To say that COVID-19 was a game-changer for many people around the world is an understatement. The spread of the virus and the emergence of the latest strains – reportedly more dangerous than the earlier ones – have stirred irrepressible fear and high anxiety among the public. And, for most, coping with the stress and uncertainties of a pandemic meant finding comfort in satisfying their palate. We know this all too well because our eating habits and dietary choices in Hong Kong have also changed dramatically since the onset of COVID.
Numbers Tell Their Own Story
Did you know that in a recent survey conducted by SunLife Hong Kong, roughly 60% of Hong Kongers gained weight during the pandemic? Of course, this doesn’t come off as a surprise, considering that most of us were left to deal with limited mobility. As we all know, when people have time to worry and overthink, they become more susceptible to stress eating. True enough, more and more Hong Kongers have resorted to munching on junk food and instant snacks while they work from their homes, so much so that it has somewhat become the norm.
It’s interesting to note that according to the same survey, the respondents who were assigned to work from home were the ones whose eating patterns were affected the most. The survey claimed that 72% of the respondents opted to have their food delivered right at their doorstep during the pandemic, with 33% admitting to ordering more frequently than ever. Working from home not only impacted their eating habits but their food choices as well.
Should You Re-evaluate Your Dietary Choices?
Eat your vegetables. Drink plenty of water, at least eight glasses in a day. Go easy on salty and fatty foods. These are just some of the reminders we constantly hear from healthcare professionals, family, and friends.
Is this really necessary? Absolutely! Now more than ever, we need to be conscious about our dietary choices in Hong Kong. The food we eat ultimately affects not just our health and wellness but also our quality of life. The nutrients present in healthy and balanced meals give our bodies the right amount of vitamins and minerals, which are essential to our optimal body functions and disease prevention. (Also read our article on Mindful Munching)
The Locals’ Dietary Choices
Many different factors lead us to our go-to food choices. Number one on our list is personal preference, then convenience, and finally availability. The last two are especially the case for people who have busy lifestyles, people who do not have time to cook healthy and balanced meals for themselves and their families. Hence, they go for meals that are easy to order and are relatively hassle-free. The results may be greasy, deep-fried food instead of ordering healthy meals that taste good and provide the proper nutrients. Laziness when it comes to our food choices can end up compromising our health in the long run.
The Importance Of Eating Healthy
Eating the right kind of food, especially in the time of COVID-19, is truly essential. When you eat healthily, your body becomes more equipped when it comes to fighting off the virus. You get to have a stronger immune system; you build the proper defense to keep the virus at bay. Moreover, eating the right kind of food can also help you recover quickly if you get infected with the virus. Aside from these, eating healthy keeps your energy levels up so you can focus on your work or your studies. Another advantage of eating well is that it avoids spikes in your blood sugar, leading to diabetes later on in your life.
These are just some of the things that can motivate you to make smarter dietary choices. But unfortunately, sometimes eating right and having a busy lifestyle does not go hand-in-hand. The reality is that working Hong Kongers may not have enough time to prepare their own nutrient-rich food; plus, buying ingredients is also another hurdle. The good news is that there are simple yet healthy alternatives for people who want to stay fit and well by eating the right kind of food. Have you tried ordering your meals from Eatology?
Eatology is a food delivery service that offers healthy and delicious meals in Hong Kong. We have an array of delectable meal programs that support your health and weight management goals so that you can skip on those unhealthy food choices. For more information about our company and the meal plans we offer, feel free to check out the Eatology website.
