(Sally Kuzemchak, MS, RD/ WebMD) — There are a lot of jokes going around right now about stress-baking and snacking through stockpiled food. I can relate – my eating has definitely changed since we sheltered in place weeks ago. I’m cooking heavier meals. I’m snacking in front of screens. And the only thing stopping me from baking more homemade bread and cookies is the fact that flour’s as hard to find right now as toilet paper.
But I know that behind the jokes are genuine worries about weight – and a lot of people feeling guilty about finding comfort in food and eating differently right now. I understand the concern (and I recognize the sheer privilege of having so much food). But I hope that with so many other things to worry about right now, you’ll give yourself some grace.
Why? Because we’re in the midst of a crisis, a time when routines are upended and some health habits are bound to change. You may not have the energy to exercise. You may have trouble sleeping. And yes, you may be eating more than usual or enjoying richer foods. And that’s okay.
Here are some things to do right now:
Scrap the diet. If you were cutting carbs or fasting before the pandemic hit and are struggling to stay consistent, please let it go. Dieting is an extra stress you don’t need, especially right now. Restrictive dieting is a physical stress to your body and a mental burden. And right now, we’re in a worldwide crisis that delivers stress every day. You need to be strong right now – not depleted – mentally and physically. (…)