The comfort food craze: why we crave for certain foods in time of stress

 Food that brings back fond memories or has sentimental value is referred to as comfort food. It frequently represents a person's favourite food from their childhood or parent's home cooking. Comfort foods not only taste good, but they also lessen the impact of stress. "Strong emotional states make us turn to comfort food to feel safe and in control," said Health education department chairperson- Lesley Rennis.

Stress is an inevitable part of life, it can affect us in a variety of ways, including our eating habits. Many of us might have experienced a sudden urge to eat a certain food when we're feeling stressed. The study has it that in times of stress, many of us turn to comfort foods for solace. Taste & nutritional content affect how foods make us feel. People reach for comfort food to "bring happiness" whether it's a bowl of ice cream, a bowl of Mac and cheese, or a box of pizza.

 

 

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There are several reasons why we crave certain foods in times of stress. Here are a few:

●     Comfort: Many of us turn to comfort foods when we're stressed because they provide a sense of familiarity and security. These foods are often associated with positive memories or feelings of comfort from childhood. For example,  I've taken a driving class in the past, and as I waited for my turn to begin my lessons, the instructor told me he was stressed out from instructing the students before me. When I asked him how I could help him reduce his stress, he responded, "I just need a plate of hot amala and ewedu," which caught me off guard because I was expecting him to answer that he needed to take a nap. My point is that "Amala and Ewedu" is his go-to comfort meal, even when he's feeling pressured. Just thinking about the food he was craving calms and makes him happy, which at the time helped to ease his stress.

●     Chemical response: One reason we crave foods during times of stress is that stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that increases our appetite and prompts us to seek our energy foods. Eating certain foods triggers the release of feel-good chemicals in our brains, such as dopamine and serotonin. Our bodies are programmed to these foods because they can create a temporary sense of pleasure or relief from stress and deal with stress in the short term, by providing a surge of energy & making us feel good.

●     Energy & Mood Boost: Stress can deplete our energy levels, and our bodies may crave foods that provide a quick energy boost, such as sugary or high-carb foods. At times when we feel low, these certain foods boost our mood and energy even if it's only temporary. The connection is so powerful that we can even feel an increase in happiness simply in anticipation of the food yet to come.

●     Lack of control: In times of stress, we may feel a lack of control over our circumstances. Turning to food can give us a sense of control over something, even if it's just what we eat.

●     Another reason we may turn to comfort foods is simply that they're easy and convenient. When we're feeling stressed, we may not have the time or energy to prepare a healthy meal from scratch. Comfort foods, on the other hand, are often pre-packaged or require minimal preparation, making them a quick and easy option.

 

However, it's important to note that relying too heavily on comfort foods can have negative consequences for our health and well-being. Many of these foods are high in calories, sugar, and fat, and can contribute to weight gain, high blood pressure, and other health issues if consumed in excess. 

So while it's okay to indulge in comfort foods every once in a while, it's important to make sure we're not relying on them as a coping mechanism for stress and anxiety. Instead, we should strive to develop healthy habits and coping mechanisms, such as exercise, meditation, or talking to a trusted friend or family member. 

In conclusion, the comfort food craze is a real phenomenon that many of us experience during times of stress. While there are legitimate reasons why we crave these foods, it's important to be mindful of how much we're consuming and to develop healthy coping mechanisms that don't rely solely on food.