"Your access to foods might be very different right now. Some stores have been overwhelmed by people panicking and stockpiling, creating temporary shortages. This creates both physical and mental scarcity when we feel like we only have a limited amount of something," O'Malley explained.
When we're talking about our relationship with food, this can change our behaviours, she explained. Just like when we limit our access to certain foods through restriction or a diet, we feel less in control around those foods. The same can happen when we feel restricted by a store not having our favourite brand of item, or if your income is now limited and access to food has changed, O'Malley said. Feeling like you won't be able to get certain foods or have enough might make you binge.
You may also not have access to the fresh fruits and veggies you typically buy, or can't go to the store as often, so you're buying more shelf-stable or processed foods. "This can be an opportunity to challenge some of your food fears and remember that your body needs enough to eat, and it's OK if those foods are different than normal right now," she explained. "Things are different than normal right now."
She added that to work through this time, we may need to create an environment of abundance. This might mean not limiting the groceries you buy, or including foods you typically don't buy such as chips, candy, chocolate, or ice cream. "Allowing yourself to have those foods around in addition to your other groceries can help create a positive food environment," she said.