Cooking skills during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

This article aims to present reflections on cooking skills in times of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. The current period of uncertainty and isolation heightens food insecurity issues, influencing food choice, purchase, and preparation. Social media and networks are sources of entertainment and learning, with vast resources for cooking skills, which can stimulate home cooking and strengthen family ties. Research has evidenced the positive relationship between cooking and diet quality, an important factor for groups at increased risk of severe illness from Covid-19. For some individuals, cooking may be a strategy to reduce anxiety and stress associated with the pandemic. However, the Brazilian reality is marked by inequalities in income and access to food. Thus, more vulnerable populations may not have the same relationship with cooking. Public policies should focus on food and nutrition programs and actions for the development of cooking skills as a means to promote healthy eating and encourage self-care.

Cooking habits and food choices of individuals with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus during the pandemic of COVID-19

“…In the present study, the reasons for cooking more during the pandemic were not investigated. However, we must highlight the great inequalities concerning income and access to food in Brazil [29]. During the pandemic, according to Silva Filho and Gomes Júnior [30], social distancing measures directly affected the income of a large part of Brazilians, contributing to an increase in food insecurity.…”

“…They observed that for Brazilians, cooking also contributes to the control of family expenses and livelihood, even food resources and scarce financial resources. Therefore, Uggioni et al [29] affirm that because of social inequalities in Brazil, food preparation can represent an increase in domestic work for some people, while for others, it can help reduce emotional stress, being a form of leisure and relaxation. Note: Residual analysis: (+) Significant association; (-) Negative significant association; *p<0,05; **Chi-square test.…”

“…It is also important to note that, according to Uggioni et al [29], there was an increase in the number of influencers and chefs transmitting cooking classes online due to the need for social distancing. That may contribute to the development of culinary skills, promotion of healthy eating, and exchange of recipes, which reinforce social connections and affective memories involving food [29].…”

“…It is also important to note that, according to Uggioni et al [29], there was an increase in the number of influencers and chefs transmitting cooking classes online due to the need for social distancing. That may contribute to the development of culinary skills, promotion of healthy eating, and exchange of recipes, which reinforce social connections and affective memories involving food [29]. In the study by Byrne et al [23] the authors noted that educational plans that include the development of culinary skills (recipe preparation and meal planning) aimed at people with diabetes can positively impact the treatment of these patients, increasing self-efficacy and improving glycemic control.…”

Availability and access to food in supermarkets before and during the Covid-19 pandemic in a mid-size city

“…Growing levels of stress and depression, along with reduced cooking abilities, may further influence the types and amounts of food obtained. That leads to an expanding preference for ultra-processed foods, which are low-cost and less healthy [10][11][12]. For instance, a recent review Matsuo et al, [13] identified changes in people's eating patterns during the pandemic, such as increasing consumption of high-energy dense foods with high levels of sugar and fat (sweets, sugary drinks, and salty snacks).…”