“How has Covid-19 changed the way we eat?”

“How has Covid-19 changed the Way we Eat?"

We are all aware that the global pandemic Covid-19 took the world by storm causing drastic changes. Among these changes was altering our lifestyles; the way we eat, the way we live, the way we sleep, the way we function, and the way we shop for necessities. Our nutrition intake was also an aspect that has been altered by this pandemic.

 

The Shifts Observed in Food Trends Due to Covid-19

According to approximately 1170 registered nutritionists, the focus of nutrition trends has changed in health and immunity due to the pandemic. This focus will also change how the food and nutrition industry has operated for so long. The rise and popularity of foods that enhance one’s immunity and nutrition trends of 2022 further support this claim. Following are the diets that will and have been trending due to Covid-19:

◊                Increase in Plant-based Diets

Plant-based diets focus on foods that are minimally processed and come from plants. These include fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, etc. Although the diet is not new, the rise of covid made people more aware of their eating habits making this popular among many. This diet does not imply that all you need to eat are vegetables and you will have to turn vegan. That would be a nightmare for many! But rather it lets you incorporate at least fifty percent of your meals with plant-based foods. The rest you can opt as you [lease, The end goal however is to add more plant-based foods to your diet.

◊                Increase in Consumption of Foods Good For Your Immune System

Due to the pandemic, the buying of supplements was observed to increase. Seeing this buying behaviour of consumers many nutritionists opinion that people will shift their eating habits to foods that are nutrient-rich and will improve their immunity. Instead of taking supplements they will  This is because trends show consumer buying behaviour will be determined by taste, convenience, focus on health, and taste. The demand for innovative medicinal products for health was also seen to sharply rise during the Covid time period. The use of cannabis and hemp to make medicinal products; tinctures, oils, creams, and supplements is one such instance.

◊                More focus on Fat and Lowered Carbohydrate Intake

Diets such as the Keto diet involving high fat intake and lowering of carbohydrates, although not new, has observed to capture a magnanimous consumer interest leading many nutritionists to believe this will be a diet that is here to stay.

◊                Intermittent Fasting

A diet being practiced for centuries and in various religions also gained popularity for weight loss very recently. Due to it not involving any complicated calorie measurements and many influencers of YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok also undertaking it. This diet gave showed grave results and its simplicity is what makes it easy to follow making nutritionists believe this diet will stay.

◊                Healthy Snacks

The pandemic has made the consumer more health and diet conscious. Therefore, healthy snacking habits will also be seen on a rise according to nutritionists. Healthy snacking options include foods such as berries, strawberries, seeds, chia, hemp, melon, sunflower, avocados, green tea, etc.

Therefore many diet trends have changed, and many have re-emerged and will be seen to be followed by consumers. You should also jump the bandwagon and start to incorporate these diets for a better and healthier you!