.7. Food as an antidote to stress and anxiety
Some people who are emotionally motivated reach for food because they seek comfort and relief. Emotional food, because that's what it's called, helps to relieve stress and regain balance. People usually reach for foods rich in fat and sugar, like candy, cakes, chocolate.8. Less food waste
The uncertainty of the pandemic and fears of economic constraints have led to increased awareness and accountability among Italian consumers, with Italians paying more attention to what they buy, planning meals and making a shopping list, which has led to a significant reduction in the amount of food wasted.9. Attention to food safety
Concerns about health and life have led Italian consumers to be more cautious. Up to 70% of those surveyed said that whether food is safe is an important issue and influences their choices. 28% of the respondents said that they check packaging labels more often than ever before.10. Home cooking
Similar to studies conducted in Poland, more frequent cooking at home was observed.More than half of the study participants stated that during the pandemic more cooking and baking took place.11. 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 nutrients that support our immune systems.12. Less physical activity
The decrease in physical activity is linked to numerous restrictions imposed during the pandemic.The closure of gyms and fitness clubs, restrictions on visiting parks and playgrounds have reduced the possibility of playing sports.13. France is interested in comfort food
Researchers in France decided to look at how the lockdown affected children's behaviour and their parents' eating habits. More than half of parents surveyed about 500 parents of children aged 3 to 12 years old. They found that children had a significant increase in the frequency of emotional eating behaviors. Children were more likely to reach for sugar, chocolate, fruit juices, sugary drinks, water, and salty snacks. Over half of the parents found that they were more busy at home.
