Why Am I So Hungry With COVID-19?
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought numerous changes to our daily lives, including changes to our eating habits. While some people have experienced a loss of appetite and decreased food intake, others have reported feeling constantly hungry, even after eating a meal. If you’re one of the many people who are feeling more hungry than usual during the pandemic, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explore some of the reasons why this might be happening and what you can do about it.
Stress Eating
One of the most common reasons for increased hunger during the pandemic is stress eating. The pandemic has brought a lot of stress and uncertainty into our lives, and many of us have turned to food as a comfort. Eating provides a temporary distraction from our worries and helps us feel better, at least for a little while. Unfortunately, stress eating can lead to overeating, weight gain, and other health problems, especially if it becomes a habit.
Boredom Eating
Another common reason for increased hunger during the pandemic is boredom eating. With many of us spending more time at home, we may find ourselves reaching for food simply because we’re bored and have nothing better to do. This can be especially true if we’re not engaging in physical activities as much as we used to, or if our usual leisure activities are no longer available to us. Boredom eating can quickly turn into a habit, which can be difficult to break.
Changes in Activity Level
The pandemic has also brought changes to our activity levels. With many of us working from home and spending less time on the go, we may be burning fewer calories than we used to. This can lead to weight gain and increased hunger, as our bodies demand more energy to fuel our daily activities. In addition, with gyms and other physical activity venues closed or operating at limited capacity, we may not be getting as much exercise as we normally would.
Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation can also contribute to increased hunger during the pandemic. Research has shown that lack of sleep can affect our hormones, leading to an increase in hunger and cravings for unhealthy foods. If you’re having trouble sleeping, or if you’re feeling more tired than usual, it’s important to make changes to your sleep habits, such as setting a regular bedtime, avoiding screens before bedtime, and creating a relaxing sleep environment.
Dietary Changes
Finally, changes to our diets can also contribute to increased hunger during the pandemic. With many of us relying on convenience foods and takeout meals, we may be consuming more calories than we normally would. In addition, with grocery stores facing shortages and higher prices, we may be resorting to less nutritious food options, which can lead to increased hunger and cravings for unhealthy foods.
What Can You Do About It?
If you’re feeling more hungry than usual during the pandemic, there are a few things you can do to help manage your hunger:
- Practice mindful eating. When you sit down to eat, focus on your food, the flavors, and the textures. Pay attention to when you start to feel full and stop eating at that point. Avoid distractions, such as watching TV or using your phone, while you eat.
- Stay active. Engage in physical activity every day, even if it’s just a short walk around the block. Exercise has been shown to help reduce stress, boost mood, and control weight.
- Get enough sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night, and create a relaxing sleep environment. Avoid screens and other stimulants before bedtime.
- Make healthy food choices. Focus on eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid processed and junk foods, which are high in calories and low in nutrients. Consider keeping healthy snacks, such as fruits and veggies, on hand to help control your hunger between meals.
- Manage stress. Stress is a common trigger for overeating, so it’s important to find healthy ways to manage your stress levels. Consider activities such as yoga, meditation, or simply taking a walk to help reduce stress and calm your mind.
- Stay hydrated. Dehydration can often be mistaken for hunger, so make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. Aim for at least 8 cups of water per day, and consider drinking a glass of water before a meal to help control your hunger.
To sum it up, increased hunger during the COVID-19 pandemic is a common problem, and there are many reasons why this might be happening. From stress eating to boredom eating and changes in activity levels, it’s important to identify the root cause of your hunger and make changes to help manage it. By practicing mindful eating, staying active, getting enough sleep, making healthy food choices, managing stress, and staying hydrated, you can help control your hunger and maintain a healthy weight during these challenging times.
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