Food and Mood vagaries during quarantine

With the outbreak of coronavirus amidst the lockdown, food habits and dietary changes have been noticed widely. Access to fresh food was limited and people mostly stayed indoors. Besides, there was a positive impact in cooking and many trends followed as well. In March 2020 coronavirus outbreak was declared as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). 

Food and Mood varies during quarantine [Courtesy: Rupa Jana]

Many countries have restricted public access to malls, supermarkets, shops, grocery stores and other recreations. There has been a severe impact on an individual’s health, mental state, lifestyle and eating habits. 

Changes in a negative way: 

Snacking at midnight is being used as a mechanism to cope up with anxiety and stress during self-quarantine. These snacks are mostly non-nutrient rich foods that are unhealthy. Caffeinated beverages and foods are also another ways which people had to seek to relieve stress. Caffeinated beverages and snacks keep us awake for a long time, thus people are suffering due to lack of sleep. Research shows that social media has been used frequently and actively during midnight between 12 am-4 am. 

Midnight snacks rich in caffeine to relief stress and anxiety [Courtesy: Rupa Jana]

Studies have shown that although cooking habits have increased, people are choosing foods that require less time to cook, or are ready to use food products. The number of meals a day has been increased. People are mostly having packaged food instead of fresh fruits and vegetables. There was an increase in food prices due to a decrease in food availability. Hence, financial and economic status played an important role for those who could purchase expensive fresh foods. 

Customers availed discounts and ordered food from popular food brands [Courtesy: Rupa Jana]

As the dining facilities were temporarily restricted, food delivery apps came up with unbelievable discounts and offer on foods. Specially Zomato introduced “No cooking July” which had offers on food every day and thus people got driven away by the discounts. 

Unexpectedly, people consumed more sugary foods and sweets than usual. Unhealthy foods and snacks like sugary drinks and other comfort foods were purchased in bulk and stored. Sweet food and fried foods were eaten randomly past mealtime. These negative eating trends have led to anxiety, obesity, weight gain, changing moods and irritability. 

Customers availed discounts and ordered food from popular food brands [Courtesy: Rupa Jana]

With growing anxiety and depression due to changes in diet patterns, people found a way to calm themselves by consuming alcohol vigorously. Food delivery services like Swiggy started selling alcohol by collaborating with the wine shop retailers. 

It has also been taken note of that people are doing less physical activities and hence, they are concerned about their health and weight gain. This led to skipping meals a day, especially breakfast. The majority of the people decreased their exercise levels while working from home and because of restrictions on sporting activities and gym closures. 

Quarantine has led people to stay confined in their homes and there is a constant feeling of anxiety, either because of not being able to work or move out. Changes in mood and behaviour are commonly found and people are finding a way to keep up the social interaction and maintain relations. 

Changes in a positive way: 

With the promotion of fresh fruits and vegetables by WHO, during confinement, many people have consumed healthy fruits and vegetables available in the market. 

To overcome boredom and reduce stress, people have participated more in household chores including home cooking. At the beginning of lockdown, food delivery services were limited and fast food centres were shut down 

temporarily. Thus, people started cooking and this gave way to many “lockdown chefs” who could actually explore their culinary arts.

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Apart from this, individuals could actually indulge themselves in family time which proved healthy relations. A decrease in the consumption of fast food was seen during the lockdown. It even continued past the lockdown period. Alcohol consumption reduced highly as the liquor shops were restricted and closed. As the bars and pubs were closed, there were less social interaction and gathering. Thus, this significant reduction in binge drinking of alcohol among young individuals. 

To conclude, 

We can say that this pandemic has both negative as well as positive effects on our diet, mental state, lifestyle and so on. Food and mood changes kept on varying. Although we recorded a decrease in food consumption, healthier diet practices, studies have found the ill effects as well. Increase in snacking, consumption of alcohol, packaged and unhealthy food, frequent meals. These are associated with increased anxiety, changes in mood, depression and other unhealthy behavioural patterns. In the near future, people are prone to chronic diseases, sedentary behaviour, unhealthy eating patterns, poor diet and other diseases as well. 

On the other hand, individuals who have maintained their regular schedule by eating healthy food, fresh fruits and vegetables, reduced their alcohol consumption, did regular exercises and workouts along with physical activities are unlikely to face the ill effects of this quarantine. 

Do’s: 

· Regular physical activities, breathing activities and meditation is necessary. 

· Having a diet of freshly cooked fruits and vegetables is advised. 

· Make your diet simples with home-cooked food. 

· Dark chocolate with 70% cocoa to uplift your mood is suggested. 

· Add immune boosters like fruits, herbs and vegetables to your diet. 

· Get proper sleep of 8hours a day. 

· Interact with people through social media, online. 

· Most importantly, keep yourself hydrated with at least 8-10 glasses of water every day. 

Dont's: 

· Do not consume alcohol beyond a limit. 

· Say no to outside food or avoid ordering food from food delivery services. 

· Avoid sugary foods and sweets like carbonated drinks, cookies, caffeinated beverages. 

· Do not eat spicy snacks or caffeinated drinks at midnight, it reduces sleep. 

· Avoid frozen or packaged food or processed meat. 

· Don’t eat leftover foods. 

· Do not eat an excessive number of meals a day. 

· Do not let your food habits get you anxious. 

This global pandemic has affected our health both physically and mentally. It has influenced our food and dietary habits. Yet, we should maintain our health and lifestyle by following and doing the needful. 

Use alcohol-based hand sanitisers, wear your masks whenever going out and maintain social distance! 

Author: 

Rupa Jana