Eating Habits and Diet During Covid19

[casimira]

The grocery that I refer to is not a supermarket. Rather, a neighborhood grocery. There are only 7 or 8 aisles.

[rikita]

for me, the biggest change is that a. does not have school lunch anymore and i don't have work lunch three times a week, so now i cook most days for dinner (before, we often just had sandwiches). some days i just warm a soup though, or get take away (and today we had our first restaurant meal, sat outside at a table in front of the restaurant). when it all started, i was still fasting, so didn't have meat and sweets, but enough other unhealthy things, now also lots of sweets etc. ... but since work meals also were often quite heavy and there were lots of sweets at work, i guess it isn't more than that. and the 16:8 fasting i am also doing is easier to keep at home ... we have more ice cream than usual though and i am more lenient with treats, like a. can have jam on her bread for breakfast, even when it isn't weekend, i make dessert more often for after dinner ... (also a lot more lenient with tv time, so i wonder how i will get her used back to normality at some point - a couple of weeks ago she was very angry when i said just one ice cream scoop today - there used to be a time when even one was only for special occasions) ... ah, and one change is that i started baking bread (from ready-made mixes, adding some things to them), because i only shop once per week now, and the bread never runs out on the right day for that ... and started buying some treats that i suppose we will keep buying occasionally ...

[lagatta]

Casimira, most of the groceries or "superettes" I frequent are about that size. "Supermarché Pa" (the Greek one) is no larger than that. Harder to judge the size of "Milano" (the Italian one, obviously) as it has grown like groceries in Italy, taking over a series of small retail areas. Even my local "Métro" (a chain, that has some very large supermarkets in more suburban areas) is no larger than that. I feel safer in those; in larger stores we are herded like cattle these days. Was so happy that the Vietnamese superette has reopened.

I did go to a larger Métro yesterday, and directions are indicated (as in smaller shops), meaning I had to pass through an entire aisle of chips and other junk food. I managed to not even look at anything - I think I'm not the only person who is strangely attracted by that non-food in these times, but am pleased to have avoided a temptation that is actually more than a bit disgusting.

We finally have some local products such as asparagus and radishes, a few greens. Very late this year.

[casimira]

My new pet peeve is parents who bring their very young children into the grocery and don't wear masks or any kind of protective gear.

Yesterday, a woman came into the grocery with two young children in a double stroller. Their noses were runny and 
they were reaching for items on the shelves that the mother then promptly put back on the shelves.

I understand that parents may not have a choice in having their children accompany them to the store but, for Christs sake, do something with them to prevent them from spreading their germs all over the store!

I was grateful that I was already at the check out counter when all this was going on but, I did mention something to the cashier and she totally agreed and said she was going to talk with the manager about it.

I imagine that this was not an isolated incident and likely occurs on a regular basis in many stores and other public spaces.

[Kimby]

I think the reason for the early morning time slot for elders is to let them in while the store is newly disinfected by workers after the previous day’s shoppers.

[casimira]

The incident that I cited was at 7:15 a.m. One of the many reasons why I try and take advantage of the early morning hours is to avoid congestion and ease of movement.

The problem being is that the grocery does not and is not going to restrict other customers from coming in. Nor should they.

I'm not asking for special privileges. I just want a low risk shopping experience.

[bixaorellana]

May 18, 2020 23:30:16 GMT rikita said:

a lot more lenient with tv time, so i wonder how i will get her used back to normality at some point - a couple of weeks ago she was very angry when i said just one ice cream scoop today - there used to be a time when even one was only for special occasions)

I'm sort of laughing at the idea of little Agnes turning into a monster, but also think your post is most valuable in mirroring what many parents must be going through right now. It has to be especially difficult for single parents, who have no instant adult backup.

May 19, 2020 12:03:41 GMT casimira said:

My new pet peeve is parents who bring their very young children into the grocery and don't wear masks or any kind of protective gear.

Grrrr. This is a long-term gripe of mine. It's so unfair for grocery store personnel, with all their other tasks, to be forced into making irresponsible adults aware of now well-known safety precautions. It's not repressing the child to expect it to conform to these precautions. Some parents make me think that they are using their children as weapons for their own repressed hostilities.

[lagatta]

Yes, I also try to shop early, however a bit later than the 7-8 a.m slot because the buses are full (healthcare workers) then. Now I'll ride my bicycle so no longer a problem.

I have a pretty red cotton mask.

[rikita]

hm, with the kids in the grocery store, i wonder though what the mother could have done - with two of them, if they are young enough to be in a stroller, it is almost impossible to prevent them from touching things and still be able to shop at the same time. i guess, if the aisles are wide enough you can place the stroller so they can't reach things, but at least here, there is often not enough space ... glad that agnes is old enough to usually understand behaviour rules (she spends more attention to distance to other people than i do) and that i manage to often arrange it so i can shop when she visits her dad ...

[tod2]

With less people cruising the aisles and wanting an occasional jaunt to the shops last longer, I have found myself noticing products that in earlier months I would not have stopped to inspect.
The latest one was in the biscuit aisle. I spotted an attractive box with the word SPECULOOS and a photo of fancy oblong biscuits. I did not hesitate before lobbing them into my trolley.
I opened them yesterday morning to have with a tea break and as I was munching away I read where their origin was. Not only were they made in Belgium but are a speciality.

Speculaas or speculoos (Dutch: Speculaas Dutch pronunciation: [speːkyˈlaːs], Belgian-Dutch: speculoos, French: spéculoos French pronunciation: ​[spekylos], German: Spekulatius) is a type of spiced shortcrust biscuit, traditionally baked for consumption on or just before St Nicholas' day in the Netherlands (5 December),

[bjd]

Tod, there is now Speculoos-based Nutella!

When I make the crumbs for a cheesecake, I mix speculoos and ordinary petit beurre cookies to give a bit more taste.

[kerouac2]

Miniature speculoos are often served with coffee in France. That is, if the cafés ever reopen.

[lagatta]

They are also served with coffee at events in the Netherlands. The speculaas (Dutch spelling) are very tasty, the Dutch coffee is meh.

[rikita]

must admit i have never been a big fan of spekulatius, they are alright but there are other biscuits i prefer (especially if there is chocolate on them). always liked the pictures on it, though ...

[mich64]

Brought home quite a collection of those on one of our holidays. Had a good supply for tea snacks for a couple of months.

[casimira]

I was finally able to procure some yeast yesterday at the new neighborhood grocery.

So very many people I know have remarked how they were unable to find any available.

It became almost a mission for me to find some and it was indeed very challenging.

It was only by chance that I found myself in the aisle where the baking ingredients are and, lo and behold there was one lone box with several packets of it displayed.
I snatched up a few being mindful that to buy more would be greedy and leave others without any.

I cant wait to be able to give them to my friend when I see him today.
He doesn't have a car so has limited access to many stores.

For me, the thrill of the hunt was most gratifying and knowing that I can give something to someone who has been so very kind to me in many, many ways.

[kerouac2]

I keep trying to force myself to eat the food that I already have at home, but I am not very successful. Most of my outings are to the food stores simply because there is no other place to go. Once the cafés (2 June for outdoor seating in Paris) and the cinemas (22 June) have reopened, I might do better.

[mich64]

I noticed I put on a few extra pounds (partly COVID related but also other things on my mind) this past month so I am trying the intermitted fasting. Since I only eat two meals a day anyway it was not hard to miss lunch every other day so far.

Grocery shopping for 6 additional people might have aided me in trying some new things as well. It has been interesting to see what others buy! I think I could be a professional grocery shopper now!

[Kimby]

When I notice the scale inching up I switch to a half sandwich at lunch and forego cocktail hour for a few days till it inches back down.

I’ve weighed the same for almost 50 years, but since muscle weighs more than fat, my shape has changed a bit. (Especially post-menopause.)

[mich64]

That is great that you can make those slight adjustments to control your weight Kimby! Most likely the result of a lifetime of a healthy diet and regular exercise.

My biggest problem is my activity level. Before my injury, I was very active and now not being able to do anything besides walk (which I do everyday!). However, I am still limited, no hiking or uneven surfaces, it is difficult to achieve the activity level needed to assist with weight loss.

I currently do not eat any bread products, drink very little alcohol and have the occasional sweet/dessert. My regular daily diet is low carb, unless I am traveling, that is really the only time I do not watch as closely.

[Kimby]

I inherited a great metabolism, and that kept me slender till menopause. I’m not into organized exercise, but do ski and hike in season and walk every few days otherwise. Add in a bike ride now and then.

But some sit-ups and pushups would probably do me lots of good.

[rikita]

since i wasn't home during the weekend, i didn't do my usual big weekend shopping trip, and as we had run out of sparkling water, i went to buy some with agnes today, and ended up buying various other things, too, thinking that will be enough until the weekend, then. except, i again forgot to buy mozzarella, and i promised to make pizza soon, and for agnes, pizza has to have mozzarella ... well, i will see, i guess she can chose whether she wants it without mozzarella or wait another week ...

as for weight, with interval fasting (currently eating breakfast at noon and dinner sometime between seven and eight), i can keep my weight kind of in control, the other option would be to constantly watch how much i am eating. whenever i just eat whenever and whatever i want (like while traveling) i gain weight very quickly. i guess it is a combination of gaining weight easily, and liking to eat, especially unhealthy food ...

[fumobici]

Jun 2, 2020 20:53:52 GMT rikita said:

 except, i again forgot to buy mozzarella, and i promised to make pizza soon, and for agnes, pizza has to have mozzarella ... well, i will see, i guess she can chose whether she wants it without mozzarella or wait another week ...

Is she part Italian?

[Kimby]

Rikita, do you keep “string cheese” (individually wrapped cheese sticks) on hand for Agnes? Many of those are mozzarella.

[rikita]

oh, she often asks me to buy them, but i only do so on special occasions (like travels), because of all the plastic ... i sometimes let her eat a bit of mozzarella pure though ...

[casimira]

I just listened to a report on NPR on there being a shortage of MARMITE in the UK.

(the reason they reported it not being available had to do with there is less beer being brewed and the Brewer's yeast that's used in the brewing process is a major ingredient in the making of marmite.)

Now, I have to say that I have never had occasion to imbibe in this seemingly very regional food. (is it a condiment?)

Over the years I have read testaments from Brits as to their consumption of it.

I seem to recall that it's one of those foodstuffs that people either really, really enjoy and others who absolutely hate it.
Out of curiousity, I would love to hear from our lovely Brit posters if they are pining for one of their favorite food items or could care less.

(As an aside they did interview some folks but, I couldn't understand some of their accents but, judging from the tones of their voices, a couple of them sounded really upset).

[onlyMark]

Don't like Marmite, can't say I hate it, but just don't like it.
As for UK food, there are a couple of things but with living away for so long I don't pine for them but will take the opportunity if it arises to have whatever it is. UK fish and chips, pies, things with pastry, treacle sponge with custard and pickles are always welcome. So are Cheshire, Wendsleydale and Lancashire cheese and Chocolate HobNobs.
I have a staple of mushy peas every couple of weeks but can make them myself easily enough so they are no hardship.

[mickthecactus]

If I had to choose just one food to eat that would be it.

[casimira]

Can you expound on that a little bit Mick?

How is it eaten? How often do you eat it and, what, if anything, do you accompany it with etc.

I want a full report!!

[mickthecactus]

Jun 17, 2020 12:37:46 GMT casimira said:

Can you expound on that a little bit Mick?

How is it eaten? How often do you eat it and, what, if anything, do you accompany it with etc.

I want a full report!!

Every morning on toast and occasionally in the evening. Also cheese and Marmite sandwiches at lunchtime.