“A lot of things have changed since I’ve been in quarantine, like I’ve been eating less. I tend to skip breakfast on most days,” said Jacob Browne, a member of a band within the Cultural Academy For Excellence (CAFE) who has eaten balanced meals for several years.
When COVID restrictions began in March, Jacob’s diet was altered. He started snacking more.
“During the day I eat a lot of snacks, like apples and muffins.” Jacob said. “I eat greens and vegetables mainly with my dinner. It’s not a good idea to eat a lot of junk food, and then just sit around without exercising, especially in adolescence. Instead I moderately eat junk food and then make up for it with exercise, such as playing basketball and lifting weights.”
Jacob isn’t the only person that has been snacking more frequently. Based on study released earlier this year, scientists say that people are snaking more frequently due to anxiety. Many common snacks do not contain much nutrition, and many people become addicted to junk food.
Local youth London Lewis says she constantly worries about having an unhealthy diet. London is another member of CAFE. She said she has always had a healthy diet and she is aware of the consequences of unhealthy eating.
That’s why she tries her best to maintain a healthy diet, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. “When I see something like cookies, a bag of chips, or something of that sort, I have a craving for it, but I always have to stop and tell myself right then and there… it’s not good for me,” London said.
Over the last few months, food bank lines have become long and some people are not able to make it in time before they close. Since a lot of people are in quarantine, they have more access to healthy home-cooked meals. But some kids aren’t so lucky. Some parents have been laid off at their jobs and can’t afford many fresh groceries, which is very unfortunate. Some may turn to simple foods that are sold at neighborhood Corner Stores which most of the foods sold there, do not contain much nutrition. Therefore the children are not provided with many fresh foods.
This potentially leads to obesity, especially since many youth are not active now because places for activity are closed, due to COVID restrictions. Online school requires a lot of sitting in front of electronics for an extended amount of time. Eating unhealthy foods can cause health challenges in the future, such as diabetes.
Like Jacob and London, Hawa Traore said her diet has shifted since she has been at home. Now Hawa eats more of her mother’s home-cooked meals. Also she has the opportunity to prepare meals for herself. “I actually eat more since I’m at home,” she said. “…before COVID started I chose not to eat much of the food school provided me because it was unhealthy.”
“If you want a healthy life, eat right; If you want a long life, eat right.” Jacob says. Eating right is one of the keys for opening up the door to a healthy life.
The Watoto Speak! 