New eating habits in the lunch break of Italians

Lifestyles and nutritional choices, the most recent variations

The experience lived during the health emergency from C o v i d 19 has substantially changed the eating habits of Italians, allowing them to rediscover the convivial aspect of food, but also its value as an essential element for leading a healthy life.

According to the data of a survey conducted by Nomisma, not all, however, have improved the way they eat: 10% declare, in fact, that compared to the past, today they eat in a less balanced and unhealthy way, continuing a behavior held during the period characterized by smart working.

Basically, however, the new nutritional values ​​recognized in food during the pandemic have pushed Italians to make food choices that have as their primary objective greater self-care, aimed at regaining balance (47%) and serenity (42%), affected by a precarious situation full of unknowns.

Interesting is the percentage of 40% who say they want to commit themselves to the protection of the environment, much more actively than they did in the pre-pandemic period.

When an uncomfortable experience produces conscious decisions

The topic of food is today addressed with greater attention and with a different attitude: the nutritional aspect remains fundamental, but eating must also be an opportunity for satisfaction, a moment of meeting again and a system for taking care of oneself.

Habits at the table and during lunch away from home have changed: it is important to eat healthily, consuming fewer foods of animal origin, in a vision of environmental protection based on the assumption that limiting the consumption of meat is essential to reduce climate impact.

There is also a very high percentage of consumers (53%) who adopt, even within the Mediterranean diet (always the favorite of Italians), a whole series of varied and different food styles, among which the vegetarian choice and vegan, or the need for high-protein nutrition that supports training in the gym or provides an energy 'booster' during work or study hours.

Traditions and reforms in the new Italian lunch break

After spending many months at home, Italians appreciate the opportunity to have lunch or dinner outside the home at least a couple of times a month.

And if, for study or work reasons, they have to organize a meal at school or in the office, they pay even more attention to the nutritional characteristics of the food they eat, also looking for a good quality / price ratio.

Then there are two - only apparently - opposing trends: the habit of having lunch at home, acquired during the period of remote work, not only maintains a following, but records a growth of 31% compared to 2019; conversely, those who have resumed working face to face in a company with a canteen or restaurant, say they prefer this service but, if it is not available, they prefer to take meals with them, returning to the custom of preparing them in advance.

A modern vision of sustainable nutrition

Varying the foods to be consumed at school or in the office, replicating the new recipes tested during the period spent in lockdown, allows you to make healthy and ecological nutritional choices but, at the same time, satisfying for the palate.

Thus, the habit of transporting dishes, prepared personally in your own kitchen, is back in a practical lunch box, complete with everything you need to have a meal away from home, preferably accompanied by the food warmer included in the lunch box, with timer that can be set at the time chosen for lunch.

More and more often, Italians are choosing to bring tasty but light foods with them, which do not weigh down and allow them to resume business without problems.

Meals are "customized" according to different needs and the advantages offered by this attitude do not only concern individual health, but are reflected in the environment, with a reduced production of waste, perfectly in line with the most current green friendly perspective.