BNF: stress, anxiety, tiredness and boredom lead to unhealthy eating habits in UK lockdown
A new survey commissioned by the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) has revealed that 63% of people in Britain attribute ‘boredom’, and 45% of people attribute ‘stress, anxiety and tiredness’ as being one of their main reasons for eating less healthily than usual during lockdown.
Nearly half of people (48%) say ‘not feeling motivated enough to eat well’ is one of their key reasons.
The research reveals that 27% of respondents feel they have been eating less healthily during lockdown, 50% of people state their habits have not changed and 22% say they have been eating more healthily than usual.
The survey looked at the reasons why those who say they are eating less healthily are doing so and, as well as boredom, stress and lack of motivation, 30% of people claim that not being able to go to the supermarket as often is making it difficult for them to eat healthily.
The research has been conducted in parallel with the launch of BNF Healthy Eating Week @ Home, a virtual event, taking place 22-28 June, which aims to encourage people of all ages to take part in a range of key health challenges.
Analysing how our cooking and eating habits have changed since the lockdown began, the research suggests that 17% of people have been enjoying cooking more, 19% have been getting better at using store cupboard ingredients, and 23% have been trying new recipes. Just 7% of people claim they have been getting more takeaways, and nearly three in 10 (29%) say they have been planning their food shopping in advance so they know what to buy and can waste less food.
Looking at our activity levels, with the closure of gyms and many people not being able to get outside as often before restrictions eased, 32% of people say they have been sitting down a lot more and 29% state they are less active than usual. However, a quarter of respondents have started going for regular walks, and almost 1 in 10 (9%) people have taken up running or cycling.
When asked about their priorities for health and wellbeing as the coronavirus restrictions are gradually lifted, 47% say they want to become more active and exercise more, 43% say they want to lose weight and 29% say they want to eat more healthily.
Roy Ballam, managing director and head of education at the BNF said: “Our aim is to provide everyone with support – from parents at home looking for activities to do with their children, to those who are working from home and need some new ideas to incorporate healthy eating into their day.”
For more information on how you can get involved with BNF Healthy Eating Week @ Home, visit: https://www.nutrition.org.uk/healthyliving/hewathome.html
