Many Americans are playing it safe and practicing social distancing and self-isolation as they try to limit the spread of germs during the COVID-19 pandemic. But being cooped up at home may mean that eating, especially eating snacks and junk food, is the way many people will occupy the time they work from home or spend with loved ones.
So, how can you stay healthy during a pandemic?
Beth Kitchin, Ph.D., assistant professor with the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Department of Nutrition Sciences, says social distancing can make it easier and harder:
“More free time might mean more walks and less eating out,” Kitchin said. “Working from home means less structured time. That can mean more snacking.
Kitchin says the worry, stress and anxiety that naturally come with a global pandemic can lead to stress eating and cravings.