Eating in the Time of Coronavirus

Near the beginning of COVID-19’s assault on American daily life, the Nielson ratings[1] reported that the week ending on March 14, 2020 saw a huge uptick in certain product purchases compared to the same week in March 2019. Besides the spray disinfectant and toilet paper craze, the report showed that sales of specific foods had markedly increased. Yes, oat milk, beans, rice, and canned fish and meat purchases surged for those planning for the end of days, but there was also a sharp rise in foods for more immediate gratification; potato chip sales increased by 29.6 percent, pastries by 23.6 percent, ice cream by 23.1 percent and chocolate by 19 percent.

In addition to the mounting number of Americans who are being physically sickened by the coronavirus, we are being increasingly infected by an aggressive strain of stress. Headlines of accelerated infection and death, political uncertainty and job crises, added to prescriptions for social isolation are making us very anxious and unhappy. Pastries, ice cream, and chips are all tasty and calorie-dense and they are classic comfort foods that we turn to in times of duress. Research shows that comfort foods do indeed offer emotional solace. The taste of sweetness increases dopamine (the reward neurotransmitter), endorphins (our body’s natural pain killer) and activates the pleasure hot spots in our brain; foods high in fats further amplify endorphins effects.

One study even found that eating chocolate high in cocoa butter enables people to withstand physical pain better than low cocoa butter chocolate does[2] and these effects are equally good at soothing emotional pain. Another special feature of comfort foods is that they are often foods from our childhood associated with family, love, and protection. The nostalgia that the aromas and flavors of these foods evoke has proven psychological benefits[3]. As anxieties over our financial insecurity mount and every hour brings a new round of hair-raising headlines, it makes perfect sense to escape into a cupcake or our favorite salty snack.

Beware, however, that the outdoor walks we are still allowed to take are unlikely to burn off all the calories from the cookies we just ate, and succumbing to our food indulgences may make you feel a different negative emotion. Besides inducing guilt, evidence shows that self-medicating depression by eating rich and sugary foods over the long term does not work, and actually worsens mood.[4] Added to this is the increasingly loud lament over social media from shut-ins with stocked cupboards that their boredom and fidgetiness have them grazing non-stop—the popular tag for the fattening side-effect of home confinement is “the coronavirus-15”.

The good news is that the Nielson report showed a surprising increase in fresh fruit and vegetable purchases. Apple sales were up by 19.8 percent, bananas by 16.6 percent, and celery by 2.7 percent. A diet full of fruits and vegetables is good for our health and not just in the well-known ways of reducing the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables immediately increases our immune system’s ability to fight illness, especially in older adults[5]-- who are more likely to experience the worst effects of COVID-19, and has been demonstrated to improve mental health and mood[6]. Therefore, eating apples and celery can improve your health physically and mentally. Formulating daily menus when our schedules have been turned upside down is also good for establishing a semblance of structure and control in our lives and this organization is itself psychologically beneficial[7].

When you’re feeling overwhelmed by the news of the latest coronavirus calamity, by all means, enjoy a pastry, but eat an apple, garbanzo bean, and tuna salad for lunch too and you might be better able to cope with some of the current challenges and those that lie ahead.