A balanced diet is the key to maintaining good health and reducing the risk of developing viral diseases, including COVID-19. Eating habits of adults changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are several reasons for these changes, such
as less frequent shopping, reduced income due to job losses or reduced working hours, fear of infection, work from home, poor access to food, reduced physical activity, closing of educational institutions, restaurants, bars and other restrictions on public life. Individuals may have suffered personal distress, stress and anxiety due to the COVID-19 measures and news coverage. International and national
organizations, as well as health professionals and nutrition consultants encouraged people to eat a balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and animal source foods. They advised against eating large amounts of foods high in sugar, saturated fats, salt, and warned against eating outside home. Adults ate more meals than usual, had breakfast more often, and ate late in the evening. Due to sanitary reasons and fear of infection, people were more likely to buy packaged foods with a longer shelf life. Therefore, the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, seafood, fresh milk and meat reduced significantly. People indulged more often in sweet and salty snacks, while the closing of cafes resulted in reduced consumption of coffee, sugary and energy drinks, and alcohol. Alcohol intake increased mainly in individuals who had already had problems with excessive alcohol consumption and
in adults with children. Fast food consumption decreased proportionately to the decrease of food consumption in restaurants, while home cooking increased.
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