When the nation was locked down to smooth the COVID-19 curve, our eating habits seem to be in disarray.
The National Heart Foundation recently surveyed 500 people. The results show that our eating habits have suffered a blow.
The survey found that more than half of Australians (54%) whose diet changed due to lockdown experienced weight gain and a feeling of sluggishness – they said they felt like they were being let go.
The results of the survey are as follows:
- 63% of respondents indicated that eating habits have changed, and a third of them report that eating lockdown is worse.
- 1 in 5 people say they have consumed larger portions.
- 46% of those who said they changed their diet said they were frustrated or guilty.
"With the pantry and fridge within easy reach, we found that 29% of people ate more to relieve stress and boredom, while 26% ate more dessert and ate almost a quarter more than usual," said the Heart Foundation CEO Group. Adjunct Professor John Kelly.
“Even before the ban, poor nutrition was a major risk factor for heart disease, which unfortunately costs 48 Australians every day. If we show up slowly, it can be difficult to leave some of these unhealthy habits behind. "
The chef with a heart challenge
While it is not bad to enjoy goodies and sometimes food, it is known that bad eating habits can lead to poor health (physical and mental) results in the long run.
To help people regain healthy eating habits, the National Heart Foundation has partnered with Coles to encourage home cooks to develop and share heart-healthy recipes to improve their wellbeing while collecting donations to help people live from heart disease save – Australia's biggest single disease killer.
The National Heart Foundation and Coles developed the Cook with Heart Challenge to encourage people to cook 5 or 10 heart-healthy recipes within 10 days to improve their health while cooking for a good cause.
“Our goal at Coles is to provide the Australians with sustainable food and help them live a healthy and happy life. This is very much focused on the important work of the Heart Foundation.
“As our community continues to follow social distancing practices, sharing food at home or through virtual channels strongly connects people in these uncertain times.
"Now is the perfect opportunity to try new recipes or improve your kitchen skills," said Lisa Ronson, Coles' chief marketing officer.
Professor Kelly adds: “Together with Coles, we want to encourage all Australians to eat well for their hearts.
"It can be as easy as adding a few more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, or lean, healthy protein to your plate."
Are you ready for the Cook with Heart Challenge?
When you're ready for the Cook with Heart Challenge, all you have to do is:
- Challenge yourself to cook five or ten heart-healthy recipes within 10 days and raise money to fight heart disease, Australia's biggest killer.
- You can download 20 simple and delicious heart-healthy recipes by visiting the Cook with Heart website.
- Collect donations for heart disease and Coles generously adjusts the funds raised to a maximum of $ 100,000. Your support is therefore vital.
- Don't forget to share your healthy creations with #cookwithheart, #coles
For more information or to sign up for the challenge, visit: cookwithheart.com.au
