Eating in a Pandemic
I had a bit of a surprise this week when I brought out my summer wardrobe. As excited as I was to finally have a change of clothing, to match a much needed change in the weather, everything was a bit too snug. I was caught up in the lockdown baking craze and too close to the cookie jar. But I also learned that it is a little more complex than just this.
Peter Hall, a professor of public health at University of Waterloo, says part of the reason people may be eating more while in lockdown is because they are experiencing a loss of other sources of pleasure, primarily interacting with other people. Many may be struggling with other things that give them positive feelings such as employment, loved ones, and a sense of security. Meanwhile, food, tasty food, is a ready source of pleasure, and it’s something people can control. Since humans evolved under conditions of food scarcity and unpredictability, our brains are hard-wired to prefer calorie-dense foods. Eating foods we associate with pleasant memories can also transport us back to happier and more secure times.
When stressed, we have decreased activation in the prefrontal cortex, a region of the brain involved in decision making and executive functioning, says Dr. Cassandra Lowe of Western’s BrainsCAN. This can make foods such as potato chips and chocolate, that activate the reward pathways of our brains, harder to resist. It’s a combination of having less control as well as wanting these foods because they are comforting.
Dr. Hall says eating indulgent foods right now is an adaptive behaviour. We could all use a little pleasure during a crisis, as long as we don’t over do it. As the pandemic drags on, Dr. Lowe warns that turning to calorie-dense foods for comfort can become a habit and one that is hard to break.
Both Dr. Lowe and Dr. Hall recommend getting outside and getting some exercise- not just to burn off calories. Exercise can activate the same systems that give us pleasure. It also boosts activity in the prefrontal cortex which allows us to make better decisions about our food choices. Anything that we find enjoyable can activate the reward pathways. This can be connecting with family digitally, watching a movie, or reading a book.
Getting the right amount of sleep also helps our ability to make better food decisions. When we’re under stress we may not get enough sleep or we may sleep too much. Both cause lower executive function.
My freezer is full of bread and cookies so it is time to get outside in the garden, give the oven a much needed break, and start boosting my executive functioning.
Written by Joyce Williams, Parent Support Coach