Why We Find Comfort In Food
It not only tastes great, but it brings us temporary relief from suffering.
For the Love of Food
When you have had a stressful day at work, do you reach for a bag of chips to comfort yourself, or are you more of a pint of ice cream person? If you have a blowout fight with your significant other, do you find comfort in a big bowl of rich, creamy pasta? When you grieve the loss of a loved one or a pet, do you find yourself craving unusual things? No matter which foods you turn to, there is a scientific reason you find comfort in them.
Foods high in fat, carbohydrates, and sugars trigger dopamine in our brains. The dopamine causes a comforting sensation. This food not only tastes good, but it allows us to feel better temporarily.
Some people like to sit and indulge in their favorite comfort foods alone in their pajamas or comfy sweatpants. Other people prefer to share a meal with family and friends. Offering a meal or a baked good to someone in a time of need is a gift of love.
What About The After Effects of Comfort Eating
Comfort eating can feel good, but it also comes with a price. Studies now show a mechanism in the brain that switches off and does not tell us when we have had enough as we eat these comfort foods in a distressed state. Although it may feel great, overindulging in comfort foods may add to your grief in the long run.
If you eat comfort foods often, gain weight, and, as a result, need a new wardrobe or struggle with your self-esteem, you may start to need new options. Snacking on raw veggies and dip or fresh fruit can still be rewarding.
Final Thoughts
My motto is to do everything in moderation. Eat your chips and pizza tonight, but eat veggies and lighter foods tomorrow. Life is all about balance and awareness. It can be helpful if eating comfort foods relieves your body and mind of an overly stressed state.
Keep in mind movement and time spent in nature can also be very soothing in times of stress or grief. It may help to take a break from Netflix binging and eating and try other options for comfort as well. Honor what your body and mind need.
