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Studies in the U.S. and abroad have shown clear patterns of overeating and disordered eating (poor appetite, skipping meals). In one study nearly a third of people surveyed claimed that their eating habits became unhealthy during the pandemic. One of the main causes cited: pandemic lifestyle disrupting normal routines.
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Your Post-COVID Health Checklist
- Step 1: Weight
- Step 2: Diet
- Step 3: Sleep
- Step 4: Mental Health
- Step 5: Fitness
- Step 6: Medical care
The key question
Am I getting the nutrients I need to be healthy?
Eating too many calories is a problem for just about everyone. But ensuring you're getting enough of the right protein, fiber and plant nutrients is the priority.
Test yourself: The one-week food tally
We know, keeping a food diary is a pain. But for the next seven days, write down in a notebook everything you eat and, as best you can, the primary ingredients. If you cook a pot of chili, for example, jot down the main foods that make up the recipe. (Don't worry about spices or hot sauces.) If you get a drive-through burger and fries, note those as well as add-ons like lettuce, cheese or tomatoes. And be honest: That side of broccoli doesn't matter if it doesn't wind up in your belly.
More on Health
How (and What) You'll Be Eating and Drinking This Year
Whether you want to get healthier or simply tempt your taste buds, here are 2021's food trends to tryWhat Should Your Diet Be Like After 50?
As our bodies change, so do our nutritional needs