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You don’t need us to remind you that dealing with some elements of life during this global pandemic has been challenging.

Practically everything that we have become used to is no longer an option, in certain parts of the world at least. Gyms have been shut, bars and restaurants severely impacted and global sport has been forced to adapt like never before to continue to keep their doors open amid the loss of revenue from not being able to allow fans into many sporting events.

Regular readers to these pages will have seen suggestions about how to keep on top of your physical health throughout this most testing of times, such as how to maintain a relatively active workout regime while the gyms are shut, or the health benefits of various activities like cycling and cold-water swimming.

One thing, though, which remains entirely under our control is what we choose to put inside our bodies.

A recent survey conducted by Herbalife Nutrition showed that around three in ten Americans have made positive changes to their diet in the months since the pandemic hit — with the impact of the virus credited for people being more forceful in their desire to stick to the positive changes.

Of those surveyed, 47% began adding more plant-based nutrition to their diets, while 54% added more fruit & veg — and 43% made efforts to eat less meat. Furthermore, 32% of respondees said that they have attempted to cut more sugar out of their diets and cut down on sweets.

What is the reason for this? According to many, the pandemic has afforded them more time at home to cook or to meal prep, while others said that being out of office environments cut down the amount of snacks they ate. Others identified this as the tie to make positive changes in their diet.

“There is never a bad time to make a positive change in your lifestyle, especially when those changes lead to lasting healthy results,” said Dr. Kent Bradley, Chief Health and Nutrition Officer, of Herbalife Nutrition said. “During this pandemic it appears more individuals are choosing quality nutrient-dense sources like those found in a plant-based diet.”