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Did you know that a recent survey by the CSIRO found that 40% of Australians surveyed (3745) felt that they had put on weight during the COVID-19 pandemic? It was also found that snacking, and the consumption of junk foods had increased, whilst exercise had reduced. Thus, the weight gain likely resulted from an intake of energy that exceeded expenditure.

We are experiencing unprecedented times, faced with uncertainty, stress and anxiety, and to cope (or distract from the current situation), it is not uncommon for people to make poor food choices. However, in addition to weight gain, a poor diet can also have a negative impact on mental health and wellbeing, both of which can further exacerbate stress. Therefore, it is important that you continue to focus on good eating patterns.

If you do not know where to start, googling the internet, and following the latest fad diet is not the answer. Fad diets are unsustainable, not healthful, as they often cut out entire food groups, and are often based on no, or poor science. If you need help trudging through all of the misinformation, want to support your wellbeing, boost your immunity, or manage your weight during this time, it is a good idea to book in with an accredited practicing Dietitian to offer sustainable and personalised advice. In the meantime, here are some tips to get you started:

• Make exercise and nutrition a routine, with the focus of supporting your health rather than just reducing weight

• Consider what you can include in your diet to support your health, rather than simply thinking about what you need to cut out

• Whilst mindlessly snacking is not useful, being purposeful with snacks is. If you are not going to eat for a while because you are busy in meetings, or have a long break between meals (i.e. lunch and dinner), make sure you have a snack available – even if it is a yoghurt and fruit smoothie. This will help to prevent over-eating toward the end of the day

• Do not go for quick fixes, as they are not sustainable, and you will just feel more frustrated when does not work out

• Do not follow the advice of someone who has no scientific background in nutrition. Often this type of advice is unhelpful and unsustainable

• Cut yourself a little bit of slack. This is a stressful time, and being hard on yourself is not helpful – it is more helpful to consider why you want to improve your diet, and if it is weight loss, then what does this mean to you?

• Always be purposeful with eating. Even if it is having a night off takeaway. Make this a night off where you relax and enjoy it rather than just mindlessly eating.

Dr. Rebekah Alcock
APD, AccSD, BPH, MNutrDiet, BNut(Hons), PhD