The relationship between eating behavior and mood throughout Covid-19 was discussed at CIU

The seminar named “The Relationship Between Eating Behavior and Mood Throughout Covid-19”, that was organized by Cyprus International University (CIU) Psychological Counselling and Guidance Center (PCGC), was held.

The event that was moderated by PCGC President Assist. Prof. Dr. Eliz Volkan, CIU Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Academic Staff and Turkish Cypriot Dietetics Association President, Dr. Ayşe Okan, and Expert Clinical Psychologist, Pembe Ardıç, both participated as speakers.

The panel, which was organized online due to the Covid-19 epidemic measures, first discussed how mood disorders and anxiety, which reduces our quality of life, are related to diet, and with which foods we can balance our hormones.

While the importance of diet was emphasized with relation to mood disorders, the necessity for dieticians and psychologists to work together on formulating a multidisciplinary and personal treatment plan, was brought to the agenda.

Additionally, the effects throughout the COVID-19 epidemic, and our habits that changed in connection to it (irregularities in eating times, amount of food consumed, lack of exercise etc.), it was observed that there was an increase in eating disorders, such as emotional eating to start with, that developed due to this process.

The importance of mindful eating, and while eating food, focusing on the food and not being affected by external factors, was brought attention to.