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To curb the Covid-19 pandemic, successive lockdowns were introduced in France from March 17, 2020, thus disrupting the habits of the population and their eating behavior. Faced with these stressful events, food has often been a refuge or even an anchor in a daily life devoid of reference points. An increase in eating disorders was indeed observed during this unprecedented and destabilizing period.
Isolation, promiscuity, insecurity, fear of illness are all stressful elements. To seek comfort or try to find a balance, the relationship with food has been modified: weight gain or loss, tendency to consume more fatty and / or sweeter foods, snacking, etc. Nutritionist in Villeurbanne (Rhône), Dr Antoine Pierre explains why and how stress linked to the Covid-19 epidemic promotes emotional eating.
When stress affects our plate
Why does stress impact our eating behavior?
Stress is an event that turns everyday life upside down. This disturbance will be perceived in different ways on a physiological and / or psychological level. The way to respond to rebalance things will depend on the environment, the available resources and the preferences of each individual, themselves conditioned by experience and education. If we find comfort in food, we will more easily turn to foods that we love and that we are used to consuming.
Why do people turn to food so easily for comfort?
There is a strong symbolism around food. It is part of our daily life, as such it is a privileged vector to find a certain stability. Food being a central element and easily accessible in our current societies, it is quite logical that we turn to it to rebalance.
The keys to good nutrition
What are the functions of food?
Food meets 3 basic needs:
– Physiological needs (our fuel: calories, nutrients, vitamins, etc.) which allow the body to function properly.
– Social needs (we rarely eat alone).
– Pleasure.
Is eating an emotional response?
Emotions have a big impact on the way we eat. This change in behavior can result in an increase or decrease in food intake. There is a strong link between the digestive tract and emotions which can result in a feeling of blockage or digestive upset.
Why do people turn more easily to fatty and sugary foods?
These are more available foods. Indeed, it is more practical to buy often rich and sweet processed foods that keep for a long time rather than fruits and vegetables that must be eaten quickly.
In addition, fatty and sugary foods provide a more intense sensation of pleasure than proteins which require extra effort. The body being lazy, it will turn more easily to a pastry for a quick and immediate pleasure rather than a fruit.
Finally, there can also be a process of cognitive restriction. A state of stress will induce a feeling of loss of control which can direct the individual towards foods that he normally forbids himself as well as a tendency to nibble.
Tips to relieve stress
What are the solutions to avoid being overwhelmed by stress?
Adopt an observation posture in order to have more self-knowledge. This technique will make it possible to detect the onset of stress and thus give the person the opportunity to act quickly on it, before being overwhelmed by events. It’s the same principle as driving. If a danger arises unexpectedly, the stress will be acute whereas if the driver has been able to become aware of the obstacle beforehand, his reaction will be more appropriate and better tolerated.
The first confinement generated so much stress that no one was able to adapt. However, some individuals drew from this ordeal an experience that enabled them to better endure the following confinements. It is not the event that upsets us but the idea that we have of this event (Aristotle).
What are the practices to adopt to stay zen?
Yoga, meditation, hypnosis are activities that allow you to get to know yourself better and facilitate the work of observation.
Practicing a physical activity outdoors allows you to oxygenate yourself, let off steam and change your surroundings.
Stress involves a loss of bearings and control. Cooking is a good way to reclaim your daily life. It is both a source of pleasure and occupation. The trend for home-made bread during the first confinement is a good illustration of this.
Find the list of nutritionists near you on www.conseil-national.medecin.fr
TO KNOW
According to a study carried out by Public Health France, 27% of people questioned said they had gained weight during the first confinement (from March 17 to May 10, 2020), while 11% said they had lost it.
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