Food in Times of Pandemic

Food in Times of Pandemic

The uncertainties and anxieties related to the Covid-19 pandemic are reflected in eating behavior. Social isolation and a lack of control over current events generate anxiety, which can favor the so-called "emotional hunger". There are several manifestations: overeating and more frequently, increased consumption of caloric foods and difficulty in observing the feelings of hunger and satiety to guide food.

Many people use food as a way to deal with stressful situations, either to calm down or to“ relax ”or as a way to compensate for being faced with difficult situations. Thus, eating behavior is often related to our emotions and the way we deal with them. And this can be related to the development and maintenance of eating disorders and associated symptoms, such as guilt, shame, feelings of inadequacy, sadness and anxiety.

The function of food goes far beyond nutrition, it is also related to affection. It is common to show affection and affection for other people through food. In times of isolation, prepare your meals with care, care and organization, just as you would if you were gathering your family or friends for a special dinner. Take care of yourself, exercise, try to maintain a routine, seek an activity that gives you pleasure, talk about your feelings with a friend or therapist. Working on emotions can be essential to learn how to relate in a healthier way with our own food and our bodies; positively influencing self-esteem and well-being.

Psychologist Marina Pante CRP 07/21347

The uncertainties and anxieties related to the Covid-19 pandemic are reflect in

feeding behavior. Social isolation and lack of control over

current events generate anxiety, which can favor the so-called “hunger

emotional ”. There are several manifestations: overeating and eating more

frequency, increased consumption of caloric foods and difficulty observing the

feelings of hunger and satiety to guide food.

Many people use food as a way of dealing with situations < / span>

stressful, whether to calm down or to “relax ”Or as a way of

compensate for facing difficult situations. Thus,

behavior

food is often related to our emotions and the way we deal

with them. And this can be related to the development and maintenance of

eating disorders and associated symptoms, such as guilt, shame , the feeling

of inadequacy, sadness and anxiety. < / p>

The function of food goes far beyond nutrition, it is also related to

affection. It is common to show affection and affection for other people through food.

In times of isolation, prepare your meals with care, careful and

organization, just as you would if you were gathering your family or

friends for a special dinner. Take care of yourself, exercise, try to maintain a routine,

look for an activity that gives you pleasure, talk about your feelings with some

friend or therapist. Working on emotions can be essential for us to learn to

to relate more healthily to our own food and our

bodies; positively influencing self-esteem and well-being. Psychologist's Text Marina Pante CRP 07/21347, member of the CEFI Cog group and professor of the Eating Disorders and Obesity Course in a period of crisis.