Healthy eating during the COVID-19 pandemic: Your eating habits
Healthy eating is more than the foods you eat. It is also about where, when, why and how you eat.
On this page
- Mindful eating during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Eating with others during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Cooking with others during the COVID-19 pandemic
Mindful eating during the COVID-19 pandemic
There is a lot going on right now, and you might notice a change in your eating habits as a result. Being mindful can help you be more conscious of the food you are eating and your habits.
Take time to eat
By practising physical distancing, you may be spending a lot more time at home than you usually do. Even though your routine has changed, remember to take time to eat:
- eat without distractions by making mealtimes “electronic free”
- set aside time throughout the day to eat regular meals and snacks
Notice when you are hungry and when you are full
Many things can influence when you feel hungry. This can include:
- the availability of food around your home
- your emotional state, such as feeling bored, anxious or stressed
Eating when you are not really hungry may be linked to overeating. Pay attention to your hunger cues and ask yourself if you are really hungry before eating.
Eating with others during the COVID-19 pandemic
Eating meals with others is part of healthy eating. Even though physical distancing limits your contact with others, you can still spend mealtimes with the people you live with.
Eat meals with your family or roommates
Enjoying healthy foods with the people you are social distancing with is a great way to:
- help you maintain a healthy lifestyle
- connect and add enjoyment to your life
- talk to those around you and share how everyone is feeling
Living alone or self-isolating
If you live alone or are self-isolating, preparing and sitting down to eat a meal by yourself can feel lonely. Try these ideas to keep it enjoyable:
- try a new recipe
- choose a comfortable place to eat
- play music you enjoy during mealtimes
- plan a virtual mealtime with others using speakerphone or video chat
Cooking with others during the COVID-19 pandemic
Involving other people in your household in planning and preparing meals can help nurture healthy eating habits.
Use this time you have at home with your kids to involve them in planning and preparing meals. This will help them develop important food skills and learn more about the importance of healthy eating.
Always follow safe food preparation methods, however, if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19:
- avoid contact with others
- avoid preparing food for others
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