How Online Nutrition Counseling Can Help You During The COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting closures and restrictions have changed the way people do everything. With all the time spent at home, many people are beginning to struggle with their weight and with eating healthy, but you can't exactly go to the gym or visit a nutritional counselor safely at this time. Thankfully, online nutritional counseling is a great alternative. You don't even have to leave your desk to have a session! Here are some ways in which an online nutritional counselor can help you during this unprecedented time.

1. Preparing healthier meals on a budget.

If you're like many Americans, you are either dealing with a reduced income right now, or you are trying to save in case your income is impacted soon. Healthy food can be expensive, but it does not have to be. Your nutritional counselor can offer suggestions for healthy meals you can prepare at home without breaking the bank. If you're someone who relied on a lot of meal deliveries and takeout in the past, and you're not used to cooking healthy meals yourself, this guidance will really come in handy!

2. Dealing with stress in ways other than eating.

This whole situation has been stressful — for everyone. It can be tempting to drown your sorrows in a bowl of ice cream, but of course that is not healthy. A nutritionist can help you identify when you are stress eating and give you recommendations for better ways to deal with that stress. 

3. Correctly calculating your calorie needs based on your current lifestyle.

Your lifestyle is probably quite different now than it was when you were working outside of the home. As such, your calorie needs are probably different than they were back then. A nutritionist can help you calculate your current calorie needs so you can use this number as a more accurate guide as you plan your meals and snacks.

4. Choosing healthier snacks.

You're probably entertaining yourself more at home with movies, board games, and playing outside. These are all activities that people often pair with snacks. But what snacks are best? A nutritionist can help you decide based on your health goals and any dietary restrictions you might have.

You may not be able to see a nutritionist in person right now, but online nutritional counseling has never been a better idea! After all, healthier people stand a better chance of fighting off or recovering from COVID-19.