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Comment by jeffreyrogers | Hacker News Reader

Based on my social circle, no. A few people I know used the lockdown as an opportunity to improve their diet, find ways to exercise that don't require access to a gym, etc. but the majority have just gained weight, gotten more online, and generally become less healthy.

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One definite benefit I've noticed is the lack of eating out. When I was commuting to Boston every day, most of my eating was based on convenience or opportunity; I was out of the house for twelve to thirteen hours a day, and taking the time to make a meal just wasn't realistic.

Now that I'm home all day, prepared-at-home meals are not just more realistic, they're (for the most part) the only option.

And this doesn't even require becoming a Michelin Star chef; a bag of chicken and vegetables from Trader Joes is easy, and much healthier than grabbing a Bacon, Egg, and Cheese from Dunkin.

Same here. I've lost 20 lbs – without trying – now that I'm no longer eating from a Boston food truck every day. Bouts of depression played a part no doubt, but the fact that I'm no longer shoveling down a giant bowl of Sa Pa or too-large wrap from Falafel King for lunch has gotta be a big part of it. Prolly saving a ton of money in the process too.

Apropos to the article, the dumbbells and rower I've owned since long before the pandemic are finally getting regular use now, mostly because I'm bored.

Not eating out is a definite plus.

Infrequent trips to the supermarket is also a plus, since that one bag of chips now has to last a week until the next trip. In general, the ratio of junk food to real food purchases has decreased.

I'd double star this, not eating out has also made me healthier, but has but me worlds ahead financially. I feel kind of bad about that given the state of the service economy, but with extra time, I've been able to make healthy breakfasts and lunches each day, and experimenting with a variety of recipes for dinner.

Now that restaurants have opened back up, I've gone out a few times, and half the meals haven't been that satisfying, considering how strong the food game has gotten at home.

BTW, we're pretty lucky in Boston to have so many Trader Joe's around. I can literally eat like a king on $50 to $60/week (I still eat meat and salmon). (Not counting alcohol.)

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