Diet And Food Habits Turn Upside Down

Some senior industry veterans recount how covid and lockdown have changed food habits and diet preferences, and also the relationship with the kitchen:

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The covid pandemic has indeed impacted our lives, more so, the aggressive, competing manager-professionals, who leave home early and return late, committing everything for career, often forgetting food and rest. Two things mark the impact - staying at home and having home-cooked food on time. The isolation at home means sudden lifestyle changes, including dietary habits and the outlook towards life as a whole. There are instances of weight loss, quitting smoking, better physical activity, and better health, and importantly a whole new attitude towards homecooked food and cooking per se.

Listen to what the head of data management at the India unit of an MNC bank who wishes to remain anonymous: “There is now more time at hand for me due to no commute - almost 2 hours every day. Fitness is always on top of my mind. There have been ebbs. It is not just about food but also about exercise. I do get time now for the exercises. I had a static bike, but now I have added more exercising tools. There were COVID cases in my condominium, hence no stepping out and that ends up doing a lot of cooking with no help. Being a health freak, this had been an opportunity for me. I have downloaded a book on keto cuisine and I also do Indian items, which include things like paneer pakoda. Fitbit app and Your fit recipe have helped me. My mantra is a healthy cuisine. As for my husband, there have been no major diet changes. We being Punjabis, it is normal to gain weight very quickly.”

She says she now likes to make sandwiches and experiment Italian and Mediterranean cuisine in a calorie friendly manner. “Instead of regular cheese I use cottage cheese or tofu. I have also tried salads. My son, however, likes high calorie food,” she adds.